[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO PATRICK G. HECK

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I want to honor Mr. Patrick G. Heck, who 
is retiring this month following 23 years of dedicated Federal service. 
Pat has served the Finance Committee and all Americans extremely well 
during his eight years as tax counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on 
Finance, and as chief tax counsel for the past 4 years.
  As a college freshman, Pat began his congressional career as a file 
clerk for his Congressman. Throughout his distinguished public service 
career, Pat's tireless dedication has earned the respect of his peers, 
family, and community. Pat commands the respect of both Democratic and 
Republican staff throughout the Senate. Pat is a graduate of the 
Georgetown University Law Center, with an LL.M. in taxation. He 
received his J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law, and is 
a graduate of American University, with degrees in political science 
and economics.
  Prior to joining the Finance Committee staff, Pat served as assistant 
counsel on the Select Revenue Subcommittee of the House Committee on 
Ways and Means. While there, Pat was responsible for leading hearings 
on intercompany transfer pricing, Internal Revenue Service collection 
and enforcement. Before that, he was an attorney with the Internal 
Revenue Service's Office of Chief Counsel.
  I know the members of the Senate Finance Committee join me in 
gratitude for Pat's sage advice on tax policy matters. His efforts have 
helped to shape the legislative agenda for tax administration and tax 
reform. He cares deeply about these issues and the effect they have on 
hard-working Americans. With his ever-meticulous style, Pat has helped 
me to delve into the important issue of the ``tax gap,'' energy tax 
incentives, tax cuts for individuals and small businesses, and taxpayer 
rights.
  Pat also helped me develop the idea of extending the time period 
during which Americans could make tax-exempt contributions to help 
victims of the tsunami disaster in 2005. This change helped facilitate 
a floodgate of tax-exempt contributions for these victims.
  Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Pat Heck 
for his many years of outstanding service and in wishing him well for 
the future.

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