Political Quotes

“I have observed the debate over the nomination of Dr. David Satcher over the past couple weeks. It has been a very productive, yet intense, discussion which has raised some critical questions. Today, there is an unmistakable need for a capable individual to fill the position of United States Surgeon General--a position which has been vacant for over three years. Marked increases in smoking and substance abuse by our nation's youth, combined with the continuing plague of disease such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and others, have made it imperative for the nation to have access to advice that is both scientifically accurate and trustworthy. The person who occupies the Surgeon General's Office is our Nation's number one doctor and public health leader. Kids around the country will seek and heed the advice of the Surgeon General, and for this reason alone, thorough scrutiny of Dr. Satcher's qualifications and views is well-placed. Dr. Satcher has proven that he is an effective leader. Under Dr. Satcher's direction of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, child immunization rates have increased from 52 percent to a record 78 percent. As a result, vaccine-preventable childhood diseases are at record lows. Dr. Satcher also has led CDC's efforts to strengthen our nation's defenses against infectious diseases and food-borne illnesses.”