Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-12

HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS

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On 2026-05-12, Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS" in the House.

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HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E430] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS ______ HON. HENRY CUELLAR of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding career of Dr. John S. Rutkauskas, Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For more than 27 years, Dr. Rutkauskas has led the AAPD with a singular focus: ensuring that every decision is guided by one fundamental question: what is best for children. Under his leadership, the organization has become not just member-driven, but truly child- driven, shaping the future of pediatric oral health across our Nation and around the world. Since assuming his role in 1999, Dr. Rutkauskas has strengthened the AAPD into a globally recognized authority, with approximately 11,000 members and an impressive retention rate of nearly 94 percent. His commitment to excellence has elevated continuing education, advanced evidence-based guidelines, and expanded policies and best practices that now define pediatric dentistry and are utilized by providers, institutions, and policymakers worldwide. Dr. Rutkauskas has also played a critical role in public policy, establishing the Academy's first political action committee and increasing its presence here in Washington. Through the AAPD Foundation, he has helped secure vital resources to provide dental homes for underserved children, ensuring access to care for those who need it most. A trained clinician, educator, and executive, his career reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly those with complex medical needs. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rutkauskas' leadership has made a lasting difference in the oral health and well-being of children across the globe. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I thank him for his decades of service and dedication. ____________________

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HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E430] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE CAREER OF DR. JOHN S. RUTKAUSKAS ______ HON. HENRY CUELLAR of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding career of Dr. John S. Rutkauskas, Chief Executive Officer of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. For more than 27 years, Dr. Rutkauskas has led the AAPD with a singular focus: ensuring that every decision is guided by one fundamental question: what is best for children. Under his leadership, the organization has become not just member-driven, but truly child- driven, shaping the future of pediatric oral health across our Nation and around the world. Since assuming his role in 1999, Dr. Rutkauskas has strengthened the AAPD into a globally recognized authority, with approximately 11,000 members and an impressive retention rate of nearly 94 percent. His commitment to excellence has elevated continuing education, advanced evidence-based guidelines, and expanded policies and best practices that now define pediatric dentistry and are utilized by providers, institutions, and policymakers worldwide. Dr. Rutkauskas has also played a critical role in public policy, establishing the Academy's first political action committee and increasing its presence here in Washington. Through the AAPD Foundation, he has helped secure vital resources to provide dental homes for underserved children, ensuring access to care for those who need it most. A trained clinician, educator, and executive, his career reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of children, particularly those with complex medical needs. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Rutkauskas' leadership has made a lasting difference in the oral health and well-being of children across the globe. On behalf of the 28th District of Texas, I thank him for his decades of service and dedication. ____________________