Tom Harkin: “Senator Wellstone's life was a testament to his compassion and commitment to serve the less advantaged. He was a…”

“Senator Wellstone's life was a testament to his compassion and commitment to serve the less advantaged. He was a tireless advocate for people in need. That was never more true than when he began working with children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families. In 2001, Senator Wellstone introduced the Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research, and Education Amendments of 2001 to intensify Federal investment in Duchenne and other forms of muscular dystrophy. The MD CARE Act asked the Director of the National Institutes of Health to create centers of excellence to conduct basic and clinical research into Duchenne and other muscular dystrophies. That bill was signed into law in December of 2001. About a year later, Senator Wellstone was tragically killed. While we cannot replace the colleague and friend who served with us in this Chamber, we can commemorate his work on behalf of Jacob Gunvalson and others who inspired the late Senator to see this law enacted.”