[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E173-E174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EASTERN WASHINGTON HONORS RETIRING U.S. ATTORNEY JAMES A. McDEVITT

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 2010

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James 
A. McDevitt, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of 
Washington, who is retiring after eight years of outstanding service in 
that position and over three decades of service to America as a member 
of the U.S. military.

[[Page E174]]

  James A. McDevitt was appointed United States Attorney by President 
George W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate on November 
30, 2001. According to Jim, being the chief federal law enforcement 
officer has been the ``capstone of my law career, and the most 
challenging and rewarding job I've had in the legal field.''
  After earning his MBA in business and his law degree from Gonzaga 
University in 1975, Jim worked for five years as an assistant 
Washington State attorney general, when former Senator Slade Gorton 
served as our state AG. After leaving this position, Jim entered 
private practice as a partner in the law firm of Reed and Giesa, PS, 
and then, Preston Gates Ellis, LLS (now K & L Gates, LLP), until his 
appointment with the Justice Department.
  According to Jim, he feels privileged to have served under two 
presidents and four U.S. Attorneys General. He is proud that no one in 
the U.S. Justice Department ever tried to apply political pressure 
regarding his supervision of the office or the handling of a particular 
case.
  In addition to his legal career, Jim served for 35 years in the 
military, with five years in the United States Air Force followed by 30 
years in the Washington Air National Guard, where he retired as a 
brigadier general. Because of his extensive military service, which 
included time as a commander in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War, 
and his position as U.S. Attorney, Jim has traveled to Bosnia-
Herzegovina and Romania to serve as an advisor to officials in both 
countries. He has also worked extensively with Canadian officials on 
border issues.
  Since 1965, Jim has been married to his wife, Gretchen, a retired 
school teacher and counselor. They are enthusiastic parents of two 
sons, Darby and Brendan. When Jim eventually semi-retires, in addition 
to teaching, he will devote more time to flying into the back country, 
enjoying nature and fly fishing on his favorite lakes and streams.
  Madam Speaker, James A. McDevitt represents the patriotism and 
courage of America's men and women in uniform plus the tireless 
commitment to justice that marks the best leaders of America's U.S. 
Attorney and our entire justice system. I ask my colleagues to join me 
in congratulating Jim on eight excellent years as the U.S. Attorney for 
the Eastern District of Washington plus 35 brave years as a member of 
the U.S. military. We wish him continued success and productivity in 
his well-earned retirement.

                          ____________________