A Tribute to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention

Floor Speech

A Tribute to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention

Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the United States Pharmacopeial Convention on the inauguration of its expanded headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. Since 1820, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention has established standards for drugs, both manufactured and compounded, and more recently for foods, including dietary supplements and food ingredients. These standards are developed by hundreds of volunteer experts from all over the Nation and the world.

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention plays a vital role in our Nation's efforts to promote public standards and help ensure the integrity of our Nation's food and drug supply. The organization's standards are widely recognized in the United States and around the world because they are authoritative, science-based, and developed through a transparent and credible process with established integrity. For this the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention's work is recognized truly as the ``standard of quality''.

Since the 19th century, Congress has continually enacted laws that bring United States consumers the best, the most beneficial and the safest food and drugs in the world. These laws tie the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Pharmacopeial Convention together as premier public health bodies. They support the enterprising spirit of our Nation's citizens who have brought forth an abundance of life-saving drugs.

Recent incidents at home and abroad demonstrate the continued importance of protecting the public and ensuring our drugs and food are safe. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention deserves our thanks for its efforts to protect the health of our families. From the medicines that heal our Nation's people to the food that nourishes us, the organization is working to ensure our safety.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention and recognize it for its commitment to public health. It is with great pride that I congratulate the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention for its work over 188 years and encourage its volunteers in continuing their exemplary standards-setting activities in the years to come.

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