[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. LYNDA YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Lynda 
Young, whose term as chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 
Committee on Federal Government Affairs wraps up later this month. I 
have had the honor and privilege of calling Dr. Young a friend and 
working with her for many years, and I know her to be a brilliant 
pediatrician and tireless advocate for the well-being of all children 
and families.
  For 34 years, Dr. Young has been a practicing pediatrician in 
Worcester, Massachusetts as well as serving as a Professor of 
Pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. 
Throughout her career, she's worked with numerous non-profits serving 
children in Central Massachusetts and devoted countless hours to 
advocating on behalf of children at the local, state and national 
levels.
  After serving as a member of the AAP's Committee on Federal 
Government Affairs for several years, it was no surprise that Dr. Young 
was elected chair in 2016. During her tenure, she's never shied away 
from a fight where the well-being of children was in question. Among 
her many accomplishments during her time as chair include serving as a 
plaintiff in a successful federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) which resulted in a court order requiring the FDA 
to finalize graphic warning labels for cigarettes; fighting for a 10-
year extension of the vitally important Children's Health Insurance 
Program; defeating attempts to repeal and replace the transformative 
Affordable Care Act; and co-chairing four national AAP Legislative 
Conferences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Young has also been an integral 
contributor to the AAP's Blueprint for Children: How the Next President 
Can Build a Foundation for a Healthy Future, which outlines federal 
policy priorities for the next presidential administration on improving 
children's health.
  Madam Speaker, for all of Dr. Young's accolades and accomplishments, 
none resonate more than the day-in and day-out care she provides for 
children and their families as a pediatrician. She is compassionate and 
reassuring during tough times. She takes the time to really listen to 
and take an interest in her patients. She is always there for them and 
she has made an extraordinary difference in the lives of thousands of 
children. And I speak from firsthand experience--Dr. Young was my 
children's pediatrician in Worcester.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to warmly congratulate Dr. Young on her 
successful tenure as chair of the AAP's Committee on Federal Government 
Affairs. I look forward to continuing to work with her to improve the 
lives of all children and their families.

                          ____________________