Kansas

Congressman Jerry Moran recently announced his success in restoring funding for rural health care to the annual budget for the Department of Health and Human Services. This funding will be directed to medical research, training and education in rural areas, as well as support for rural health care facilities.

"Community Health Centers, rural health clinics and small rural hospitals are the backbone of the health care infrastructure across Kansas," Moran said. "Without federal funding in these rural areas, our ability to recruit, train and retain health professionals would be significantly reduced. Rural health professionals would also be less able to serve the most vulnerable segments of the population."

Moran was one of a handful of Republican members who voted against an earlier version of this legislation, insisting that rural health care needs could not be ignored.

"It is a challenge trying to make Washington politicians understand the struggles of rural America, but this is a positive step," Moran said. "I am pleased my rural health care concerns were heard and addressed by House leaders."