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.
“ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Senate section on pages S1218 on Feb. 26, 2018.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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TRIBUTE TO WILMA AND WELLINGTON WEBB
Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I wish to celebrate the diamond jubilee birthdays of the Honorable Wilma and Wellington Webb.
Wilma and Wellington Webb embody the best of Colorado. Through a long and distinguished career, they have made history, improved our communities, and set an example of leadership for our State.
Wilma Webb's life is defined by service to others. Her career began as a community organizer registering voters, assisting impoverished families, and fighting for equality in education. In 1980, she joined the Colorado House of Representatives, where she was reelected for six terms and served a total of 13 years. During her tenure, Wilma sponsored many substantive bills and became the first African American to serve on the powerful joint budget committee, which writes Colorado's multibillion dollar annual budget. After 4 years of tireless advocacy, she pushed through legislation to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday in Denver through events like the annual
``Marade.'' President Clinton later appointed her to serve as the regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor.
Her husband, Wellington Webb, likewise displays an example of public service. Mayor Webb has served in the Colorado House of Representatives, the Carter administration, and Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies. In a historic election in 1991, he became the first African-American mayor of Denver. Over two terms, Mayor Webb dedicated himself to improving Denver's parks and open spaces, strengthening public safety, championing inclusive economic development, and expanding access to high-quality education for our children. Like his wife, Mayor Webb's leadership has left an indelible mark. We see it throughout our city, from the Denver International Airport to the expanded Denver Art Museum, the Blair-Caldwell African-
American Research Library, and the many buildings that bear his name.
As individuals, Wilma and Wellington Webb are exceptional examples of public service. Together, they have formed an extraordinarily powerful force that has left Denver and Colorado more prosperous, inclusive, and just. On this day of celebration, I join Coloradans across our State in sharing my deep gratitude and admiration for the legacy they created and the years of contributions that lie ahead.
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