Barbara Mikulski: “I rise to congratulate Dr. Elias Zerhouni on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the new Director of the National…”

“I rise to congratulate Dr. Elias Zerhouni on his confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the new Director of the National Institutes of Health. I am pleased that his nomination was approved by the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee this morning and that the Senate has approved his nomination today. I am proud that Maryland is home to the National Institutes of Health, and some of the best and brightest researchers in the world. Now Maryland is the home of the National Institutes of Health's new Director, Dr. Zerhouni. Dr. Zerhouni has spent his impressive career turning medical research into tools and treatments that improve patients' lives. He is an innovative thinker and a successful entrepreneur who has turned his scientific discoveries into successful businesses. He is also a talented administrator who will bring his leadership skills to bear on this challenging new role. His administrative skills will be especially important as Congress completes the bipartisan commitment to double NIH's budget this year. I am pleased that the U.S. Senate has given Dr. Zerhouni this resounding show of support as he prepares to take the helm of the world's finest research institution. I look forward to working with Dr. Zerhouni in his new role as Director of the National Institutes of Health. The National Institutes of Health and the American people will be well served by Dr. Elias Zerhouni.”