[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO DR. RENATE REIMSCHUESSEL

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                     HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2008

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor 
Dr. Renate Reimschuessel, recently nominated for the 2008 Service to 
America Homeland Security Medal. By honoring excellence in the Federal 
workforce, the Service to America Medal sends a compelling message to 
the American people about the importance of a strong civil service and 
inspires a new generation of Americans to public service.
  The Homeland Security Medal recognizes a federal employee for a 
significant contribution to the nation in activities related to 
homeland security. Dr. Reimschuessel has been nominated for her 
scientific breakthrough that identified the cause of the largest pet 
food recall in history and is currently conducting critical research to 
guarantee the safety of imported foods.
  In 2007, the FDA issued the largest pet food recall in history due to 
the significant number of pet fatalities. As a research biologist for 
the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine in 
Maryland, Dr. Reimschuessel was asked by the FDA to help investigate 
the cause of the hundreds of pet deaths and illnesses. Just weeks after 
she began her investigation, Dr. Reimschuessel discovered exactly why 
so many animals were getting sick, a discovery that is improving the 
safety of imported foods for both animals and humans.
  Due to Dr. Reimschuessel's discovery, the United States has increased 
surveillance for melamine and related compounds in food ingredients. In 
an effort to identify potential risks to humans, she is continuing to 
test the effects of melamine in chickens, pigs, and fish. Dr. 
Reimschuessel's research helped improve the way our government 
preserves scientific specimens and identified the ability of nontoxic 
compounds to become toxic when combined. These discoveries helped 
resolve an immediate crisis, and her continued efforts are helping 
protect the U.S. food supply from tainted imports and toxic chemical 
combinations.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Dr. Renate 
Reimschuessel in her nomination for the 2008 Service to America 
Homeland Security Medal. Her tireless investigation into the cause of 
the mass illness of pets in 2007 not only resolved a nationwide crisis, 
but initiated a series of scientific improvements, both in the 
veterinary world and the in safety of our imported food supply. It is 
with great pride that I congratulate Dr. Reimschuessel on her exemplary 
efforts to help guard against ongoing threats to the safety of the U.S. 
food supply.

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