AVMA ANNUAL CONVENTION

Rep. Chip Pickering

The award, a symbol of the AVMA's commitment to state and federal advocacy, was approved by the Executive Board earlier this year.

Pickering is serving his sixth term representing Mississippi's third district and is currently assistant minority whip. He was selected by the AVMA Executive Board for the award because of his devotion to advancing issues important to veterinary medicine.

"Over the past several years, Rep. Pickering has been an invaluable and unequivocal champion of legislation vital to both animal and human health," said 2007-2008 AVMA President Gregory S. Hammer.

Pickering led Congress in passing four bills supported by the AVMA: the Animal Drug Availability Act, Animal Drug User Fee Act, Minor Use and Minor Species Animal Health Act, and National Veterinary Medical Service Act.

"I can think of few others in Congress who have stood up so bravely and consistently for veterinary medicine," Dr. Hammer said.