[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 82 (Thursday, May 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW BERGER

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions of one of my staff members, Matthew Berger, during his 
nearly 5 years of service to the Senate Committee on Small Business and 
Entrepreneurship and to the people of this country. Matthew has decided 
to begin a new professional chapter in his life, and when he leaves the 
Senate this month, there will be a noticeable void in my staff.
  Matthew began his work with the committee in September 2005, starting 
as a special assistant to the staff director and quickly transitioning 
to become a professional staff member the next year. In his role as 
professional staff, Matthew became my principal adviser on economic 
matters, and he helped me develop legislation and policy ideas on a 
host of issues, from the annual Federal budget process to Social 
Security and pensions. For the last 2 years, Matthew has served as 
economist and press secretary for my committee staff, a far-reaching 
role that afforded him the ability to display his many talents, 
including his strong writing style and vast knowledge of all matters 
pertaining to the Nation's financial system.
  Over the past several years, Matthew has played a critical role in 
assisting me to develop and introduce legislation on a variety of 
issues. His research efforts were crucial in my developing the Home 
Office Tax Deduction Simplification Act in both the 110th and 111th 
Congresses, as well as numerous amendments to a variety of bills, 
including the recent financial regulatory reform legislation. Matthew 
was my lead staff member for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 
as well as for the yearly budget resolution, and as such, he is 
certainly well versed in the Senate amendment process. Matthew's 
efforts to promote my legislative priorities frequently helped me 
attract a broad coalition of cosponsors. Matthew has also helped me 
draft detailed editorials for several national and local Maine 
publications.
  Prior to joining my committee staff, Matthew spent 5\1/2\ years 
working on tax issues for Deloitte Tax LLP and developing a solid 
understanding and knowledge of our Nation's tax policy, making him a 
tremendous asset as soon as he began his work on the Hill. As a 
national tax manager, Matthew advised numerous clients on the impacts 
of tax law, helping them anticipate and adjust to any changes in the 
law. During his time at Deloitte, Matthew authored several articles and 
portions of books, and contributed frequently to Tax News & Views, one 
of the company's publications for its clientele. Additionally, he was 
instrumental in the design, launch, and management of Tax News & Views: 
Health Care Edition, which highlighted recent judicial, regulatory, and 
tax developments regarding health care. Matthew also served as a 
research assistant at the Hoover Institution during his time at 
Stanford University, where he earned his degree in economics.
  Matthew's next endeavor takes him to the National Multi Housing 
Council, where he will be the vice president of tax. I am confident 
that they will benefit greatly from Matthew's unparalleled knowledge of 
the Tax Code, as well as his admirable work ethic and tremendous 
dedication to what he does. They will also be getting a true team 
player--someone who establishes and cultivates strong relationships 
with his colleagues. And despite the whirlwind Senate schedule, Matthew 
frequently found the time on Monday evenings to platoon at first base 
for my office's softball team, ``Snowe Business.''
  Over the past 5 years, I have been consistently impressed by 
Matthew's passion for public service. I am grateful for his incredible 
willingness to work long hours to help me prepare for hearings and 
meetings, and I am indebted to him for his involvement in helping shape 
some of the most significant domestic legislation of our lifetimes. 
From the economic stimulus legislation we passed last February to the 
financial regulatory reform bill we completed just last week, Matthew 
has been a key asset in a number of considerable policy matters during 
his time on the Hill. I will miss his tremendous contributions to my 
office and his remarkable analytical skills and institutional 
knowledge. While I am sad to see him leave, I wish both he and his 
beautiful wife LaNitra the best in their incredibly bright futures.

                          ____________________