[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S27-S28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CHARLES KIEFFER

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I rise today to commend and congratulate one 
of the best and brightest gentlemen I have ever had the privilege of 
employing. That man is Mr. Charles Kieffer who has served as staff 
director of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the last 2 years, 
and as deputy staff director for 6 years prior to that.
  Chuck Kieffer is a marvel of intelligence, wisdom, tact, coolness, 
and an extraordinary knowledge of appropriations and budget matters. He 
is personable, polite, and a pleasure to work with. He has been 
invaluable to me, to the leadership of the Senate, and to all

[[Page S28]]

the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In a time of 
continual wrangling over the appropriations process, tight budgets, 
veto threats, and differences between the House and Senate, Chuck has 
been a steady leader and a working dynamo. We have been extremely 
fortunate to have the right man as staff director in very difficult 
times.
  Chuck also serves as the chief clerk of the Homeland Security 
Subcommittee which funds the agencies that merged to form this cabinet 
level department. In the aftermath of September 11, Chuck provided key 
advice and direction about the wisest ways to protect against future 
terrorist attacks and address the staggering destruction in New York 
State and at the Pentagon. He has worn the two hats of staff director 
of the full Appropriations Committee and clerk of the Homeland Security 
Subcommittee, which I continue to chair, with grace and with ease.
  This really should come as no surprise. Despite his youth and 
unassuming demeanor, Chuck has served five Presidents, beginning with 
President Carter.
  Before he joined my Appropriations staff, Chuck worked at the Office 
of Management and Budget during the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, 
and George W. Bush administrations.
  In 1978 Chuck began his government service as a Presidential 
management intern at the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. 
From 1978-1985 he served as a budget analyst for the Department of 
Health and Human Services. From 1985-1990 Mr. Kieffer was special 
assistant to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. From 
1990-1995, he served as chief appropriations analyst for the Office of 
Management and Budget, and from 1995-2001 he was acting associate 
director of legislative affairs at the OMB until he joined my staff as 
deputy staff director of the Appropriations Committee in 2001. In 2001, 
Chuck Kieffer won the Robert G. Damas Public Service Award.
  As I step aside as chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the 
coming days, I am thankful that Chuck has agreed to stay by my side as 
the chief clerk of the subcommittee on Homeland Security. We can all 
sleep a little more soundly knowing that such a talented person as 
Chuck Kieffer is helping to adequately and effectively fund the 
Department charged with keeping Americans safe from harm here at home.

                          ____________________