[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING ADVANCES IN THE MICROBIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the extraordinary 
scientific contribution advances in Microbiological Sciences have made 
to the United States over the past century. These advances have 
improved the nation's health, economy and environment for all 
Americans. I'm recognizing these contributions on the eve of the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of the American Society for Microbiology, 
the oldest and largest single life science organization in the world.
  Some of the greatest scientific achievements of humankind have come 
from microbiologists like Harold E. Varmus, J. Michael Bishop, Jonas 
Salk, Rosalyn Yalow, David Baltimore, Daniel Nathans, Hamilton Smith, 
Arthur Kornberg, James Watson, Baruj Benacerraf, Paul Berg, Selman 
Waksman, Joshua Lederberg, and many others. In fact, two thirds of all 
Nobel Prizes awarded in the past decade in Physiology or Medicine have 
been awarded in the microbiological sciences.
  All life on earth is inextricably intertwined with microorganisms; 
without microorganisms all other life forms would cease to exist. Our 
own knowledge of fundamental life processes has been substantially 
advanced through the study and research of microorganisms.
  Microbiological research contributes not only to the treatment, 
prevention and cure of infectious diseases--the leading cause of death 
worldwide--but also to treatments and cures for emerging diseases of 
humans, plants and animals that pose an increasing threat to public 
health. Microbiological research also has led to developments in 
monitoring and improving the safety of our food supply, maintaining the 
quality of health care delivery, defending against biological weapons, 
and to the application and development of alternative methods of energy 
production and waste recycling, biotechnology, bioremediation of 
environmental problems, and even new sources of food. In addition, 
microbiological research has led to the development of new antibiotics 
and vaccines for diseases that have saved millions of lives and 
billions of dollars.
  In addition to the importance of these scientific applications of 
Microbiology, the economic impact of a wide range of United States 
employers who rely on the microbiological sciences can not be 
underestimated. These employers include medical centers and clinical 
laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, food 
products manufacturers, colleges and universities, government 
laboratories, and national, state and local agencies have made the 
United States a world leader in biomedical research and development, 
and generates a positive balance of trade for our country.
  Microbiological research creates high-skill jobs, helps retain U.S. 
leadership in biomedical research, protects the environment, and 
provides great hope for effectively treating, curing and preventing 
disease.
  In conclusion, I wish to commend the Microbiological Sciences and in 
particular the American Society for Microbiology for their contribution 
to science and public health and congratulate the Society on an 
enormously successful century of public service.

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