[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 145 (Tuesday, December 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 IN MEMORY OF THOMAS ``TOMMY'' THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 2, 2014

  Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart today to honor an 
amazing life, and a legendary career. On November 6th, America lost one 
of the great innovators in medical technology and a dear friend of 
mine, Thomas ``Tommy'' Thompson. While Tommy Thompson may not be a 
household name, there is not one household in America who has not been 
touched by his life's work.
   Tommy was a dynamic medical device innovator whose passion in life 
was to improve the human condition. And in this pursuit he was 
immensely successful. But Tommy wasn't content with his own successes, 
he wanted to make sure that the countless doctors, engineers and other 
innovators in this field also had an environment where they could 
develop medical breakthroughs. Tommy was the type of leader who didn't 
just point out problems, he tirelessly fought to fix them. In 1992, he 
joined with a group of innovators to establish the Medical Device 
Manufacturers Association to give the innovative and entrepreneurial 
sector of the industry a strong and independent voice in the nation's 
capital. What started as a handful of medical technology companies has 
grown to nearly 300 members across the United States. Under Tommy's 
leadership, the association helped drive countless policies and 
regulations that improved patient care and innovation. For the past few 
years, Tommy discussed the devastating impact the medical device tax 
was having on innovators trying to develop the cures of tomorrow. Tommy 
was also a tireless advocate to ensure patients and physicians had 
access to the technologies they needed, and worked to remove barriers 
and roadblocks so that they could obtain the best care possible. There 
is no question that medical technology innovators today are standing on 
the shoulders of Tommy and all the passion and hard work he dedicated 
towards improving the innovation ecosystem. To honor Tommy, I will 
continue to work to repeal this tax.
   Tommy's passion also extended to helping organizations and 
individuals in his home state of Texas. He devoted countless hours to 
many of his favorite organizations there including the Fairhill School, 
the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, and Phi Kappa Sigma at The 
University of Texas.
   Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Betty and all his family 
and loved ones at this difficult time. We have all lost a great man 
whose love of improving patient care was second only to that for his 
family.
   At one time or another everyone wonders what kind of legacy our 
lives might produce, and what it is that future generations may say 
about our brief time here on Earth. Tommy never said it--he was too 
humble and too magnanimous--but I will: Tommy Thompson was a legend and 
a leader in the medical device industry, allowing patients around the 
world to live longer, healthier lives. He gave so much of his time, 
treasure and talents, never expecting anything in return. Whether 
helping a local school or giving time to mentor an engineer just 
starting in the field, Tommy cared about people and improving this 
world. That is his legacy. That is what he will always be known for. 
That is a legacy anyone would be proud of, and we will be forever 
grateful for all that Tommy did on behalf of patients and innovators.
   Thomas ``Tommy'' Thompson led a life dedicated to that old-fashioned 
notion that if you're focused on helping others, you truly can change 
the world. Tommy did change the world, and we are all better off thanks 
to his selfless passion and generosity.

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