[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 10, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E689-E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING STANLEY M. SILVERMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 2000

  Mr. ROGERS. Mr. Speaker, some of the most lasting contributions to 
freedom throughout the world, and to the triumph of American values, 
have been made over the last four decades by the patriotic staff of the 
U.S. Information Agency [USIA] and its successor organizations within 
the U.S. Department of State.
  The USIA legacy can be found around the globe, and most significantly 
in the former cold war states whose failed social structures gave way 
to principles and institutions promoted by American foreign policy, 
exposure to American commentary, and opportunities for cultural 
exchange.
  The USIA has relied on many gifted servants over the last several 
decades, but perhaps no one has provided such sustained and influential 
service as Stanley M. Silverman, who retired in April of this year, 
after 45 years of government service. Stan has been a guiding presence 
within the agency, an institutional marvel, a key adviser to directors 
and colleagues alike, and most importantly, a man of integrity.
  For many years, the USIA occupied an evolving and unique role within 
American government. Its job was to promote the understanding of the 
politics, culture, and enduring values of the United States to an 
outside world that often was hostile to our norms. Through its many 
programs, it told the American story and satisfied those in closed 
societies who hungered for our ideals and for the freedom of 
expression.
  As the last comptroller of the USIA, Stan Silverman built a career 
around ensuring this agency had the resources necessary to carry out 
this enormously important and successful mission. He led the 
formulation and execution of the agency's budget, and faithfully 
advocated its importance year after year within the executive branch 
and before the Congress. All who worked with Stan benefited from his 
clear articulation of the agency's purpose and needs, his unfailing 
recall of facts and figures, and his wonderful sense of humor.
  His work was instrumental in creating a constructive relationship 
between his agency and the legislative branch, in particular the 
members and staff of the House Appropriations Committee. To the agency 
he served and the Congress he respected, he provided consistent support 
and leadership at all times, including those critical times for the 
agency, when its well-accepted missions became the subject of critical 
evaluation once the cold war was won.
  Stan Silverman will never put aside the trappings of modesty for 
which he is known. So we must acknowledge and celebrate his rare 
combination of intellect, wisdom, humor, and loyalty to a Nation that 
must ever hold those of such character in the highest possible regard.
  Recalling words attributed to Plato, ``The penalty good men pay for 
indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.'' Today we 
honor the career and accomplishments of Stan Silverman, a good man who 
honored the practice of public affairs with his service, to

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the benefit of the free people of this Nation and so many others.

                          ____________________