TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS FROM THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 166
(Extensions of Remarks - October 21, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN CUMMINGS FROM THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
______
HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON
of idaho
in the house of representatives
Monday, October 21, 2019
Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I am deeply saddened by the loss of my
colleague, Congressman Elijah Cummings. He was a true leader in
Congress and had the respect of his colleagues. I feel honored for
having the opportunity to work with him as his Co-chair of the
Congressional Oral Health Caucus. As a former dentist, I appreciated
Congressman Cummings for being an advocate for oral health and
advancing many important issues in a bipartisan manner. He will be
missed in the halls of Congress and I send my deepest condolences to
his family.
On behalf of the American Dental Association, I would like to include
in the Record the following statement which recognizes Congressman
Cummings for his dedication to oral health:
The American Dental Association (ADA) would like to offer
its sincerest condolences to the colleagues, family, friends
and constituents of Representatives Elijah Cummings.
Representative Cummings dedicated his life of service to
uplifting and empowering the people he was sworn to represent
in Congress.
Since 1996, Congressman Cummings has proudly represented
Maryland's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of
Representatives, where we have discussed many of the complex
challenges of health care in his state. Rep. Cummings
understood the significance between oral health and general
well-being for overall health.
As Co-chair of the Oral Health Caucus, Rep. Cummings was
dedicated to increasing awareness of oral health care and to
funding emerging dental research. Americans will forever be
thankful for his support of initiatives that address oral
health equity, including the Action for Dental Health Act. He
was a staunch supporter and promoter of oral health as a part
of overall health policy. Rep. Cummings knew that greater
access to dental care needed to include education and
awareness and made it a priority to help initiate Maryland's
first statewide oral health literacy campaign.
Rep. Cummings often said that ``Our children are the living
messages that we send to a future we will never see.'' We
admired his dedication to ensuring that our next generations
have access to quality health care and education. Congress
lost a true advocate for the people today. His willingness to
work and fight for those who need him most is the biggest
loss to our nation.
The ADA will sincerely miss the wisdom and dedication of
Congressman Cummings to make real and lasting change with the
continued commitment and collaboration of the oral health
community. We will remain saddened yet dedicated to help make
that lasting change as part of his legacy.
Sincerest condolences,
Chad P. Gehani, D.D.S.,
President of the American Dental Association.
____________________
