[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING SPECIAL AGENT LEANNE G. CHARETTE ON THE OCCASION OF HER 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand to 
join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered today 
to extend my sincere congratulations to Leanne G. Charette on the 
occasion of her retirement marking the end of a thirty-two year career 
with the Internal Revenue Service.
  When the average American thinks about the Internal Revenue Service, 
often they only contemplate the time, energy, and paperwork it takes to 
file an annual tax return. While the Internal Revenue Service is 
charged with the task of collecting revenue, they are also responsible 
for ensuring the protection of American citizens from fraud and 
evasion. Every day we hear the stories of corporations and individuals 
who seek to undermine the government through waste, mismanagement, and 
fraud. It is through the efforts of Special Agents like Ms. Charette 
that American taxpayers are saved millions in lost revenue.
  Throughout her career, Leanne Charette has demonstrated a unique 
commitment to public service. As a Special Agent with the Criminal 
Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, she has been an 
active member of several complex investigations. As a member of the 
Health Care Fraud Task Force, she worked with representatives from 
several federal agencies to identify abuses in the health care field 
which were used to help develop health care reforms. More recently, Ms. 
Charette worked on a task force investigating a massive insurance fraud 
responsible for bilking insurance companies in several states of assets 
in excess of two hundred million dollars. Her efforts helped to 
identify several problems with the industry and the results will go a 
long way in helping to establish solutions to these issues. More 
importantly, the task force has been able to recover most of the stolen 
assets which will be distributed to the victims.
  Too often, we overlook the tireless efforts of those in public 
service. Throughout her career, Ms. Charette has exemplified all that a 
public servant should be. Her commitment and diligence has earned her 
the respect and admiration of her colleagues and all of those with whom 
she has worked. For her many years of dedicated service, I am proud to 
rise today to extend my heart-felt congratulations to Leanne G. 
Charette as she joins her husband, Dick, in retirement. My very best 
wishes to you both for many more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________