Tom Harkin: “I rise today to call to your attention the retirement of one of our country's finest public servants. Jess Aragon, the…”

“I rise today to call to your attention the retirement of one of our country's finest public servants. Jess Aragon, the Budget Officer of the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, is leaving after 33 years of Federal service. In his capacity as Budget Officer, he controlled the formulation, justification, and execution of some $10 billion of our taxpayers' funds in a manner that set him apart for his professionalism and courtesy. He has personally assisted the Appropriations Committee time and time again, and has been especially helpful when the chips were down and information was desperately needed to make our bills and reports come together. A native of Albuquerque, NM, Jess' career began with a four-year stint in the Air Force. Following this, he entered public service with the New Mexico State Employment Security Agency, after which he joined the Department of Labor. He and his wife, Myra, are retiring to San Juan, PR, and I, and the other members and staff of the Appropriations Committee, wish them all the best, and offer a heartfelt thanks for a career devoted to serving the American people.”