[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. MATTHEW ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker: I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Matthew 
Allen, nuclear physicist from Sandia National Laboratories, for his 
outstanding service to the Nation. Matt has served with distinction as 
a Fellow these last two years on the House Committee on Homeland 
Security, and has worked closely with me for the Subcommittee on 
Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
  Matt has been instrumental in providing technical expertise to me on 
critical nuclear-related matters affecting the security of the 
homeland. He was an essential resource in the successful introduction 
and ultimately House passage of the ``Next Generation Radiation 
Detection Act of 2008.'' His oversight and legislative work on issues 
such as radiation detectors, national nuclear forensics capabilities, 
and the Securing the Cities program was thorough, well informed, and 
infused with good humor.
  Always wanting to learn and to do, Matt took an interest in areas 
beyond his personal comfort zone, including biosecurity, cybersecurity, 
and the nuances of the legislative process. He took enormous pride not 
only in the details of his work, but in the concept that a laboratory 
scientist could be invited to serve the Congress in such a central 
capacity. He referred to his fellowship as a ``study abroad'' program, 
and, like an idealistic student, delighted in everything the Hill and 
Washington, DC had to offer.
  I applaud Matt's service and hope, long after he has returned to the 
lab bench, for his continued engagement in policymaking.

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