[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E3058-E3059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF JAMES J. CORNELL, INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE 
                     U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on behalf of myself and 
Congressman Daniel E. Lungren of California, I want to call to the 
attention of my colleagues a letter we recently sent to the Speaker 
regarding the retirement of Mr. James J. Cornell from the post of 
Inspector General of the House of Representatives. I enclose the letter 
here for your consideration.

                                         House of Representatives,


                            Committee on House Administration,

                                Washington, DC, December 16, 2009.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, 
         DC.
       Dear Madam Speaker: The Inspector General of the House of 
     Representatives, Mr. James J. Cornell, will be retiring on 
     January 2, 2010, after a long and distinguished career in 
     service to the United States. His exemplary career spans 31 
     years, including nearly six years with the House. Jim is a 
     perfect example of the exceptional public servants who labor 
     in the fields, absent the fanfare, but without whom this 
     institution would not function. Jim's commitment to 
     excellence will be missed, but his legacy as Inspector 
     General of the House of Representatives will have an 
     enduring, positive impact on the institution.
       One of the objectives of the Office of Inspector General is 
     to produce value-added reviews and analyses which have 
     improved House financial management, administrative 
     processes, workplace safety and security--be

[[Page E3059]]

     it physical, informational or technological. Jim's creation 
     of an advisory services division has expanded the types of 
     value-added services provided by the Office of Inspector 
     General.
       Further, Jim's efforts to train House Officers' staff on 
     process improvement and to provide mentoring and project 
     support, have allowed numerous House management staff to 
     detect process inefficiencies and find ways to eliminate 
     them. None of this would have been possible without Jim's 
     strong commitment to training, transparency, and 
     accountability. Jim's hard work and tenacity for thorough 
     analyses have been vital to ensuring the success of the 
     House's administrative and financial operations.
       Jim's non-partisan collaboration with House Leadership and 
     the Committee on House Administration has provided a solid 
     foundation for the continued work of the Office of Inspector 
     General. Due to Jim's leadership, we have great confidence 
     that the Office will continue to ensure strong internal 
     controls on the financial and administrative functions, will 
     promote policies and procedures to improve efficiency and 
     reduce the risk of asset loss, and will streamline processes 
     and ensure that House operations remain in compliance with 
     applicable rules, laws, and regulations.
       Although Jim will be missed by his colleagues, we share the 
     excitement for his new challenge and opportunity. As Jim 
     opens a Christian school in an under-served area in New 
     Jersey, we know that he will make a positive impact on the 
     lives of many children. Jim can take great pride and 
     satisfaction in the positive and important accomplishments 
     made throughout his career. We wish Jim and his wife Joanne a 
     joyful and exciting retirement, and we know that all Members 
     of the House join us in thanking Jim Cornell for his years of 
     distinguished service.
           Sincerely,
     Robert A. Brady,
       Chairman.
     Daniel E. Lungren,
       Ranking Minority Member.

                          ____________________