[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 33 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        A TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIAL CONVENTION

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 28, 2008

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
the United States Pharmacopeial Convention on the inauguration of its 
expanded headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Since 1820, the U.S. 
Pharmacopeial Convention has established standards for drugs, both 
manufactured and compounded, and more recently for foods, including 
dietary supplements and food ingredients. These standards are developed 
by hundreds of volunteer experts from all over the Nation and the 
world.
  The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention plays a vital role in our Nation's 
efforts to promote public standards and help ensure the integrity of 
our Nation's food and drug supply. The organization's standards are 
widely recognized in the United States and around the world because 
they are authoritative, science-based, and developed through a 
transparent and credible process with established integrity. For this 
the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention's work is recognized truly as the 
``standard of quality''.
  Since the 19th century, Congress has continually enacted laws that 
bring United States consumers the best, the most beneficial and the 
safest food and drugs in the world. These laws tie the Food and Drug 
Administration and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention together 
as premier public health bodies. They support the enterprising spirit 
of our Nation's citizens who have brought forth an abundance of life-
saving drugs.
  Recent incidents at home and abroad demonstrate the continued 
importance of protecting the public and ensuring our drugs and food are 
safe. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention deserves our thanks for its 
efforts to protect the health of our families. From the medicines that 
heal our Nation's people to the food that nourishes us, the 
organization is working to ensure our safety.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the U.S. 
Pharmacopeial Convention and recognize it for its commitment to public 
health. It is with great pride that I congratulate the U.S. 
Pharmacopeial Convention for its work over 188 years and encourage its 
volunteers in continuing their exemplary standards-setting activities 
in the years to come.

                          ____________________