[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO ALEX W. BUSSEY

                                 ______


                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 1994

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Alex W. 
Bussey, the assistant regional commissioner for field operations for 
the New York region of the Social Security Administration. Mr. Bussey 
will be honored on March 4, 1994, by his colleagues for 38 years of 
Federal service. Because he will be retiring in early March, this honor 
will represent the pinnacle of Mr. Bussey's success and diligent work.
  Mr. Bussey has clearly done much to deserve this distinction. He was 
the first African-American to hold the position of assistant regional 
commissioner for field operations, or even a position similar to this 
one, in the New York region. In addition, he was the recipient of the 
Commissioner's Citation in 1979 and 1988 and the Commissioner's 
Leadership Award in 1991. His dedication and outstanding performance is 
known throughout the agency. Since taking over this position in 1980, 
he has made a point of visiting each of his 135 offices, which are 
located in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 
This feat, which was unprecedented, enabled him to keep in close 
contact and to provide meaningful direction to each of his offices.
  Mr. Bussey truly understands the meaning of social mobility. After 
receiving his BA degree from Catholic University of America in 
Washington, DC, he joined the Social Security Administration in 1956 as 
a claims representative. He quickly advanced in his field and held 
various positions of increasing responsibility. By 1968 he was promoted 
to district manager at the uptown district office. As a result of his 
accomplishments as district manager, he was appointed to the position 
of regional representative in the Health and Human Services Office of 
Family Benefits Planning in 1971. He soon assumed the position of 
senior State relations officer and in 1976 he was named the Deputy 
Assistant Commissioner of SSI. He assumed his current position as the 
Director of Assistance programs in 1980. As the Assistant Regional 
Commissioner for Field Operations, he is responsible for directing the 
administration of Social Security and supplemental benefit payments to 
over 3\1/2\ million people in the New York region.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the Social Security Administration in 
congratulating Alex Bussey for his 38 years of service. Furthermore, I 
would like to wish him continued success and happiness. His dedication 
and advancement should be an inspiration for all people.

                          ____________________