Tribute to Craig C. Mello, PHD, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine

Floor Speech

TRIBUTE TO CRAIG C. MELLO, PHD, 2006 NOBEL LAUREATE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 11, 2007)

* Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, as the House prepares today to vote on final passage of S.5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, I am again reminded of the extraordinary contributions one of my constituents has made to the life sciences. Dr. Craig C. Mello of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts won the 2006 Nobel Prize in the field of Physiology or Medicine for his revolutionary discovery of RNA interference and the gene silencing process. Earlier this year, the University of Massachusetts Medical School honored its most famous faculty member with a tribute that I was regretfully unable to attend. However, on May 2 I had the distinct privilege of introducing Dr. Mello at a luncheon for all of the 2006 Nobel Laureates hosted by my colleagues and the Science Coalition here in the Capitol.

* It seems only fitting on this historic day in the United States House of Representatives that I humbly submit for the Record my introduction of Dr. Mello at that recent program. I do this not only to highlight his achievement but to also to emphasize the fact that this vitally important research is being led by America's most brilliant, thoughtful and committed scientists who are dedicated to improving the lives of all people everywhere.

CONGRESSMAN JAMES P. MCGOVERN--INTRODUCTION OF CRAIG C. MELLO, PHD.

Good afternoon. I want to begin by thanking all of my colleagues who are here today and, in particular, Chairman Bart Gordon and Congressman McNerney for their work in organizing this Nobel Laureate Luncheon as well as the House Resolution honoring our distinguished guests. I also want to thank the Science Coalition for their assistance in coordinating this program and all of the activities our Nobel Laureates are participating in today.

You know, if you work in this building long enough you come in contact with some very impressive people; world leaders, movie actors, artists, authors and every kind of celebrity.

Well, I've now worked in this building for more than half my life--fourteen years as an aide to the late Congressman Joe Moakley and ten years as a member of Congress myself--and I'm here to tell you that few people have impressed me more than Dr. Craig Mello. That's not just because he is my constituent and works at the finest medical school--public or private--in the world, the University of Massachusetts Medical School in my hometown of Worcester. It is also not just because Craig Mello and I have so much in common. We are both tall with full heads-of-hair as you can tell. Notwithstanding these similarities, I am--in all seriousness--very proud to be here today to introduce and congratulate Dr. Mello for far less obvious but much more important reasons.

He and his colleague, Dr. Andrew Fire, have blown open a whole new field of biomedical research with their revolutionary discovery of RNA interference and the gene silencing process. Together, they have brought renewed hope to millions of people who are suffering from countless debilitating diseases and genetic disorders. The potential for new therapies for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes among several other diseases has never been greater as a result of their extraordinary achievement.

In fact, their research may one day even have the added benefit of helping one of Dr. Mello's own children who is diabetic. I can't even imagine how gratifying that must be for Dr. Mello and it is surely a source of pride that extends even beyond the prestige of winning a Nobel Prize. It is also a poignant reminder for all us in public service about how deeply personal and incredibly important it is for this research to continue.

You know, I'm not aware of any other Nobel Laureates in my congressional district but that's not to say it hasn't been home to other distinguished figures in our nation's history. Horace Mann, widely regarded as the father of the American education system, served first in the Massachusetts Legislature and later as a member of this House, was born in Franklin, Massachusetts--in my congressional district.

After serving in Congress, Horace Mann ended his career as President of Antioch College and in his final valedictory address to the graduating class of 1859, he said this:

``Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for Humanity.''

Well, Dr. Mello, there is no doubt that you have scored a triumphant victory for all of Humanity. I am both humbled and inspired by what you have accomplished. And, I am also deeply grateful for all that you've done since winning the Nobel Prize to support funding for public education in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts and elsewhere. Your generosity and commitment to that cause is even further evidence that you are deserving of the accolades you have rightly received.

It is now my distinct pleasure to introduce Dr. Craig Mello, the winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and to present him with this resolution.

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