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 ROLAND J. BABIN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the in the Senate section section on page S3268 on July 13.
The Department handles nearly all infrastructure crisscrossing the country. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department should be privatized to save money, reduce congestion and spur innovation.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO ROLAND J. BABIN
During his long tenure, Mr. Babin served the department and the State in a number of ways, from working as an engineer aide I to an engineer technician VII. He has supervised and trained countless construction and maintenance personnel over the years, making an impact on the department that will last for years to come. Even at 85 years old, Mr. Babin can be found on a job site operating a shovel, measuring tools, a roller behind a hot mix paver, or a vibratory compactor. Mr. Babin also recorded daily journal entries, dating back to 1970, narrating the department's construction and maintenance projects, hurricanes, ice storms, other emergency responses, and personal anecdotes from his career. In 2017, Mr. Babin was a recipient of the Charles E. Dunbar, Jr., Career Civil Service Award, the highest honor awarded to classified Louisiana State employees for outstanding and selfless service for the Louisianan community.
His tireless work throughout the years has ensured that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will continue to serve Louisiana for decades to come. The department and the State of Louisiana have benefited greatly from his leadership and contributions, and his legacy will not be soon forgotten. I personally thank Mr. Babin for his notable service and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.
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