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 THOMAS O'BRIEN” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the in the Extensions of Remarks section section on page E1385 on Dec. 20.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO THOMAS O'BRIEN
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HON. KAY GRANGER
of texas
in the house of representatives
Monday, December 20, 2021
Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas O'Brien, an accomplished professional staff member of the House Appropriations Committee, who is retiring after more than 31 years of service in the Federal Government.
Tom began his career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1990. In 2004, during his tenure with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Tom was detailed to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, where he assisted with the fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year 2006 appropriations bills.
Following his detail, Tom became the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service and would soon become the Chief Financial Officer. In his role, Tom was responsible for managing fiscal policies and practices for over 10,000 employees and $1 billion.
Then, at the start of the 112th Congress, Tom rejoined the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture as professional staff, where he utilized his more than 20 years of Executive Branch experience. In 2014, Tom became Clerk for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. In this role, Tom was responsible for a portfolio exceeding $23 billion.
Tom was an outstanding member of the Appropriations Committee staff for more than ten years, and he served on my staff for three of those years. Tom was tasked with working on some of the most complex issues in the agriculture sphere, and he performed exceptionally.
Tom dedicated much of his life to public service, and I know he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and three daughters. Tom will be dearly missed by his colleagues--I wish him the very best in his next chapter and thank him for his devoted service to the United States.
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