[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 47 (Monday, March 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO JAMES W. LAUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                  in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 24, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to James 
W. Laughlin--one of our Federal Government's finest public servants and 
a long time resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This March he 
will retire from an exceptionally distinguished career of service to 
his country. He has served our Nation as a career civil servant for 
over 42 years. He has been an exceptional leader and has played a key 
role in ensuring effective financial management for the Department of 
Defense. It gives me pride to have the opportunity to honor him today 
for his tremendous accomplishments.
  Mr. Laughlin began his career with the Navy in the financial 
management field working for various field activities. He progressed to 
a supervisory budget analyst in the Office of the Navy Comptroller 
where he was responsible for the Navy's operation and maintenance and 
civilian manpower programs. In 1974 he transitioned to the Office of 
the Department of Defense Comptroller.
  Mr. Laughlin first served in the Department of Defense Comptroller 
office as a budget analyst in the Research and Development Directorate, 
responsible for reviewing the Navy and Air Force multi-billion dollar 
aircraft programs. He then moved to the Military Personnel Directorate 
where he was responsible for reviewing the Navy and Marine Corps 
military personnel appropriations.
  Since 1982, Mr. Laughlin has been the senior budget analyst for 
Military Personnel appropriation matters--a portfolio that totals over 
$93 billion this year. Mr. Laughlin is an acknowledged expert on 
Military Personnel funding issues both inside the Pentagon and on 
Capitol Hill, particularly in the areas of concurrent receipt, military 
wage credits, and retired pay issues.
  Senior leaders, both in the Congress and the Department of Defense, 
have benefited from his experience, outstanding leadership and 
distinguished performance. His efforts have enabled our nation's 
leaders to make the most effective use of defense resources to ensure 
America's military strength. On behalf of my colleagues, I thank him 
for his service to our country and wish him well on his retirement.

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