[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 151 (Monday, October 19, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10513-S10514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN PRAISE OF KENNETH E. CARFINE

  Mr. KAUFMAN. Mr. President, I rise once again to recognize the 
service of one of America's great Federal employees. I feel fortunate 
to have a chance to stand here each week and share so many inspiring 
stories. Since the spring, I have recognized the contribution of public 
servants from a number of Departments, including Defense, Labor, 
Agriculture, and Justice, as well as Agencies such as NASA and CIA. 
Today, I will be speaking about an outstanding employee from the 
Department of the Treasury.
  This is a time of great challenge to our economy, our markets, even 
the power of our currency. But the men and women of the Treasury and 
its various agencies and offices are working tirelessly on recovery and 
securing our prosperity. The impact they make through their daily work 
can be felt from coast to coast. Public servants at the Treasury 
Department serve on the front lines of job creation, public investment, 
and the management of tax income. They carry on the tradition of 
Alexander Hamilton, our first Treasury Secretary, who believed the 
health and prosperity of our Nation depended on the strong management 
and oversight of public funds. He laid the foundations of America's 
financial system, which the employees in the Treasury Department 
reinforce each day.
  Kenneth Carfine has been serving the American people and the Treasury 
Department for 35 years.
  A graduate of the University of Baltimore, Kenneth joined the 
Treasury Department's Financial Management Service in 1973, the same 
year I came to the Senate to work for then-Senator Biden. During his 
time there, Kenneth

[[Page S10514]]

worked in banking, cash management, payments, check claims, and 
government-wide accounting.
  In recent years, he has worked under the Fiscal Assistant Secretary, 
serving as an adviser to senior department officials. His intellect and 
diligence have been critical as the Treasury addresses economic 
recovery.
  Earlier this year, Kenneth helped direct the Treasury's 
implementation of its responsibilities under the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act. He led the development of two new departmental 
programs aimed at spurring economic growth. One of them helps renovate 
affordable housing for struggling families, and the other funds 
renewable energy initiatives.
  Kenneth has also earned respect as a leader in cash-and-debt 
management infrastructure. Americans who use a national debit card to 
receive their Social Security benefits have him to thank for leading 
the implementation of this program.
  His hand has helped shape how the Treasury deals with debt financing, 
trust fund administration, cash management, and a range of services.
  Kenneth Carfine and all of the hard-working employees of the Treasury 
Department are leading the way toward economic recovery and sound 
fiscal management of the taxpayer's money. I hope my colleagues will 
join me in thanking them all for their service to our Nation.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Merkley). The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Shaheen). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as 
in morning business for up to 20 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________