Press Release

STATEMENT BY DR. DAVID SATCHER ON HIS CONFIRMATION AS SURGEON GENERAL AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH

"I am gratified, energized and moved by the breadth and depth of support for my confirmation as Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health. This is an American dream come true -- to go from a humble farm in Anniston, Alabama to the office of the Surgeon General, to have the chance to serve the country I love, and to earn the confidence of so many leaders I honor and respect.

"Today, I would like to thank everyone who has made this day possible. To President Clinton, Vice President Gore and Secretary Shalala for placing your faith in me. To members of the Senate for keeping the faith by supporting my nomination, especially Senators Kennedy, Jeffords, Frist, Mack and Hatch -- you embody bipartisan spirit in the national interest. I thank Senators Lott and Daschle for their work in bringing to the Senate floor a healthy debate over my nomination. And to all those strong voices and helping hands, my family, friends and colleagues, who have spoken out and worked so hard on my behalf -- you have sustained my faith that dreams come true.

"When President Clinton nominated me as Surgeon General, I made a promise: To work hard to engage all Americans everywhere in a lively, ongoing conversation about physical activity, good nutrition, responsible behavior and other passports to good health and long life. With the strong and broad support for my confirmation, I pledge to keep this promise."

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES