[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 165 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO CBO DIRECTOR, DR. DOUGLAS J. HOLTZ-EAKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM NUSSLE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 18, 2005

  Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who many in this 
body have had the distinct pleasure of working with during the past 
several years, and someone who has left a tremendous mark on the 
Congressional Budget Office. The distinguished Director of the CBO, Dr. 
Douglas J. Holtz-Eakin, will be leaving his position at the end of this 
month to take on the challenges and opportunities of his new job with 
the Council on Foreign Relations.
  Back in 2003, I had the honor of interviewing candidates and making 
my recommendation on who should be the next director to lead the CBO. 
And while I'd interviewed several superbly qualified candidates for the 
position, after meeting with Dr. Holtz-Eakin, the choice was clear.
  First, Doug possessed a wealth of economic and public sector 
experience, having served as the Chief Economist for the President's 
Council of Economic Advisers, a position to which he was appointed by 
President Bush in June 2001.
  Second, based on his reputation as a man of unquestioned integrity, 
combined with his history of providing consistent, strong leadership, I 
felt confident he would effectively serve the whole of Congress in an 
independent, non-partisan fashion.
  Last, but certainly not least, Doug is well known for his gregarious 
personality, and great sense of humor. And for anyone familiar with the 
always challenging and often thankless tasks regularly asked of CBO, 
these attributes are a tremendous asset to its leader.
  And Doug's work these past few years has shown that my confidence in 
his abilities was more than justified.
  During his tenure as CBO's director, he has effectively utilized the 
tremendous energy and talent of his staff. He has led CBO to make great 
strides in analyzing the impact of revenue measures on the economy. And 
because of his clear vision of how Congress and CBO could better work 
together, CBO's responsiveness and performance have improved 
significantly under his leadership.
  I have been extremely impressed and very proud of Doug's leadership 
and accomplishments, and would today like to publicly thank him on 
behalf of this Congress.
  Doug, we wish you continued success in the next chapter of your 
distinguished career.

                          ____________________