William Waldo Cameron Forum on Public Affairs - 10/16/2006
William H. "Bill" Frist
William Harrison "Bill" Frist, Sr., M.D., launched his first campaign for the United States Senate in 1994. He won the election with a resounding 13 points and became the first practicing physician elected to the Senate since 1928. Senator Frist has emerged as one of the leading voices on health issues in America today. He has worked hard to strengthen Medicare, provide seniors with better access to prescription drugs, reduce health care disparities among races, and make health care more affordable and accessible. A member of the Health, Labor, Education and Pension Committee, Frist's unique blend of policy and medical expertise has enabled him to address those and many other leading health issues.
His expertise in infectious diseases has enabled him to take on one of the greatest threats to the health and security of our nation - bioterrorism. During the October 2001 anthrax attacks, Frist was a calming voice for the Senate community and the country as a whole. He quickly worked to pass landmark legislation to bolster America's defenses against bioterrorism.
Senator Frist has also taken the fight against global HIV/AIDS beyond the Senate Chamber. At least once a year, he travels to Sub-Saharan Africa as part of a medical mission team to care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.
America's children have been another top priority for Senator Frist. He was the author of "Ed-flex"- a groundbreaking law giving teachers and schools more freedom from federal regulations and more flexibility to improve student performance.
On December 23, 2002, Republican Senators unanimously elected Bill Frist to the position of Majority Leader of the United States Senate. He assumed his position as the 18th Senate Majority Leader and 14th Republican Floor Leader having served fewer total years in the U.S. Congress than any previous leader.