Recognizing Dr. Kenneth Katzman
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Kenneth Katzman and his more than twenty years of contribution to the Congressional Research Service and his work on behalf of the American people. Dr. Katzman's reputation as a foremost Middle East analyst is widely recognized, and this body has relied on his knowledge and expertise at pivotal points in recent history. Having served CRS since 1991, Dr. Katzman will retire on November 19, 2022.
Dr. Katzman is one of the most prolific authors and contributors for the Congressional Research Service, having written hundreds of memoranda, reports, and other products in the service of Congress and the advancement of the understanding of the Middle East for its members and staff. His work for Congress has covered such critical foreign policy issues as the wars in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq; U.S. sanctions policies; and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise known as the ``Iran Deal''. His writings have been read tens of thousands of times by congressional clients and have served as foundational analysis for legislation, hearings, and oversight.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Katzman routinely testified before subcommittees and committees of Congress on issues facing Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. In 1996 and again in 2001, he was assigned to the staff of the then House International Relations Committee where his deep knowledge of Middle East issues proved instrumental.
Dr. Katzman personified the mission of the Congressional Research Service, helping members and staff to understand unfolding events, their historical context, and the potential implications of congressional decisions.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Kenneth Katzman for an exemplary career at the Congressional Research Service. I join with Dr. Katzman's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his tireless commitment to our community and to thank him for his role in keeping this body informed for over two decades. Though we will miss his insight and seeing Dr. Katzman's familiar face in the halls of Congress, we wish him the very best in retirement.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source