[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 103 (Thursday, July 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BARRY BERKOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2002

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to my friend Barry 
Berkoff, a senior policy advisor for Thelen Reid and Priest. Through 
many years of both public and private service, Barry has been an 
invaluable asset to Congress and the Executive Branch. He is a true 
role model for those who wish to dedicate their lives to improving 
government, society and our nation's public policy.
  Barry started his career as a young legislative assistant for Senator 
Frank Church in 1968. He spent twelve years in public service, rising 
to become the Senator's senior legislative and government affairs 
assistant. Barry has always been very proud of his service in 
government, and Congress was fortunate to have the benefit of his 
skills and dedication.
  I first got to know Barry in my early years in Congress, when I 
joined with several members of my delegation in the fight to preserve 
the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and the Philadelphia Naval Station. 
Barry was part of the team representing the City of Philadelphia during 
the base closure process. Since the closure of the yard, Barry has 
championed the difficult task of converting the yard to civilian, 
commercial use. Now known as the Philadelphia Business Center, the yard 
is a vibrant commercial complex that is attracting new jobs every day. 
A great deal of this success can be attributed to Barry Berkoff's 
efforts.
  Barry has also worked on a number of economic development projects 
that have improved the standard of living of my constituents in 
Philadelphia. He has helped small businesses in Philadelphia that have 
sought to convert their defense technologies to commercial 
applications. He has also provided invaluable advice on government 
contracting and appropriations to Philadelphia-area companies.
  Mr. Speaker, I know of few other individuals in this city who possess 
Barry's knowledge of the legislative process and history.
  I regret to inform my colleagues who know Barry that he is currently 
very ill. I join the House today in paying special tribute to this 
remarkable individual. He is in our thoughts and prayers.

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