[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ON THE RETIREMENT OF JACK G. DOWNING AS THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR 
                         OPERATIONS AT THE CIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, the conduct of espionage activities by the 
CIA is a challenging enterprise under the best of circumstances, and 
under certain circumstances can be extraordinarily dangerous. When 
conducted well by officers of skill and courage, these activities make 
great contributions to the national security of the United States.
  For the past two years, the CIA's clandestine service, the 
Directorate of Operations (DO), was led by a person of exceptional 
ability, Jack Downing. At the end of July, Mr. Downing completed a 
thirty year career with ``the outfit,'' as he refers to the CIA, and 
retired--for the second time. Nothing more needs to be said about Mr. 
Downing's patriotism and sense of duty than that he was willing to come 
out of retirement in 1997, at the personal request of the Director of 
Central Intelligence, to lead the Directorate of Operations. He has 
concentrated on developing a strategic plan for the DO, recruiting new 
officers with the skills the DO will need in the next century, 
improving their training, and addressing those factors which detract 
from their morale. In short, he has begun the rebuilding of the 
clandestine service and, while the fruits of his labor will not be seen 
fully for some time, it is already clear that the DO is operating with 
a clearer sense of purpose.
  Prior to his first retirement, Mr. Downing had served in some of the 
most sensitive and important of the CIA's overseas posts. He was 
regarded as a first rate case officer and a leader who inspired the 
dedication and loyalty of those who worked for him. His ``second 
career'' with the CIA has only embellished that reputation.
  Mr. Speaker, public service is frequently, and unfortunately, 
denigrated. Jack Downing's accomplishments--in the Marine Corps and the 
CIA--are evidence of both the importance and the value of distinguished 
public service. He has given much to our country and we should be 
grateful. I wish Mr. Downing and his family continued success in the 
years ahead.

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