Celebrating the 80th Birthday of Former NHTSA Administrator and Consumer Advocate Joan B. Claybrook

Topics:  Joan B. Claybrook, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky
Congressional Record: 115th Congress
Extensions of Remarks
12 June 2017

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 80th 
birthday of an outstanding consumer advocate and dear friend, Joan B. 
Claybrook.
  Joan has championed consumer safety both inside and outside of 
government. She started her public service as an analyst at the Social 
Security Administration. In 1966, Congress created the National Traffic 
Safety Bureau--now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
(NHTSA). Joan joined the new agency early on, helping to set the 
foundation for auto safety policy in this country. She left NHTSA to 
work at U.S. Public Interest Research Group and Public Citizen before 
returning in 1977 to serve as NHTSA Administrator under President Jimmy 
Carter.
  Joan's post-government career is equally distinguished. For 27 years, 
she served as President of Public Citizen, a leading advocacy 
organization for health, safety, accountability, and fairness. As 
ranking member of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over auto safety, 
I have worked with Joan many times over the years on issues from 
requiring rear back-up cameras to stopping the sale of cars under 
recall. She testifies frequently before my subcommittee, and I always 
value her insight.
  Even after she retired as President of Public Citizen, Joan remains a 
strong advocate for consumers. She continues to serve on the Public 
Citizen board and as Co-Chair of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. 
When a pressing auto safety issue arises, I know it is only a matter of 
time before I hear from Joan.
  People owe their lives to Joan Claybrook's public service and 
advocacy. That is why her extraordinary work has been recognized by 
prominent institutions, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, 
Consumer Federation of America, and Georgetown Law Center. As Joan 
celebrates her 80th birthday, I want to celebrate her enormous 
contribution to consumer safety. Every American goes through the day a 
little safer because of Joan.