[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10378-S10379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNITION OF TOM MORFORD

 Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, I rise today to say thank you and 
farewell to a trusted friend and a dedicated public servant, Tom 
Morford. For the past 5 years, Tom has served as the deputy 
administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, 
helping to bring health care to millions of underserved Americans. 
Without much fanfare or public recognition, he has quietly and 
dutifully served the American people in this post and in many others 
over the past three decades.
  I do not know if Tom had planned for such a long career in public 
service when he came to Washington in 1971. Since he first began as a 
management intern at the then Department of Health, Education and 
Welfare, Tom has held numerous positions, authored 12 papers, and 
received more awards than time will allow me to recite.
  For the past five years as deputy administrator at HRSA, Tom spent 
his days making hundreds of phone calls, reviewing budgets, and signing 
contracts. It isn't the kind of work that will make you famous, but it 
does make a tremendous difference.
  Tom was responsible for some of America's most vital public health 
programs; the construction of health care facilities, the operation of 
health clinics in underserved areas, and the training of healthcare 
professionals. His leadership helped strengthen the nation's community 
health centers, bringing primary health care services to nearly 12 
million people this past year alone. Tom also helped pioneer the 
comprehensive telehealth network which provides first-class health care 
to the hardest to reach communities.
  Yet Tom's accomplishments go much further than the systems he oversaw 
or the facilities he helped build. Tom's greatest skill has always been 
his desire to put aside egos and politics so he could concentrate on 
serving the American people. From the secretaries and grants officers 
at HRSA to Members of Congress, Tom listens, builds relationships and 
trust, then gets the job done. By his example alone, Tom reminds us why 
we entered public service--to make a difference.
  Now, thirty years later, Tom has decided to move on. He leaves behind 
a tremendous legacy and our nation's health care system is better for 
his efforts. While he will be sorely missed, we thank him for what he 
has already anonymously done for millions of people.
  It is said that ``a hand never opens in vain.'' Tom Morford has spent 
the last 30 years opening his hands to a succession of presidents and 
secretaries, to legislators, and to health care providers and 
advocates. Most importantly, Tom Morford opened his hands to the 
millions of forgotten who are often left in the shadows of our society.
  On behalf of my colleagues in the Congress and the millions of 
Americans who don't know Tom, but who benefit from his work, I say a 
simply thank you. Thank you, Tom, for opening your hands to lift those 
most in need. You will be missed.
  Mr. SPECTER. Today I want to salute and thank Mr. Thomas G. Morford, 
as he retires from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
after almost 30 years of dedicated service to the American people. As 
the Ranking Member of the Labor, HHS, and Education Subcommittee on 
Appropriations, I want to express my gratitude to Tom for the 
assistance he has provided to our subcommittee over the years. His 
knowledge of appropriations law and the federal budgetary process, and 
his willingness to assist my staff has been an invaluable service to 
the subcommittee. Tom spent many long hours, working under tight 
deadlines, putting together the President's budget and, in turn, 
helping our subcommittee complete our appropriations bills. Vital 
programs like Healthy Start, the National Health Service Corps, Ryan 
White AIDS programs, and Health Professions--to name a few--have 
benefited from Tom's tireless efforts.

  Tom has been a valued member of the staff at HHS, first in the Office 
of the Secretary, then with the Health Care Financing Administration, 
and finally with the Health Resources and Services Administration. My 
staff and I will miss his presence, guidance, patience, and good humor 
during the fiscal year

[[Page S10379]]

2002 appropriations season and beyond. But, more importantly, the 
American people are losing a valued and dedicated public servant. Tom 
is one of those unsung heroes throughout our government who has made it 
his life's work to help those in need. But today, as Tom leaves us, I 
want to sing his praises and let all who hear this know what a great 
loss his departure means to so many of us. I recognize, though, that 
Tom is embarking on another new and exciting chapter in his life, both 
personally and professionally. I know that one of Tom's goals is to 
spend more time with his wife, Gail, and their two daughters, which his 
retirement will allow him to do. I also know that Tom plans to continue 
to use his talents and gifts to help others in his new position with 
Johns Hopkins University. He deserves the very best in these future 
endeavors and, therefore, today I extend my heartfelt praise, thanks, 
and best wishes.

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