[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 4, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO DR. JOSE ROMERO

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Jose Romero for his service as Secretary of the Arkansas Department of 
Health. He has led the ADH with a strong resolve and determination 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and his medical expertise has helped 
Arkansans navigate and establish commonsense health solutions during 
this unprecedented time.
  Dr. Romero launched his career at the Arkansas Department of Health 
when he served as chief medical officer, and he was later appointed 
interim Secretary of Health in May of 2020 by Governor Asa Hutchinson. 
Dr. Romero proved he was more than up to the task; he excelled in this 
position and was quickly elevated to Secretary in August of the same 
year. The governor has said of his time working with Dr. Romero, ``He's 
supported me. He's supported our state. He's understood the political 
dynamics as well as the epidemiology of dealing with this pandemic, and 
while it's a great loss to Arkansas, he's developed a very, very strong 
team at the Department of Health that I know will be able to continue 
with great vigor and continued leadership.''
  Dr. Romero has years of experience and an impressive educational 
background that prepared him to serve the people of Arkansas in the 
critical role he has filled over the last several years. He served as 
the chairman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which provided national 
guidance on the prioritization and distribution of the COVID-19 
vaccine. He has also recently been appointed to the American Academy of 
Pediatrics' Committee on Infectious Diseases and has consistently 
showed his ability to expertly inform and protect public health for the 
entire country.
  Dr. Romero has a passion for not only serving others but teaching as 
well. He is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for 
Medical Sciences and has board certification in pediatrics and 
pediatric infectious diseases. He was also the section chief of 
pediatric infectious diseases at the Arkansas Children's Hospital from 
2008 through 2020, where he was involved with numerous studies across 
his field that have contributed immensely to medical sciences. I am so 
grateful Arkansans have had such a dedicated civil servant looking out 
for us for so long.
  Dr. Romero has continuously shown his incredible commitment to the 
betterment of our Nation through his work improving the health of 
Americans and educating the next generation of healthcare 
professionals. Throughout his time as Secretary of Health, Dr. Romero 
has bravely navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and helped the Natural 
State stay safe and healthy while continuing to thrive.
  He has become a familiar face across Arkansas standing beside 
Governor Hutchinson during daily press conferences regarding the virus, 
making him a trusted source for many Arkansans with questions and 
concerns about the pandemic and medicine generally. As a member of the 
Governor's cabinet, Dr. Romero worked diligently alongside the 
Governor's team to provide senior scientific and executive leadership 
for the agency, and his commitment to the health and well-being of 
Arkansans has been clear throughout his career. Dr. Romero has shown 
his dedication for providing quality information to all Arkansans 
during his tenure, and we have benefited from his expertise.
  It is evident Dr. Romero's passion for service and selfless 
dedication to public health has made an incredibly positive impact in 
every project he has been a part of and helped our State and all its 
citizens throughout the pandemic. Dr. Romero has devoted his life to 
protecting the public and educating others. I appreciate the 
opportunity to work with Dr. Romero and thank him for his commitment to 
improving the health and wellness of Arkansans. As he transitions to 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas is full of 
gratitude for Dr. Romero and his dedication to our State.

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