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“EASTERN WASHINGTON HONORS RETIRING U.S. ATTORNEY JAMES A. McDEVITT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E173-E174 on Feb. 9, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
EASTERN WASHINGTON HONORS RETIRING U.S. ATTORNEY JAMES A. McDEVITT
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HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS
of washington
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James A. McDevitt, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, who is retiring after eight years of outstanding service in that position and over three decades of service to America as a member of the U.S. military.
James A. McDevitt was appointed United States Attorney by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate on November 30, 2001. According to Jim, being the chief federal law enforcement officer has been the ``capstone of my law career, and the most challenging and rewarding job I've had in the legal field.''
After earning his MBA in business and his law degree from Gonzaga University in 1975, Jim worked for five years as an assistant Washington State attorney general, when former Senator Slade Gorton served as our state AG. After leaving this position, Jim entered private practice as a partner in the law firm of Reed and Giesa, PS, and then, Preston Gates Ellis, LLS (now K & L Gates, LLP), until his appointment with the Justice Department.
According to Jim, he feels privileged to have served under two presidents and four U.S. Attorneys General. He is proud that no one in the U.S. Justice Department ever tried to apply political pressure regarding his supervision of the office or the handling of a particular case.
In addition to his legal career, Jim served for 35 years in the military, with five years in the United States Air Force followed by 30 years in the Washington Air National Guard, where he retired as a brigadier general. Because of his extensive military service, which included time as a commander in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, and his position as U.S. Attorney, Jim has traveled to Bosnia-
Herzegovina and Romania to serve as an advisor to officials in both countries. He has also worked extensively with Canadian officials on border issues.
Since 1965, Jim has been married to his wife, Gretchen, a retired school teacher and counselor. They are enthusiastic parents of two sons, Darby and Brendan. When Jim eventually semi-retires, in addition to teaching, he will devote more time to flying into the back country, enjoying nature and fly fishing on his favorite lakes and streams.
Madam Speaker, James A. McDevitt represents the patriotism and courage of America's men and women in uniform plus the tireless commitment to justice that marks the best leaders of America's U.S. Attorney and our entire justice system. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jim on eight excellent years as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington plus 35 brave years as a member of the U.S. military. We wish him continued success and productivity in his well-earned retirement.
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