[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO IRVIN B. NATHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express the appreciation 
of the entire House of Representatives to Irvin Nathan for his service 
and commitment as our General Counsel.
  Since beginning his tenure more than three years ago--taking his 
place as the sixth individual to serve as House General Counsel--Mr. 
Nathan helped assemble and supervise a highly competent and 
professional staff. He successfully and actively maintained the General 
Counsel's Office as a trusted, non-partisan resource. Through their 
hard work and achievements, he and his office have earned the respect 
of Members on both sides of the aisle.
  Under Mr. Nathan's leadership, the General Counsel's Office provided 
invaluable assistance and advice to the House and its Members, Officers 
and Committees in connection with a broad range of legal matters. He 
defended Members and other House employees and entities in judicial 
proceedings at the trial and appellate levels; responded to deposition, 
trial, grand jury and administrative subpoenas; and advised Members and 
Committees in connection with their interactions with both private and 
other governmental entities.
  Many House Committees and Subcommittees, in particular, have come to 
rely on Mr. Nathan's expertise and guidance in connection with their 
investigative and oversight activities.
  During the past three years, Mr. Nathan has also played a significant 
role in safeguarding the legal and institutional interests of the 
House, and in addressing specific challenges to the House's interests 
and prerogatives. In particular, his work vindicated the House's 
congressional subpoena authority in the landmark case of Committee on 
the Judiciary v. Miers.
  All Members of the House know that Irvin Nathan will continue his 
stellar work as Attorney General for the District of Columbia. We know 
that the District will benefit from his counsel, wisdom, and guidance.
  On behalf of the House of Representatives, I express my deepest 
gratitude and thanks to Irvin Nathan for his dedication to the House, 
and extend our very best wishes to him in the future.

                          ____________________