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.
“RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MARK BUTLER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the in the House section section on pages H118-H119 on Jan. 10.
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:
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF MARK BUTLER
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mark Butler and his service to the State of Georgia as our Commissioner of Labor.
Mark has dedicated his entire life to serving the great State of Georgia. He served in the Georgia State House of Representatives for 8 years, where he had the distinct honor of being my suitemate.
In January 2011, Mark became Georgia's ninth Commissioner of Labor, and the first Republican to head the department.
Since Mark's first election, he has implemented many programs designed to improve the agency's relationships with employers, jobseekers, and Georgia's future workforce.
In 2013, he formed the Business Service Unit. This program was designed to foster mutually beneficial relationships with Georgia's employers and economic developers.
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In 2014, he developed the Labor Department's newest program, Customized Recruitment. This program bridges the gap between employers and job seekers.
A committed public servant, statesman, and friend, I thank Mark for his leadership and his hard work.
Recognizing and Honoring Jon Burns
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor my friend, Jon Burns, for becoming the new Speaker of the Georgia State House of Representatives.
Jon has dedicated his entire life to serving the great State of Georgia. He was elected to the Georgia State House in 2004. During his first session in the Georgia State House, Jon and I were suitemates. Since then, I have enjoyed getting to know Jon and his family and he has become a dear friend.
In 2015, Jon was chosen to serve as the Georgia House majority leader and would eventually be elected as the 74th Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. During his time in the State legislature, Jon has worked to bring environmentally balanced economic development, world-class healthcare, quality education, and improved education to Georgia.
There is no one more deserving of the speakership than Jon Burns. I look forward to seeing all that he can accomplish and wish him a long and successful tenure.
On behalf of myself and the First District of Georgia, I thank him for all he does.
university of georgia's community engagement award
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Georgia's Archway Partnership on their recent award, the C. Peter Magrath Award for Community Engagement.
This award is the highest award for public service bestowed by the national Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The University of Georgia's Archway Partnership is nationally recognized for the resources and expertise it provides to rural communities.
Since its founding in 2005, the program's partnership has attracted hundreds of faculty and over 1,500 students to help Georgia communities secure more economic development opportunities. Programs like these are critical to ensuring that all areas of the State, rural and urban, can grow and take advantage of their unique situations.
They also give students the opportunity to face real-world problems. From economic development to preventative healthcare to broadening access and more, this partnership works to solve the most pressing issues of our time.
Additionally, this award comes with a $20,000 prize, which will be used to broaden the scope of what the partnership can take on.
Mr. Speaker, I commend Jere Morehead on his leadership at the university and in this program. I am proud of the work that the faculty and students at my alma mater have done to build up the rural communities around our State.
On behalf of the entire First District of Georgia, I thank them for their efforts.
recognizing thiago almada
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thiago Almada as the first Major League Soccer player to win the World Cup.
Thiago was on the Argentinean team that won a thrilling 4-2 penalty shoot-out over France to win the World Cup. Argentina's win gave Lionel Messi his first World Cup trophy, which has eluded his storybook career.
When he is not representing Argentina, Thiago plays for Georgia's Atlanta United. During the 2022 season, Thiago started 25 of 29 games and scored six goals. He also had 12 assists and 77 on-target scoring attempts. In 2022, he was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year.
During the World Cup, Thiago made one appearance playing 6 minutes against Poland in the Group C finale. At just 21 years old, Thiago has a long career ahead of him.
Congratulations, Thiago. Continue to make Georgia proud.
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