[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1245-E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO CRAIG C. MELLO, PHD, 2006 NOBEL LAUREATE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR 
                                MEDICINE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2007

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, as the House prepares today to vote on 
final passage of S.5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, I am 
again reminded of the extraordinary contributions one of my 
constituents has made to the life sciences. Dr. Craig C. Mello of 
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts won the 2006 Nobel Prize in the field of 
Physiology or Medicine for his revolutionary discovery of RNA 
interference and the gene silencing process. Earlier this year, the 
University of Massachusetts Medical School honored its most famous 
faculty member with a tribute that I was regretfully unable to attend. 
However, on May 2 I had the distinct privilege of introducing Dr. Mello 
at a luncheon for all of the 2006 Nobel Laureates hosted by my 
colleagues and the Science Coalition here in the Capitol.
  It seems only fitting on this historic day in the United States House 
of Representatives that I humbly submit for the Record my introduction 
of Dr. Mello at that recent program. I do this not only to highlight 
his achievement but to also to emphasize the fact that this vitally 
important research is being led by America's most brilliant, thoughtful 
and committed scientists who are dedicated to improving the lives of 
all people everywhere.

  Congressman James P. McGovern--Introduction of Craig C. Mello, PhD.

       Good afternoon. I want to begin by thanking all of my 
     colleagues who are here today and, in particular, Chairman 
     Bart Gordon and Congressman McNerney for their work in 
     organizing this Nobel Laureate Luncheon as well as the House 
     Resolution honoring our distinguished guests. I also want to 
     thank the Science Coalition for their assistance in 
     coordinating this program and all of the activities our Nobel 
     Laureates are participating in today.
       You know, if you work in this building long enough you come 
     in contact with some very impressive people; world leaders, 
     movie actors, artists, authors and every kind of celebrity.
       Well, I've now worked in this building for more than half 
     my life--fourteen years as an aide to the late Congressman 
     Joe Moakley and ten years as a member of Congress myself--and 
     I'm here to tell you that few people have impressed me more 
     than Dr. Craig Mello. That's not just because he is my 
     constituent and works at the finest medical school--public or 
     private--in the world, the University of Massachusetts 
     Medical School in my hometown of Worcester. It is also not 
     just because Craig Mello and I have so much in common. We are 
     both tall with full heads-of-hair as you can tell. 
     Notwithstanding these  similarities, I am--in all 
     seriousness--very proud to be here today to introduce and 
     congratulate Dr. Mello for far less obvious but much more 
     important reasons.
       He and his colleague, Dr. Andrew Fire, have blown open a 
     whole new field of biomedical research with their 
     revolutionary discovery of RNA interference and the gene 
     silencing process. Together, they have brought renewed hope 
     to millions of people who are suffering from countless 
     debilitating diseases and genetic disorders. The potential 
     for new therapies for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes 
     among several other diseases has never been greater as a 
     result of their extraordinary achievement.
       In fact, their research may one day even have the added 
     benefit of helping one of Dr. Mello's own children who is 
     diabetic. I can't even imagine how gratifying that must be 
     for Dr. Mello and it is surely a source of pride that extends 
     even beyond the prestige of winning a Nobel Prize. It is also 
     a poignant reminder for all us in public service about how 
     deeply personal and incredibly important it is for this 
     research to continue.
       You know, I'm not aware of any other Nobel Laureates in my 
     congressional district but that's not to say it hasn't been 
     home to other distinguished figures in our nation's history. 
     Horace Mann, widely regarded as the father of the American 
     education system, served first in the Massachusetts 
     Legislature and later as a member of this House, was born in 
     Franklin, Massachusetts--in my congressional district.
       After serving in Congress, Horace Mann ended his career as 
     President of Antioch College and in his final valedictory 
     address to the graduating class of 1859, he said this:
       ``Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for 
     Humanity.''
       Well, Dr. Mello, there is no doubt that you have scored a 
     triumphant victory for all of Humanity. I am both humbled and 
     inspired by what you have accomplished. And, I am also deeply 
     grateful for all that you've done since winning the Nobel 
     Prize to support funding for public education in Shrewsbury, 
     Massachusetts and elsewhere. Your generosity and commitment 
     to that cause is even further evidence that you are deserving 
     of the accolades you have rightly received.
       It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce Dr. Craig 
     Mello, the winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or 
     Medicine and to present him with this resolution.

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