The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO ROCCO SICILIANO” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Senate section on pages S5001 on July 17, 2018.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO ROCCO SICILIANO
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the life of Rocco Siciliano, of Beverly Hills, CA. This combat-decorated veteran of World War II served his Nation as an infantry platoon leader in the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in Italy, earned the Bronze Star for Valor, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Army Special Commendation Medal. He and thousands of his fellow countrymen served as soldiers in the liberation of Europe under Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a fellow Kansan and personal hero of mine. Rocco later served in President Eisenhower's administration, first as an assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Labor from 1953 to 1957, then as Special Assistant to the President for Personnel Management policies from 1957 to 1959. This leads me to the reason I rise today.
Rocco Siciliano, after decades of service to our Nation in many significant roles and having secured many accomplishments over his illustrious career in both the public and private sectors, was elected chairman of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission in 2001. Joined on the commission by fellow decorated World War II combat veterans, Senators Daniel Inouye and Ted Stevens, Rocco led the commission whose congressionally mandated mission is to create a national memorial to our 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Rocco successfully led the Commission for 14 years before stepping down as chair in 2015. As Rocco's successor as chair of the Commission, I feel I must recognize him for his significant accomplishments. During his tenure, Rocco guided the commission through the processes of memorial site selection and the design competition. His remarkable and steadfast work has helped the commission get us to this memorable juncture. The memorial to Ike is under construction in our Nation's Capital, between 4th and 6th Streets on Independence Avenue, Southwest. Rocco continues to serve as chair emeritus on the commission as one of the four Presidentially appointed commissioners. The commission seeks to dedicate the completed memorial to Ike on May 8, 2020, the 75th anniversary of V-E Day.
Speaking on behalf of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, I wish to recognize Rocco's patriotism, leadership, perseverance, and tenacity that have been of great benefit to our Nation. He has been a valued colleague in this monumental endeavor, and I stand to honor him today.
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