[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  HONORING JAMES M. ``MIKE'' LAMBE ON A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE 
                         NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

                                 ______


                          HON. BRUCE F. VENTO

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February, 24, 1994

  Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, the common public perception of a National 
Park Service [NPS] employee is that of a ranger in a smokey bear hat 
and green and gray uniform working among some of America's great 
natural and historic resources. In reality the men and women of the NPS 
perform a wide variety of important jobs that further the mission of 
the NPS. One such NPS employee who I believe deserves public 
recognition and thanks is James M. ``Mike'' Lambe. On March 1, 1994, 
Mike will retire after a distinguished 34-year career with the NPS, 
including 30 years dealing with legislative affairs for the agency.
  The various statutes governing the NPS and its associated programs 
make up a significant and important body of law. Nowhere in those laws 
will you find Mike Lambe's name but, nevertheless, he leaves a 
significant imprint on many NPS laws of the past 30 years. As chairman 
for the past 9 years of the subcommittee with responsibility for the 
NPS, I, as well as other Members and staff, have benefited from Mike's 
expertise and knowledge of NPS law. Whether providing legislative 
drafting service to individual Members or developing legislative 
positions for the NPS, Mike has carried forth his duties in a highly 
professional manner that has earned him the respect of many. Working in 
the legislative arena can be a very difficult and demanding task. To do 
so for 30 years under both Democratic and Republican administrations is 
an impressive achievement. Such is his knowledge of NPS law that it is 
said that Mike has forgotten more NPS law than most people ever learn.
  Mike Lambe's work has been recognized within the Department of the 
Interior and the NPS as well. In every year since 1985 he has received 
Performance Awards. Three times he has received Special Achievement 
Awards, capped by the award of the Department of the Interior Citation 
for Meritorious Service in 1989. Mr. Speaker, in certain quarters it 
has become fashionable to denigrate Federal employees as nameless, 
faceless, uncaring bureaucrats. Mike Lambe's career proves how 
erroneous this view is. Dedicated and competent, Mike has set an 
example of what it means to be a public servant.
  I understand that following his retirement, Mike plans to move to 
Delaware, where he has spent time annually pursuing his avocation with 
ornithology. Mike has also let it be known that he plans to enjoy using 
his retirement enhancing his photography skills. I hope his 
photographic pursuits will take him to our national parks, where, as a 
visitor, he can enjoy some of the fruits of his labor. Mike should be 
proud of his work on legislation dealing with our national parks. The 
staff of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Land 
and I wish Mike all the best in his retirement.

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