[Page S2089]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KATY HAGAN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Katy Hagan, 
who has retired after 18 years of service on the staff of the Senate 
Appropriations Committee. As a budget analyst at the Defense 
Subcommittee, Katy dedicated her career to the security of our Nation 
and the well-being of servicemembers and their families. Her attention 
to detail and excellent analysis ensured that the Congress passed 
legislation each year to further our Nation's interests and keep our 
country safe.
  Katy Hagan joined the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in February 
2007 under Chairman Ted Stevens and went on to serve under Chairs 
Inouye, Cochran, Durbin, Shelby, and Tester before I took up the gavel 
this year. She served each with dedication and performed her duties to 
the best of her ability. Katy's colleagues over the years attest that 
her professionalism, analysis, and guidance greatly contributed to 
every product that the subcommittee produced for the past 18 years.
  Katy's expertise in the operations and maintenance appropriation was 
greatly valued and respected by her colleagues, the services, and all 
whom were fortunate to work with her. She diligently engaged with each 
of the services and made smart recommendations based on her extensive 
information gathering. With each passing year, Katy brought an even 
greater wealth of institutional knowledge to this appropriation, making 
outstanding recommendations for each continuing resolution, Senate 
bill, supplemental, reprogramming action, and enactment.
  It is difficult to sum up the gratitude Katy's colleagues hold for 
the devotion and care she brought to her work. The billions of dollars 
under her purview throughout her years on the committee were reviewed 
with a keen eye toward warfighter needs and the best use of taxpayer 
resources. Her recommendations, leadership, and counsel were greatly 
valued by her team. She is already deeply missed.
  On behalf of all the past chairs, Senators, and staff who have worked 
with Katy over the years and who know firsthand the importance of her 
expertise and contributions, I would like to express our appreciation 
for her service. Katy, we wish you all the best in the next chapter. 
Thank you.

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