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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DR. LYNDA YOUNG
______
HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Lynda
Young, whose term as chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Committee on Federal Government Affairs wraps up later this month. I
have had the honor and privilege of calling Dr. Young a friend and
working with her for many years, and I know her to be a brilliant
pediatrician and tireless advocate for the well-being of all children
and families.
For 34 years, Dr. Young has been a practicing pediatrician in
Worcester, Massachusetts as well as serving as a Professor of
Pediatrics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Throughout her career, she's worked with numerous non-profits serving
children in Central Massachusetts and devoted countless hours to
advocating on behalf of children at the local, state and national
levels.
After serving as a member of the AAP's Committee on Federal
Government Affairs for several years, it was no surprise that Dr. Young
was elected chair in 2016. During her tenure, she's never shied away
from a fight where the well-being of children was in question. Among
her many accomplishments during her time as chair include serving as a
plaintiff in a successful federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) which resulted in a court order requiring the FDA
to finalize graphic warning labels for cigarettes; fighting for a 10-
year extension of the vitally important Children's Health Insurance
Program; defeating attempts to repeal and replace the transformative
Affordable Care Act; and co-chairing four national AAP Legislative
Conferences in Washington, D.C. Dr. Young has also been an integral
contributor to the AAP's Blueprint for Children: How the Next President
Can Build a Foundation for a Healthy Future, which outlines federal
policy priorities for the next presidential administration on improving
children's health.
Madam Speaker, for all of Dr. Young's accolades and accomplishments,
none resonate more than the day-in and day-out care she provides for
children and their families as a pediatrician. She is compassionate and
reassuring during tough times. She takes the time to really listen to
and take an interest in her patients. She is always there for them and
she has made an extraordinary difference in the lives of thousands of
children. And I speak from firsthand experience--Dr. Young was my
children's pediatrician in Worcester.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to warmly congratulate Dr. Young on her
successful tenure as chair of the AAP's Committee on Federal Government
Affairs. I look forward to continuing to work with her to improve the
lives of all children and their families.
____________________
