Jeff Bingaman: “I rise in support of Dr. David Satcher for confirmation both as the Surgeon General of the United States and Assistant…”

“I rise in support of Dr. David Satcher for confirmation both as the Surgeon General of the United States and Assistant Secretary for Health. In so doing, I want to speak both to the position of Surgeon General itself and to the qualifications of this nominee. From 1871 until the present, 16 individuals have had the honor to serve as this nation's chief advisor on public health matters. These individuals served to protect, improve, and advance the health of all people in the United States. While there are those that criticize and may disagree with the position, in many ways the Surgeon General serves as the health conscience for the country. Many Americans may not know the history of this position and can name few of the 16 individuals who have served as Surgeon General. However, most Americans can point to ground breaking reports or initiatives that were conducted by Surgeon Generals. For instance, they are aware of the role of the Surgeon General in programs to immunize millions against polio. Most can cite the important declaration in 1964, by the Surgeon General that: 'smoking can be hazardous to your health.' Indeed, past Surgeon Generals have issued benchmark reports on smoking, nutrition, water fluoridation, and HIV and AIDS. The public deserves to have this position filled; it has been vacant for too long. We have been without a Surgeon General since December of 1994.”