Arlen Specter: “March 1 marks a very special occasion-- although it is with mixed feelings I report that Tom Ryan, the key Department of…”

“March 1 marks a very special occasion-- although it is with mixed feelings I report that Tom Ryan, the key Department of Labor Budget Analyst for employment and training programs is retiring following more than 32 years of a most distinguished career. As the members of the Appropriations Committee can attest, Mr. Ryan's work in this area has been extraordinary, in its breadth, its depth, and in its effectiveness. As needs arose and even when crisis has come to the lives of so many job seekers throughout our Nation, Mr. Ryan has been a pillar of strength in helping people as he worked tirelessly with us to ensure that funding for the right training opportunities were available when job seekers needed them. On behalf of the members of the Appropriations Committee, I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ryan for his vision which has so often guided us in formulating creative solutions to funding jobs training programs, in caring for the people we serve--many of those who are in critical need of assistance.”