[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2016-S2017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO FDA COMMISSIONER DAVID KESSLER

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I welcome this opportunity to pay tribute 
to an outstanding public servant who is leaving office as Commissioner 
of Food and Drugs, Food and Drug Administration, Dr. David Kessler. In 
1991, the Food and Drug Administration was at one of the lowest points 
in its history. The agency was recovering from the generic drug 
scandal. It was not consistently enforcing the law. Patients felt they 
were not receiving the therapies they needed.
  The appointment of David Kessler as commissioner changed all that. He 
launched an extraordinary period of reform and improvement in the 
agency's effectiveness. He began with the obvious--enforcing the law.
  He initiated many other important reforms. He has worked tirelessly 
to provide improved treatments for cancer and AIDS, and to assure that 
life-saving drugs move quickly from the laboratory to the marketplace. 
Because of his leadership, the information supplied with prescription 
and over-the-counter drugs will soon be more user-friendly. He led the 
administration's initiative to reduce teenage smoking.
  He led the way to many other impressive achievements. The United 
States is now as fast or faster than any other country in the world in 
getting new drugs to patients. David Kessler achieved this result 
without sacrificing the FDA's high standards for safety and 
effectiveness.

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  For David Kessler, the first priority was always the public health. 
He used his brilliant intellect, his boundless energy, and his 
unparalleled commitment to serve that great goal. He represents the 
best in public service. It has been a great privilege to work with him, 
and I wish him well in the years ahead.
  I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kempthorne). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, may I ask what the parliamentary status is?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning business recently expired.
  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed for 10 
minutes as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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