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.
“EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JONITA WHITAKER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1580 on July 24, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO JONITA WHITAKER
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HON. DONALD M. PAYNE
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation to an outstanding professional, Ms. Jonita Whitaker, who has served as a State Department Pearson Fellow in my Washington Congressional Office for the past year. Under this excellent program, Foreign Service Officers work on Capitol Hill, learning the legislative process and sharing their expertise in international relations. I believe the program provides tremendous benefits to both members of Congress and to the State Department professionals who participate.
Over the past year, Jonita has proven to be a shining star on my staff. As a member of the House International Relations Committee, I have benefited tremendously from her extensive knowledge, her expertise in foreign affairs and immigration law, her foreign language skills, and most of all, her passionate dedication to public service. Jonita quickly mastered the many complex global issues we deal with on a daily basis.
Jonita has played a leading role as an advisor on a number of key issues, including developments in Iraq, the movement to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, efforts to reach a political settlement in Cyprus, the peace process in Northern Ireland, daily updates on developments in Africa, and the eradication of polio world-wide, among her many other contributions. Reports she provided to me when she traveled to Northern Ireland to witness the Orange Order parades were enormously helpful.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to thank Jonita Whitaker for all of her hard work and to wish her continued success as she moves forward in her career.
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