[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S3318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 101--RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SALK POLIO VACCINE AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN ERADICATING 
                         THE INCIDENCE OF POLIO

  Mr. SANTORUM (for himself and Mr. Specter, and Mr. Lautenberg) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 101

       Whereas the epidemic of polio struck the citizens of the 
     United States in the early 1950s, causing thousands of cases 
     of lingering paralysis and death;
       Whereas the epidemic of polio peaked in 1952, having 
     affected nearly 58,000 people, mainly children and young 
     adults;
       Whereas many of those affected by polio needed the 
     assistance of mechanical ventilators in order to breathe, 
     while others were crippled and dependent upon crutches for 
     mobility;
       Whereas University of Pittsburgh faculty member Dr. Jonas 
     Salk and his team of researchers developed the first vaccine 
     against polio;
       Whereas, in April 1955, the results of an unprecedented and 
     successful nationwide clinical trial of the polio vaccine 
     were announced;
       Whereas the Salk polio vaccine was approved for widespread 
     public use at that time; and
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the pioneering achievement of Dr. Jonas Salk 
     and his team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh 
     in the development of the Salk polio vaccine;
       (2) expresses its appreciation to--
       (A) the family of Dr. Salk for the elimination of polio, a 
     disease that caused countless deaths and disabling 
     consequences;
       (B) the members of Dr. Salk's research team; and
       (C) the individuals who generously agreed to participate in 
     clinical trials to validate the efficacy of the polio 
     vaccine; and
       (3) celebrates with the University of Pittsburgh on the 
     50th anniversary of the approval and use of the Salk polio 
     vaccine.

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