[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 48 (Wednesday, April 20, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H2171-H2174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AND DR. JONAS SALK ON THE 
    FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE SALK POLIO VACCINE

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 208) recognizing the University of Pittsburgh and 
Dr. Jonas Salk on the fiftieth anniversary of the milestone discovery 
of the Salk polio vaccine, which has virtually eliminated the disease 
and its harmful effects, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 208

       Whereas Dr. William S. McEllroy, Dean of the University of 
     Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in 1947 recruited Dr. Jonas 
     Salk to develop a virus research program at the University of 
     Pittsburgh;
       Whereas Dr. Salk, the first member of his family to attend 
     college, had prior to moving to the University of Pittsburgh 
     served in an appointment at the University of Michigan for 
     5\1/2\ years, and during this period at the University of 
     Michigan, which was during World War II, Dr. Salk became 
     known for his expertise on the immunology of influenza and 
     developed the vaccine that continues to be used against 
     influenza;
       Whereas Dr. Salk set up a research laboratory in The 
     Municipal Hospital for Contagious Diseases, now Salk Hall at 
     the University of Pittsburgh;
       Whereas the epidemic of polio peaked in 1952, having 
     affected nearly 58,000 people, mainly children and young 
     adults;
       Whereas many of those affected were confined to mechanical 
     ventilators known as iron lungs to breathe while many others 
     were crippled and needed 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, at the University of Michigan's 
     Rachkam Auditorium, Dr. Francis announced the results of the 
     most comprehensive field trial ever conducted in the history 
     of public health, involving 1,830,000 children in 217 areas 
     of the United States, Canada, and Finland, indicating the 
     vaccine was safe and effective;
       Whereas the Salk polio vaccine was approved for widespread 
     public use and the incidence of polio in the United States 
     fell by 85-90 percent during the first 3 years of widespread 
     use of Salk's polio vaccine (1955-1957);
       Whereas the Salk polio vaccine developed at the University 
     of Pittsburgh is considered one of the most significant 
     medical achievements of the twentieth century;
       Whereas the international immunization of children and 
     young adults at that time resulted in the worldwide 
     eradication of polio by 1962 and since that time has 
     prevented any significant re-emergence of the disease;
       Whereas in 1963 Dr. Salk founded the Jonas Salk Institute 
     for Biological Studies, an innovative center for medical and 
     scientific research; and
       Whereas Dr. Salk's last years were spent searching for a 
     vaccine against AIDS: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

[[Page H2172]]

       (1) recognizes the University of Pittsburgh and the 
     University of Michigan on the fiftieth anniversary of the 
     discovery and the declaration that the Salk polio vaccine was 
     potent, virtually eliminating the disease and its harmful 
     effects;
       (2) 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;
       (3) recognizes the unprecedented scope and magnitude of the 
     field trials conducted by Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., and his 
     team of more than 100 statisticians and epidemiologists at 
     the University of Michigan; and
       (4) states its appreciation to--
       (A) the University of Pittsburgh for the elimination of a 
     disease that caused countless deaths and disabling 
     consequences;
       (B) the members of Dr. Salk's research team;
       (C) the individuals, a majority of whom were residents of 
     Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who generously agreed to 
     participate in clinical trials to validate the efficacy of 
     the polio vaccine;
       (D) the family members of Dr. Salk for their participation 
     in medical history;
       (E) the University of Michigan for its efforts in proving 
     the Salk polio vaccine was safe and effective; and
       (F) the members of Dr. Francis' team of statisticians and 
     epidemiologists.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Doyle) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy).


                             General Leave

  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution currently under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on a resolution that I have introduced 
with my colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Doyle), and the 
honorable ranking member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce 
Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), to recognize the 
50th anniversary of the discovery of the Salk polio vaccine and the 
efforts of the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Salk, the University of 
Michigan, Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., which has virtually eliminated the 
disease and its devastating effects.
  Polio is a disease that can attack the motor nerves and the spinal 
cord leaving one paralyzed. In the most severe cases, the muscle of the 
respiratory system and throat are affected, impairing speech, 
swallowing and breathing which can lead to paralysis or even death.
  While polio is still present in varying degrees in at least six 
countries, the discovery of the Salk polio vaccine was a monumental 
achievement in reducing the effects of the disease and preventing any 
significant reemergence of the disease in the Western Hemisphere.
  Prior to moving to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Jonas Salk, who 
was the first member of his family to attend college, served in an 
appointment at the University of Michigan for 5\1/2\ years during World 
War II, where he became known for his expertise on the immunology of 
influenza.
  In 1947, Dr. William McEllroy, dean of the University of Pittsburgh 
School of Medicine at the time, recruited Dr. Salk to develop a virus 
research program at the University of Pittsburgh where Dr. Salk set up 
a research laboratory in a municipal hospital for contagious diseases, 
now Salk Hall at the University of Pittsburgh.
  In 1952, a marked increase in polio saw tens of thousands confined to 
iron lungs unable to breathe. Others were confined to wheelchairs and 
could only walk with the assistance of steel braces and crutches. Along 
with the spreading disease each summer, there was an increasing 
spreading fear in many parents and also within communities to close 
down theatres, public swimming pools, and other public places in hopes 
of reducing this disease.
  During this time, Dr. Salk's research continued. And in 1953 human 
trials of the developing Salk polio vaccine were extended to include 
almost 500 children and adults, the majority of whom were residents of 
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
  It was not until 1955 that Dr. Salk and his researchers discovered 
the actual polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. That same 
year at the University of Michigan's Rachkam Auditorium, Dr. Salk's 
mentor, Dr. Francis, announced the results of the most comprehensive 
field trial ever conducted in the history of public health, involving 
1,830,000 children in 217 areas of the United States, Canada and 
Finland, indicating the vaccine was safe and effective.
  As a result of Dr. Salk's innovative vaccine, the incidence of polio 
in the United States fell by 85 to 90 percent during the first 3 years 
of vaccination use. Some 450 million dosages were administered 
worldwide. And the effectiveness of this vaccine is responsible for not 
only international immunization but also for the suppression of polio 
in most of the world, even by 1962.
  Dr. Salk's team brought under control an escalating health problem 
and a dreaded virus, which is why the Salk polio vaccine is considered 
one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century, 
and has effectively safeguarded the world from the menacing virus for 
50 years.
  The March of Dimes has raised millions of dollars for research of 
polio. In addition, Rotary International initially pledged 125 million 
back in 1985 to fund the Polio Plus program to immunize the world. But 
the money the Rotary has contributed so far exceeds 600 million.
  These models of public-private partnership to eradicate polio 
worldwide, Polio Plus and the March of Dimes, have delivered vaccine 
across the globe on camel, helicopter, and motor bike.
  Arguably, the Salk polio vaccine and the public-private efforts in 
the eradication of polio rank among the greatest public health 
achievements in the history of humankind.
  As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, I am particularly pleased that 
I remain an adjutant associate professor at the University of 
Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh School 
of Public Health. I am particularly proud of the role my alma mater has 
played in this great public health achievement, and we in Congress join 
in this celebration.
  I would also like to express my high esteem and appreciation to the 
chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Barton); and the ranking member, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Dingell), for agreeing to consider this important 
resolution to recognize Dr. Salk, Dr. Francis, the University of 
Pittsburgh, the University of Michigan on the 50th anniversary of the 
discovery of the Salk polio vaccine.
  In addition, I would like to thank my colleagues for their support in 
helping to bring this resolution to the House floor to recognize this 
medical breakthrough that has protected, prevented, and saved countless 
numbers of lives from the ravages of polio.
  I encourage my colleagues to adopt the resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of 
researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of 
Michigan to develop the first vaccine against polio.
  Before I do that, though, I do want to thank my colleague and good 
friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy), for introducing 
this resolution and for managing the time on his side, as well as to 
thank our chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), and the 
ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), for their 
support in this effort.
  A devastating polio epidemic struck the United States in the early 
1950s, causing thousands of cases of lingering paralysis and death.

                              {time}  1230

  By 1952 the epidemic had affected nearly 58,000 people, mainly 
children and young adults. Many of those affected were combined to 
mechanical ventilators known as iron lungs, while others were crippled 
and needed crutches to get around.
  Dr. Jonas Salk, Dr. Julius Youngner, and a team of dedicated 
researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine worked 
diligently for years to

[[Page H2173]]

find a vaccine against this terrible disease, despite the belief by 
many of their colleagues that vaccination would never prevent polio. 
Nevertheless, thousands of Pittsburgh schoolchildren offered up their 
arms to be injected with the experimental vaccine providing enough 
evidence of its effectiveness to launch a large-scale trial of 1.8 
million children.
  On April 12, 1955, at a convocation held at the University of 
Michigan, Dr. Thomas Francis, Jonas Salk's former mentor, announced 
that the massive field trial of the Salk vaccine, which he had 
overseen, had been successful. The announcement that the vaccine was 
safe, effective and potent cleared the way for widespread use of the 
vaccine and made Dr. Salk one of the Nation's most revered figures. 
Subsequent inoculations of children and young adults virtually 
eradicated polio from the United States by 1962.
  In light of this momentous achievement it is appropriate that the 
House recognize the many individuals who were involved in the effort, 
including those who generously agreed to participate in the clinical 
trials that validated the efficacy of this vaccine.
  The importance of the pioneering work of Dr. Jonas Salk and his team 
of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh cannot be overstated. 
Their work saved countless lives and had a monumental impact on the 
quality of life around the globe. Consequently, I want to take the 
opportunity of this anniversary to recognize the University of 
Pittsburgh for its vital contribution to eliminating this devastating 
threat to public health; and I want to commend Dr. Youngner, now 
professor emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh, for his hard work 
and dedication those many years ago.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.
  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Murphy resolution. 
I would like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Murphy and Doyle, 
for offering this resolution today, commemorating the development and 
the field trials of the Salk polio vaccine 50 years ago.
  Fifty years ago, Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr. announced from the 
University of Michigan's Rackham Auditorium words that people around 
the globe were waiting to hear: the Salk polio vaccine works. With 
those simple words, eradication efforts began in earnest to rid the 
world of this terrible disease.
  Mr. Speaker, in the early 1950s, Dr. Jonas Salk, a postdoctoral 
student of Dr. Francis' at the University of Michigan, developed a 
promising vaccine against poliomyelitis in his laboratory at the 
University of Pittsburgh. In what has been called the largest 
cooperative effort undertaken in peacetime, the Salk vaccine was tested 
in the most comprehensive field trials ever conducted. Overseeing those 
trials was Dr. Francis, Director of the Poliomyelitis Vaccine 
Evaluation Center and founding chair of the Department of Epidemiology 
at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
  Mr. Speaker, the polio field trials were unprecedented in scope and 
magnitude. Dr. Francis and his team of more than 100 statisticians and 
epidemiologists tabulated data received from hundreds of public health 
officials and doctors who participated in the study. The trials 
involved. 1,830,000 children in 217 areas of the United States, Canada 
and Finland. No field trial of this scale has been conducted since.
  This historic event is a source of pride for the University of 
Michigan and the state of Michigan as a whole. Since that day 50 years 
ago, polio has been nearly eradicated. In August 2002, there were no 
confirmed cases reported in the United States, and only 483 confirmed 
cases of acute poliomyelitis reported to authorities worldwide.
  I would like to thank Representatives Murphy and Doyle for their work 
on this resolution and congratulate the University of Michigan and the 
University of Pittsburgh on the 50th anniversary of the Salk polio 
vaccine.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on a resolution that I have 
introduced with my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Michael 
Doyle, and the Honorable Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy and 
Commerce Committee, Congressman John Dingell of Michigan, to recognize 
the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Salk polio vaccine and the 
efforts of the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Jonas Salk, the University 
of Michigan, and Dr. Thomas Francis, Jr., which has virtually 
eliminated the disease and its devastating effects.
  Polio is a disease that can attack the motor nerves in the spinal 
cord, leaving one paralyzed. In the most severe cases, the muscles of 
the respiratory system and throat are affected, impairing speech, 
swallowing and breathing, which can lead to paralysis or even death. 
While polio is still present in varying degrees, the discovery of the 
Salk polio vaccine was a monumental achievement in reducing the effects 
of the disease and preventing any significant reemergence of the 
disease in the western hemisphere.
  Prior to moving to the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Jonas Salk, who 
was the first member of his family to attend college, served in an 
appointment at the University of Michigan for 5\1/2\ years during World 
War II, where he became known for his expertise on the immunology of 
influenza.
  In 1947, Dr. William S. McEllroy, Dean of the University of 
Pittsburgh School of Medicine, recruited Dr. Salk to develop a virus 
research program at the University of Pittsburgh where Dr. Salk set up 
a research laboratory in the Municipal Hospital for Contagious 
Diseases, now Salk Hall at the University of Pittsburgh.
  Others were confined to wheelchairs or could only walk with the 
assistance of steel braces and crutches. Along with the disease fear 
spread in many parents which led communities to close down theaters, 
public swimming pools and other public places. In 1952, a marked 
increase in polio saw tens of thousands confined to iron lungs to be 
able to breathe.
  During this time, Dr. Salk's research continued. In 1953, human 
trials of the developing Salk polio vaccine were extended to include 
almost 500 children and adults, the majority of whom were residents of 
Allegheny County, PA.
  It was not until 1955 that Dr. Salk and his researchers discovered 
the actual polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. That same 
year, at the University of Michigan's Rachkam Auditorium, Dr. Salk's 
mentor, Dr. Francis, announced the results of the most comprehensive 
field trial ever conducted in the history of public health, involving 
1,830,000 children in 217 areas of the United States, Canada, and 
Finland, indicating the vaccine was safe and effective.
  As a result of Dr. Salk's innovative vaccine, the incidence of polio 
in the United States fell by 85-90 percent during the first 3 years of 
vaccination use. Some 450 million doses were administered worldwide.
  The effectiveness of this vaccine is responsible for not only 
international immunization, but also for the suppression of polio in 
most of the world in 1962. Dr. Salk's team brought under control an 
escalating health problem and a dreaded virus, which is why the Salk 
polio vaccine is considered one of the most significant medical 
achievements of the twentieth century and has effectively safeguarded 
the world from the menacing virus for 50 years.
  The March of Dimes raised millions for research and treatment of 
Polio. In addition, Rotary International pledged $120 million in 1985 
to fund the Polio Plus program to immunize the world. The money the 
Rotary has contributed so far exceeds $600 million. A model of public-
private partnership to eradicate polio worldwide, Polio Plus delivered 
vaccine across the globe on camel, by helicopter and motorbike.
  Arguably, the Salk Polio vaccine and the public-private efforts to 
eradicate polio are among the greatest public health achievements in 
the history of the world. I am particularly proud of the role my alma 
mater has played in this great public health achievement and we in 
Congress join in this celebration.
  I would also like to express my high esteem and appreciation to the 
Chairman of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, the gentleman 
from Texas Mr. Joe Barton (R-TX) and the Ranking Member, the gentlemen 
from Michigan Mr. John Dingell (D-MI), for agreeing to consider this 
important resolution to recognize Dr. Salk, Dr. Francis, the University 
of Pittsburgh and the University of Michigan on the fiftieth 
anniversary of the discovery of the Salk polio vaccine.
  In addition, I would also like to thank my colleagues for their 
support in helping to bring this resolution to the House floor to 
recognize this medical breakthrough that has protected, prevented and 
saved countless numbers of lives from the ravages of polio.
  I encourage my colleagues to adopt the resolution, and Mr. Speaker, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to express strong support 
for the resolution before the House today. I thank Representative 
Murphy for introducing this bill.
  Immunizations have been the most successful medical intervention in 
terms of saving lives and sparing mankind from life-long disabilities 
resulting from infectious disease.
  Fifty years ago we began using the Salk polio vaccine discovered by 
Dr. Jonas Salk. In 1957, three years after the first widespread use of 
Dr. Salk's vaccine in the United States, polio in the U.S. fell by 85-
90 percent. Polio, which annually ravaged communities across this 
nation and the world, causing death and permanent disability, has been 
virtually absent in the United States for quite some time now.

[[Page H2174]]

  Polio and its harmful effects have been virtually eliminated in 
nation after nation. Presently, there are less than a handful of 
nations that are plagued by polio in largely isolated communities. We 
are on the brink of elimination of this scourge.
  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 208, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________