[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SALUTE TO MR. PETER MICHAEL STEFFES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOEL HEFLEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 27, 2003

  Mr. HEFLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Peter M. 
Steffes, who recently retired from the House Committee on Armed 
Services after 41 years of distinguished public service. Pete's entire 
career was dedicated to national security and the defense of our 
country.
  Pete's career began in 1961 in the Air Force as an Airman Basic, E-1; 
and after 21 years of rapid advancement through the ranks, he retired 
as an E-9, a Chief Master Sergeant. On October 1, 1983, Pete joined the 
staff of the Armed Services Committee as a professional staff member 
where his dedication and exhaustive commitment to national security 
continued.
  While initially assigned to the military installations and facilities 
subcommittee and the environment restoration panel, Pete assisted in 
the drafting of the Superfund Reauthorization Act of 1985, a 
consequential piece of environmental legislation of national 
significance. Pete was assigned to the Military Readiness Subcommittee 
in 1990; and in 1996, he was chosen to serve as lead professional 
staff. While on the Military Readiness Subcommittee Pete was 
responsible for one-third of the Department of Defense Budget. Pete's 
previous military experience and unique insights helped clarify the 
true state of military readiness for the Armed Services Committee, the 
Congress, and the American people. Through Pete's efforts, the 
committee has been able to compel the Department of Defense to examine 
and portray its level of readiness more honestly, and contribute the 
commitment of resources necessary to raise military readiness to a 
higher level of preparedness.
  Also during this time, Pete lead the drafting efforts for the public 
sale of the Elk Hills Naval Petroleum Reserve that brought over $3.8 
billion to the U.S. Treasury. Pete was also responsible for a multi-
year effort to reform the operational structure of the Armed Forces 
Retirement Home to properly care for veteran military service men and 
women.
  In addition to his subcommittee responsibilities, Pete also arranged 
and accompanied Members of Congress on 128 congressional delegations 
(CODELS). He has jokingly remarked that four and one-half years of his 
government service were spent traveling.
  Pete's committee service spanned four presidents, eight secretaries 
of defense, five committee chairmen, and six staff directors. I speak 
for myself, past chairmen and ranking minority members, and any and 
everyone who has had the privilege of working with Pete, in thanking 
him for his tireless work for our military men and women, and his 
dedication to the Armed Services Committee.
  Pete is married to the former Barbara Eileen Jones. They have two 
children, Nicholette and Timothy, and five grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we wish Pete Steffes all the best in his new position as 
vice president of Government Policy, National Defense Industrial 
Association (NDIA). Members and committee staff will surely miss him, 
and we will always remember and be thankful for his distinguished 
service to the House of Representatives and our Nation.

                          ____________________