A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D..

Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I will not object, but I would like to make a few comments.

I am proud to support S. Con. Res. 71, which authorizes the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey.

A pioneer in the field of cardiovascular surgery, Dr. DeBakey became chairman of the Department of Surgery at Baylor University College of Medicine in 1948. Over the last half century, he has created a number of medical devices, techniques, and procedures that have saved countless lives. He is perhaps best known for his pioneering efforts in cardiovascular surgery, as he was one of the first physicians to ever perform coronary bypass surgery.

Additionally, Michael DeBakey is credited with developing the concept for the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, or M.A.S.H., units which were used in the Vietnam and Korean War to treat injured soldiers, saving even more lives.

An adviser to nearly every President for the past 50 years, Dr. DeBakey has served the public through his vast knowledge on a variety of medical issues. He has published more than

1,300 medical articles and has performed over 60,000 cardiovascular procedures. He is a beloved educator, so much so that in 1976, his students across the globe worked together to establish the Michael E. DeBakey International Surgical Society in his honor.

Dr. DeBakey has received numerous awards for his work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the National Medal of Science, which was awarded to him by the late President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

I am extremely pleased that this bill will enable us to bestow another honor upon Dr. DeBakey as he receives the Congressional Gold Medal in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on House Administration from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 71 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, would the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, the concurrent resolution provides for the use of the Capitol Rotunda to award the Congressional Gold Medal, and I support the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael DeBakey is a pioneer in the field of heart surgery and research. Dr. DeBakey honed his skills as an Army doctor during World War II. While chairman of the Department of Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. DeBakey performed the first heart bypass surgery. He has saved countless lives.

Dr. DeBakey has received a Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Science, as well as awards from the American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, and the Academy of Surgical Research.

We are honored to authorize the use of the Capitol Rotunda to present Dr. DeBakey with the Congressional Gold Medal, and again, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for his support.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Con. Res. 71

I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid on the table, and that any statements be printed in the Record.

The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 71) was agreed to.