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.
“HONORING MIDSHIPMAN 1ST CLASS SYDNEY BARBER” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1103 on Dec. 7, 2020.
The Department oversees energy policies and is involved in how the US handles nuclear programs. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department's misguided energy regulations have caused large losses to consumers for decades.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MIDSHIPMAN 1ST CLASS SYDNEY BARBER
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HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Monday, December 7, 2020
Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber, the first Black female to be selected as Brigade Commander at the United States Naval Academy, the highest leadership position within the student body.
A native of Lake Forest, Illinois, Midshipman Barber graduated from Lake Forest High School in 2017. As a mechanical engineering major at the Naval Academy who has been selected to commission into the U.S. Marine Corps, Midshipman Barber has been on the Superintendent's list. She completed a 7-week internship with the Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where she was instrumental in breakthrough research on bio-electrochernical uses for carbon nanotubes.
Midshipman Barber was named a 2020 Truman Scholar National Finalist, focusing her research on developing legislative strategies to address education disparities in minority communities. She has created a STEM outreach program that leveraged mentoring, literature, and service lessons to benefit middle-school aged girls of color. She also helped create the Midshipman Diversity Team, made up of more than 180 midshipmen, faculty, and alumni, to promote diversity, inclusion and equality within the brigade.
Amid these efforts, Midshipman Barber served as the plebe summer 13th Company Executive Officer and currently serves as the brigade's 1st Regimental Executive Officer. She is the co-President of the Navy Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club and the Secretary for the National Society of Black Engineers Club. She belongs to the gospel choir and the Midshipman Black Studies Club.
A walk-on sprinter and hurdler on the Academy's varsity track and field team, Midshipman Barber currently holds the record for the outdoor 4x400 meter relay.
As Brigade Commander, Midshipman Barber will head the Academy's day-
to-day activities and train approximately 4,500 midshipmen. Midshipman Barber will be just the 16th woman selected for this position in the 44 years that women have been attending the Naval Academy.
Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today in honoring the achievement of Midshipman First Class Sydney Barber. Her service to our country is deserving of the utmost gratitude. On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Visitors, I offer her our sincerest congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure as Brigade Commander.
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