[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 24 (Wednesday, March 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CANADIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES, FRANK McKENNA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 1, 2006

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the outgoing 
Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Frank McKenna. After a 
successful tenure in office, the Ambassador is returning home to New 
Brunswick.
  Due to his commitment to solving problems and his indefatigable 
energy, Ambassador McKenna has presided over a number of important 
achievements during his time in Washington. I have had the opportunity 
to work closely with Ambassador McKenna in the last year on issues 
important to both our countries. We have agreed that the longest 
undefended border in the world must remain strong and secure, but not 
become a barrier to travelers, businesses, and border communities in 
both of our great nations.
  Mr. Speaker, Canada is our Nation's largest trading partner, with 
some $1.2 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border 
between our two countries each day. Ambassador McKenna and I have 
worked together to strengthen this relationship, and to advocate for 
commonsense solutions that both improve border security while also 
facilitating trade and travel.
  Indeed, through his successful careers in public life, law, business, 
and in diplomacy, Ambassador McKenna has understood the depth and 
breadth of relations between Canadians and Americans. He has employed 
his experience, tact and plain-spoken pragmatism to ensure that the 
occasional difference in priorities of our two governments does not get 
in the way of this friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Ambassador McKenna for his 
friendship, and his service to Canada and the U.S. I wish him well on 
his future endeavors, and hope that we will get together again soon 
over a meal of fried chicken and rice pudding.

                          ____________________