[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4671-S4672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GARY J. LANG

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment today to 
honor the distinguished civil service career of a particularly 
remarkable senior law enforcement official. Mr. Gary J. Lang recently 
retired from his position as chief of staff of U.S. Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement in the Department of Homeland Security and in doing 
so, this special agent will leave behind a legacy of exceptional 
accomplishment and dedication to his country.
  Over the years, Mr. Lang has successfully handled a series of 
professional challenges that truly distinguish him as one of our 
Nation's outstanding leaders. His entry into the Federal service in 
1978 as an investigator with the Food and Drug Administration began a 
tradition in law enforcement to protect the public interest that exists 
to this day.
  From his time at the FDA, through the Defense Investigative Service, 
and as a special agent with the U.S. Customs Service working in south 
Florida during an era known for its smuggling, drug trafficking and the 
related criminal violence, Mr. Lang demonstrated courage, honesty, and 
leadership in positions of increasing responsibility that have become 
defining characteristics of his career. He earned the respect of his 
colleagues and supervisors for his operational and managerial expertise 
in the field.
  The Hill benefited from Mr. Lang's expert Federal law enforcement 
knowledge during the more than 4 years he spent supporting me through 
his work on various committees, including serving as special assistant 
for the Caucus on International Narcotics Control, as well as his time 
working with staff on the Judiciary and Finance Committees. The 
positive impact Gary had upon our initiatives through his expertise, 
dedication and memorable dignity was truly meaningful to me and our 
work effort.
  More recently, in a headquarters management position as deputy 
executive director of operations/transition teams, Mr. Lang 
participated at the very center of the decision making that defined the 
investigative role the DHS would have in its mission to protect the 
public against acts of terror, and resulted in the creation of U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the second largest investigative 
agency in the Federal Government. And, as a senior executive, Mr. Lang 
served as assistant director for ICE's Office of Investigations, 
managing the operational activities of a staff of 7,000 across the 
Nation and around the world.
  Mr. Lang most recently served as the chief of staff at ICE, where he 
spearheaded the advancement of the Assistant Secretary's mission-
critical goals across the full spectrum of the agency's operations and 
administrative lines of business, through its staff of 16,000. He 
worked diligently to ensure that ICE maximizes the application of its 
strategic resources to enforce U.S. trade and immigration laws and to 
target and neutralize national-level homeland security risks under 
ICE's legal authorities. Mr. Lang leads by example, by holding himself 
and others accountable in achieving ICE's highest

[[Page S4672]]

priority goals, in demanding a proactive approach in addressing 
emerging homeland security issues, and by setting the standard for 
dedication, morale and integrity throughout the ICE workforce.
  Mr. Lang has distinguished himself at every level of Federal law 
enforcement and has engendered respect and appreciation from 
subordinates, peers, and leadership alike. I am glad to be able to 
congratulate him and honor his memorable career as it comes to a close 
after nearly 29 years in the Federal Government. We on the Hill wish 
both Gary and his wonderful wife Karyn the very best of luck for the 
future and thank them for their years of public service.

                          ____________________