[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF HERBERT S. BECKER

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                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that we recognize the 
accomplishments of a visionary who is set to retire from service to the 
Congress at the end of this year. Herbert S. Becker has been the 
Director of the Office of Information Technology Services at the 
Library of Congress. During his 15 years of leadership, he helped bring 
about new programs in support of the Congress, the Library, and the 
nation.
  In collaboration with the Congressional Research Service, Mr. Becker 
created a Capitol-Hill-wide Legislative Information System for better 
and faster access to legislative resources. He oversaw the successful 
transition to new technology that made the Library's online card 
catalog easier for patrons to use. He initiated the development and 
implementation of new technology to improve archiving at the 
Congressional Research Service and the U.S. Copyright Office. And he 
helped create a new financial management system.
  But perhaps Mr. Becker's most significant accomplishment was his role 
in the development of the popular THOMAS website for public access to 
legislative information. With the advent of THOMAS, any citizen can 
access detailed and recently updated information about the business of 
Congress and gain insight into the legislative process.
  His vision and the strength of his commitment have clearly 
facilitated the work of the people's representatives. I know I speak 
for the entire House when I wish him well in his future endeavors and 
thank him for his years of service to the American people.

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