Political Quotes

“I rise to congratulate Kate M. Kaufer, the fearless leader of my defense staff, on more than 20 years of distinguished Federal service and on her well-earned retirement. For the last 4 years, it has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee supporting our military and our intelligence community. The subcommittee's unique jurisdiction appropriates more than half of the Nation's discretionary funding: $852 billion in this year's Senate bill. It is almost impossible for any one human being to wrap their arms around such an enormous national security enterprise. But I can think of at least one exception: Kate M. Kaufer. Born in Germany, Kate began her Federal service as a Presidential Management Intern for the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2003; she joined the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in December 2004. In her 20 years on the subcommittee, she has managed just about every appropriations account and issue in our jurisdiction with an incisive hungry analytical mind. Shipbuilding, satellites, intelligence activities, research, and innovation--you name it, Kate has left her mark. I want to extend my particular thanks to her and her loved ones these last 2 years as my clerk, for the late nights and weekends, the interrupted family vacations, and the weight of leading an indispensable subcommittee. Kate exemplifies the unique spirit and culture of our subcommittee.…”