The Oversight Committee holds a hearing, “The Surgeon General’s Vital Mission: Challenges for the Future.” The hearing focuses on the importance of the Surgeon General’s Office, the need to preserve the Surgeon General’s independence, and recent limitations on the Surgeon General’s ability to carry out its public health education mission. C. Everett Koop, a Surgeon General under President Reagan who is credited for fighting for AIDS awareness against heavy opposition, gives opening testimony on the need for independence in the office.