[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO SHERRIE ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Sherrie Anderson who is retiring as the Deputy Director of the Mass 
Transit Security Programs Office of the Transportation Security 
Administration. I join my fellow colleagues in honoring the 34 years of 
service that Anderson has given to the protection of our nation's 
passengers. I am honored to give my compliments to a woman who has 
tirelessly pursued improvements in the nation's transportation 
security. She has played a pivotal role in our nation's defense against 
terrorism.
  For many years, Anderson was a lone voice in the wilderness of the 
Department of Transportation begging, pleading and cajoling the various 
modes of transportation to shore up efforts in improving security.
  As the guiding light of the Secretary of Transportation's Office of 
Security, Anderson was in the forefront of the Department's response to 
innumerable incidents over the past decades including Pan American 
Flight 103, the first World Trade Center Bombing, and September 11th.
  In the wake of 9/11, Anderson was one of the original hires in the 
Office of Maritime and Land of the newly created Transportation 
Security Administration. She served as the first Chief of the Rail 
Passenger Branch, Deputy Director of the Passenger Security Division 
and then as Deputy Director of Mass Transit Security Programs Office.
  In that capacity, Anderson led efforts to improve passenger screening 
efforts in commuter rail systems. Through her work, the three-phase 
Transit Rail Inspection Pilot (TRIP) was undertaken to demonstrate the 
efficacy of various technologies for passenger security screening 
systems.
  Throughout Anderson's tenure with the Federal Government, she has 
consistently shown grace and poise that has enabled her to talk to the 
highest levels of the government as well as those on the frontlines 
responding to transportation security incidents. Her calmness and 
level-headedness in crisis situations has been an enduring asset to 
both the Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security.
  I encourage others to continue her dedication to the betterment of 
transportation security for our fellow citizens. I congratulate the 
family of Sherrie Anderson on this momentous occasion. I wish her a 
well-earned retirement, and the thanks of a grateful nation.

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