Volume 169, No. 14 covering the 1st Session of the 118th Congress (2023 - 2024) was published by the
Congressional Record.
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 HUGH T. CLEMENTS, JR.” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the in the Senate section section on pages S52-S53 on Jan. 23.
The Department is one of the oldest in the US, focused primarily on law enforcement and the federal prison system. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, detailed wasteful expenses such as $16 muffins at conferences and board meetings.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO HUGH T. CLEMENTS, JR.
Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., on his retirement from the Providence Police Department and on his new role at the Department of Justice running the COPS program. A 38-year veteran of the police force, Colonel Clements joined the police force right out of college. He worked his way to the top job and did so with integrity and devotion to the job and the city he loves. Two things stand out about Hugh: One, he made the transition from leading the FOP to leading the department, a feat that provides a measure of his skills and fairness; two, in the department's dark days, he remained true to his oath, even though that likely ended any chance for him at promotion. When the skies ultimately brightened, his choice to stay true was rewarded; but at the time, it was not sure that day would ever come. It is easy to do the right thing when you are rewarded for it; when it comes with a price, that is the true test--one he passed. I have always admired and enjoyed working with Hugh. One of his many gifts is to always be in touch with and understand his officers and the challenges they face as they serve our capital city, with a similar understanding with the broader community. Leading any sizable department can be difficult, but Colonel Clements' long tenure in the role of chief under several mayoral administrations is a testament to his abilities--to the affection, loyalty and respect he has earned and to his thoughtful and effective community-centered approach.
Chief Clements has received many accolades for his outstanding service. He is a three-time recipient of the Chiefs Award. He has been recognized for his work by the FBI, ATF, and the Rhode Island Attorney General. And now, the Attorney General of the United States has placed his trust in him. I thank Colonel Clements for his steadfast commitment to the people of our capital city and to the officers of the Providence Police Department as he leaves city service. I wish him, his wife Donna, and their family, all the best--and I look forward to continuing to work with him here in Washington to protect the public safety.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 169, No. 14
