[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL F. KERGIN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Camp) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
distinguished service of Ambassador Michael Kergin, a man who has done 
much to advance the combined interests of Canada and the United States 
of America.
  Mr. Kergin has spent the better part of the last 4 decades in public 
service. His experience has served him not only well at home but also 
here. He has served the American people very well.
  When our Nation was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, I 
knew we had a friend in Michael Kergin and in Canada. Standing shoulder 
to shoulder, our two countries moved forward to battle against those 
who sought to disrupt the free and democratic world.
  Having served as chairman of the former Select Committee on Homeland 
Security, Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, I have 
always been especially thankful that Ambassador Kergin was a constant 
source of goodwill and great insight as we secured our shared border 
while protecting our economies and the hundreds of thousands of jobs 
dependent on North American trade.
  Together, we were able to secure a new working agreement, implement 
new tactics, utilize advanced technology and biometrics, and integrate 
border teams, all in order to strengthen border security without 
straining our friendship. The delicacy of such strategic initiatives 
and the relative ease with which they were accomplished is a testament 
to the skills Ambassador Kergin has always employed to ensure our 
historic friendship with our northern border remains sound.
  As I am sure his services will be missed in Canada, on a personal 
note, they will also be missed in America.

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