[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H11081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. MICHAEL DeBAKEY

  Mr. BOUSTANY. Madam Speaker as a former cardiovascular surgeon, I 
rise to celebrate the contributions of Dr. Michael DeBakey to not only 
the medical community but to humanity. Honoring him with the 
Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute for a modern leader and 
one of medicine's great pioneers.
  The son of Lebanese immigrants, Dr. DeBakey grew up in my district, 
in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He attended medical school at Tulane 
University and served our country during World War II where he 
developed the concept of Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. These M.A.S.H. 
units became famous during the Korean War, but today, modern M.A.S.H. 
units with the latest equipment and some of the best trained medical 
personnel in the world assist our service men and women in some of the 
most dangerous places in the world.
  Following his military service, Dr. DeBakey began his work at Baylor 
University in 1948. There, he forged new surgical techniques, assisted 
with the first artificial heart, and operated on more than 60,000 
patients. His success and contributions extend in each and every 
patient and the lives they lead after encountering Dr. DeBakey.
  His model of determination, innovation, and perseverance serve as 
inspiration to our Nation's best and brightest who enter the medical 
profession to improve the condition of life for their fellow citizens. 
Dr. DeBakey has impacted our world for the better, and he is highly 
deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal. Lake Charles is both 
fortunate and proud to call him a native son.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the Senate bill, S. 474.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the Senate bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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