[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. ARMY LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the soldiers 
and civilians of the U.S. Army's Office of the Chief of Legislative 
Liaison [OCLL]. For over 50 years this office has provided invaluable 
service to the Congress by providing timely information assisting us 
with constituent inquiries, and assisting Members of Congress on fact 
finding missions.
  In June of this year, I stepped back in time for a few days as I 
attended several World War II commemorative activities in Europe. From 
Anzio, Italy where I fought with the 10th Mountain Division to the 
beaches of Normandy where so many soldiers fought and died for freedom 
on D-day, I was joined by over 150 of my colleagues in the Congress who 
came to remember and to say thank you to the veterans that freed a 
continent from tyranny.
  Those who attended these ceremonies will recall just how well 
planned, well coordinated, and finely executed the events were. The 
quality of the support we collectively received was no accident. The 
men and women of Army OCLL, soldiers and civilians worked diligently 
for months to ensure that success. They are to be commended for their 
extraordinary efforts on our behalf.
  This event only typifies the quality of support this fine 
organization has conscientiously provided to Congress for over 50 
years. Formed during World War II to provide a single point of contact 
for Members of Congress to obtain information about soldiers for 
anxious families, war department programs, or war-related activities, 
their contribution was quickly recognized as an essential service, not 
only during war, but during peacetime as well.
  Since those early years, the Army's OCLL has escorted thousands of 
congressional delegations on fact finding trips worldwide, often to 
places in harms way. No doubt about it, each of these missions have 
been well planned, meticulously coordinated, and flawlessly executed. 
It is a standard of excellence we have come to expect as routine and 
take for granted. However, the work of OCLL should not be taken for 
granted. It is a key reason why we in the Congress are able to get the 
facts we need.
  Additionally, we all frequently request detailed information about 
the myriad of Army activities, especially during the authorizations and 
appropriations cycle. Again, the responsiveness of OCLL is outstanding. 
The ultimate judge, however, is our constituents. Their requests for 
information or assistance often lead us to OCLL for answers and help. 
Annually, OCLL responds to over 50,000 written inquiries from Members 
of Congress and thousands more telephonic inquiries. Army OCLL handles 
these inquiries conscientiously, with thoroughness, and in a timely 
manner.
  Mr. President, Army OCLL has repeatedly distinguished itself as an 
agency which goes beyond the call of duty. They have served the Army, 
the Congress and the Nation admirably, faithfully, and well over the 
past 50 years. I am certain the men and women who serve in OCLL, and 
serve us will continue in this fine tradition. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in paying tribute to those who serve in Army OCLL, past, 
present, and future. Thank you for your service to the Congress, the 
Army, and to America.

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