Orrin Hatch: “I rise to today to speak a few words in remembrance of Thomas R. Burke, whose recent, tragic death at the young age of…”

“I rise to today to speak a few words in remembrance of Thomas R. Burke, whose recent, tragic death at the young age of 57 has robbed America of one of its leading health care policymakers. Many of us in this body remember Tom Burke for his outstanding work at the Department of Health and Human Services. Indeed, I first came to know Tom over a decade ago during the confirmation process for one of the great HHS Secretaries of all time, Dr. Otis Bowen. I quickly came to admire Tom's forthright style, which some may have called gruff. But everyone respected Tom for his vigor, honesty, and impact. In the early 1980's, Tom served as the staff director of the Advisory Council on Social Security, chaired by Dr. Bowen. When Dr. Bowen joined the Reagan administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1985, he made a wise decision and chose Tom Burke as Chief of Staff of the 110,000 employee department. This was a significant honor and great responsibility--and Tom didn't let Dr. Bowen down. He stood as ``Doc's'' top-most advocate, defender, and protector, until President Reagan left office.”