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“TRIBUTE TO ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY THOMAS P. SWANTON” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Senate section on pages S10195 on July 30, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY THOMAS P. SWANTON
Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I pay tribute to a very distinguished lawyer, Thomas P. Swanton, who has been in my office for more than 2 years on assignment from the Department of Justice, and I thank the Attorney General and the Department of Justice for this program which enables Senators to have excellent legal service and gives a different perspective to those who are assigned to a Senate office.
Tom Swanton is an extraordinary lawyer. He has come to my office with extensive trial skills and has done extraordinary work on counseling in my office, on post-9/11 legislation, on working on nominations, on legislative packages involving the death penalty, and the war on terrorism.
He has worked hard on these issues--each time jumping in feet first, soaking up knowledge, and moving legislation forward in this often complicated process. From his first assignment, he earned the respect of my staff, as well as mine.
Tom's primary duty consisted of working as my legal counsel for Judiciary matters where he handled a wide variety of issues. He also proved to be of invaluable assistance in crafting several pieces of post-September 11 legislation, all the while leading an investigation on terrorism financing. His skills and judgment in this arena are exceptional. My staff and I were constantly impressed with the wealth of knowledge he demonstrated.
Tom also provided a tremendous service to the people of Pennsylvania in working on issues such as class action reform and the Patents Bill of Rights. He demonstrated a remarkable amount of enthusiasm and initiative throughout his entire fellowship.
His dedication to each project was remarkable, and the assistance he provided to my office will not be easily matched. However, for Tom this level of dedication is par for the course. Since his graduation from West Point in 1983, he has consistently served our country. Prior to his service with the U.S. Attorney's office, Tom served in the United States Army and is currently a LTC in the Army Reserve.
Tom's personal record is equally distinguished. Those who know him well consistently praise his qualities as a devoted husband and father of four beautiful children.
I urge my colleagues to join me today in commending Tom Swanton for his service as a legal fellow and for his devotion and leadership to our country.
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