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 SHERRIE ANDERSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E761 on April 26, 2005.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO SHERRIE ANDERSON
______
HON. JAMES P. MORAN
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sherrie Anderson who is retiring as the Deputy Director of the Mass Transit Security Programs Office of the Transportation Security Administration. I join my fellow colleagues in honoring the 34 years of service that Anderson has given to the protection of our nation's passengers. I am honored to give my compliments to a woman who has tirelessly pursued improvements in the nation's transportation security. She has played a pivotal role in our nation's defense against terrorism.
For many years, Anderson was a lone voice in the wilderness of the Department of Transportation begging, pleading and cajoling the various modes of transportation to shore up efforts in improving security.
As the guiding light of the Secretary of Transportation's Office of Security, Anderson was in the forefront of the Department's response to innumerable incidents over the past decades including Pan American Flight 103, the first World Trade Center Bombing, and September 11th.
In the wake of 9/11, Anderson was one of the original hires in the Office of Maritime and Land of the newly created Transportation Security Administration. She served as the first Chief of the Rail Passenger Branch, Deputy Director of the Passenger Security Division and then as Deputy Director of Mass Transit Security Programs Office.
In that capacity, Anderson led efforts to improve passenger screening efforts in commuter rail systems. Through her work, the three-phase Transit Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) was undertaken to demonstrate the efficacy of various technologies for passenger security screening systems.
Throughout Anderson's tenure with the Federal Government, she has consistently shown grace and poise that has enabled her to talk to the highest levels of the government as well as those on the frontlines responding to transportation security incidents. Her calmness and level-headedness in crisis situations has been an enduring asset to both the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security.
I encourage others to continue her dedication to the betterment of transportation security for our fellow citizens. I congratulate the family of Sherrie Anderson on this momentous occasion. I wish her a well-earned retirement, and the thanks of a grateful nation.
____________________
