[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. DAVID KESSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
accomplishments of Dr. David Kessler.
  Dr. Kessler is known to many of us through his service as 
Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. By almost every 
account, he transformed that once moribund agency into a dynamo of 
public health leadership and policy development. Quite simply, Dr. 
Kessler redefined the role of FDA Commissioner, setting a standard that 
his successors will surely admire and strive to attain.
  Dr. Kessler's courageous efforts to identify the dangers of smoking 
and to encourage a broad public dialog on tobacco usage may prove to be 
his most lasting legacy. His authoritative presentation of medical fact 
and resolute defiance of those who would deny the grave effects of 
tobacco smoke made him a familiar figure to millions of Americans. And 
his efforts, in particular, to protect children from tobacco smoke, may 
potentially save thousands of lives. Smoking remains an urgent public 
health challenge, but Dr. Kessler's work undoubtedly established a 
strong foundation on which future efforts to curb smoking can be built.
  Of course, Dr. Kessler's accomplishments do not end with tobacco. 
Under this leadership, the FDA streamlined the approval process for 
life-saving and life-improving drugs. He helped make possible a 
revolution in the treatment of HIV and other illnesses. And he boosted 
the morale and professionalism of an organization too long adrift.
  Since leaving the FDA, Dr. Kessler has continued his distinguished 
career at Yale, where he serves as the dean of the school of medicine.
  Mr. Speaker, on November 19, Dr. Kessler is to be honored by the 
League of Women Voters of New York State with the prestigious Carrier 
Chapman Catt Award. I am very pleased to join the league and so many 
other grateful citizens from my district and State in saluting Dr. 
Kessler and in recognizing his profound contribution to our Nation's 
health and future.

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