[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 99 (Friday, June 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1282-E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO DR. ARTHUR S. FLEMMING, FORMER SECRETARY OF HEALTH, 
                         EDUCATION AND WELFARE

                                 ______


                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 16, 1995

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Arthur S. 
Flemming, former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, as well as 
former Commissioner on Aging, on the occasion of his receiving an award 
of distinction from the Joint Public Affairs Committee for Older Adults 
[JPAC], a social action coalition of older adult representatives from 
over 120 senior centers and community groups throughout metropolitan 
New York.
  Arthur Flemming served as Secretary of the Department of Health, 
Education and Welfare in the late 1950's. His critical role in the 
adoption of the Medicare Program began in the early 1960's, with his 
chairmanship of a special commission that offered proposals for a 
national program to meet the health needs of older Americans.
  The 1971 White House Conference on Aging, with Arthur Flemming as its 
chairman, adopted significant recommendations later adopted into law, 
including the establishment of the Supplemental Security Income Program 
[SSI], support to build housing specifically designed for the elderly, 
and nursing home reform. He served as Commissioner on Aging from 1973 
until 1978. Arthur Flemming's commitment to public service included his 
role as chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
  In the 1980's Arthur Flemming again showed his extraordinary 
leadership as cochairman of Save Our Social Security [SOS], a coalition 
of 120 national groups devoted to stave off threatened cuts in Medicare 
and Social Security. He continues to be a forceful voice in efforts to 
achieve a program of affordable and accessible health care for all 
Americans.
  Generations to come will remember Arthur S. Flemming as someone who 
has always spoken out with courage, has translated his values into 
action. In so doing he has made a 

[[Page E1283]]
difference in the lives of millions of people across this country. His 
energy and ideas continue to inspire many to join in the quest for a 
more just society. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join with me in paying tribute to Arthur S. 
Flemming.

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