Dental Emergency Responder Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) for yielding. I thank Dr. Burgess for his courtesies and also Mr. Towns for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 570 because, in having come from the gulf coast and in having gone through Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike just in a few short years, I have seen the devastation of communities and know that a holistic approach to health care is vital. We have a vibrant dental community in Houston, Texas. In particular, I want to note that Senior Dr. Zeb Poindexter has served on the American Dental Board and is an enthusiastic supporter of accessing dental care services to the poor.

When there is a hurricane or a natural disaster of some form, everybody falls into the same boat. After the devastation, again, of a tornado--or of a hurricane and of the tragic incident that occurred this past weekend in Louisiana, individuals are facing many needs, so having medical professionals assist them or even to provide them specific dental care after the devastation, having the dental community be a part of this disaster response team, is an excellent idea.

I join my colleagues in recognizing the importance of access to dental care for those individuals facing disaster and also the importance of increasing the opportunity for poor Americans who likewise need access to dental care.

Dental care can impact one's health. We have seen that in the past, and we have seen that with children. So I believe this legislation is in the right direction, and I add my support to it. I know that the gulf region will appreciate the fact that the dental personneland professionals are added to our disaster relief efforts and our first responders who will respond to any disaster.

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