[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF DR. DEAN WYATT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 5, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding 
public servant, Dr. Dean Wyatt. For 18 years, Dr. Wyatt worked as a 
public health veterinarian with the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection 
Service. At great risk to his own career, Dr. Wyatt distinguished 
himself as an advocate of improved federal oversight of food safety and 
humane handling rules at regulated slaughter plants. His tragic death 
from a brain tumor is a terrible loss to the country.
  I had the honor of receiving Dr. Wyatt's testimony before the House 
Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Domestic Policy in March of last 
year. He stepped forward to call attention to animal cruelties that he 
had observed at federally regulated slaughter facilities and to deep-
seated problems in USDA's enforcement of the Humane Methods of 
Slaughter Act.
  Even after he was diagnosed with his fatal illness, Dr. Wyatt 
continued to advocate for reform. His proposal to establish an 
ombudsman at the agency, which USDA is now implementing, is just one of 
many ways he has made a lasting impact.
  Dr. Wyatt's truth-telling did not make him popular with his agency 
superiors. Indeed, over the years he endured their disapproval and 
condemnation. Yet he spoke up: not just for animals but also for fellow 
inspectors and veterinarians in USDA. He spoke up for all of those who 
are dedicated to ensuring meaningful compliance with the law, over the 
resistance of corporate interests and, at times, the agency itself. He 
remained true to his mission until his death. He will be deeply missed, 
and his spirit will live on as an inspiration to those whose lives he 
graced.

                          ____________________