[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING DONNA SHALALA--RECIPIENT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF 
                                FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2008

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
pride that I rise today in honor of a great public servant, Dr. Donna 
Shalala. On June 19, 2008, Dr. Shalala received the Presidential Medal 
of Honor, the Nation's highest award given to civilians for exemplary 
accomplishments that have benefitted the American public.
  Dr. Shalala currently serves as the president of the University of 
Miami, where she works tirelessly making UM a leading, world-class 
institution. South Florida and the Nation truly benefit from the 
cutting-edge research now being conducted at the University of Miami.
  Prior to taking that position, she served as Secretary of the 
Department of Health and Human Services, where she was considered one 
of the most successful Government administrators of modern times. She 
managed programs, including Social Security, Medicare, the National 
Institute of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.
  In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed her along with Senator 
Bob Dole as a co-chair of the Commission on Care for the Returning 
Wounded Warriors. They evaluated and made recommendations on how 
wounded service members can transition from active duty to civilian 
society while receiving the healthcare they deserve.
  In addition to her various roles in education and Government, Dr. 
Shalala was also one of the first Peace Corps volunteers, where she 
served in Iran from 1962 to 1964.
  Her resume of accolades and accomplishments is commendable. I wish 
her continued success and thank her for her many contributions to our 
great Nation. It is a great honor to call her my friend.

                          ____________________