[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. PETER FRIEDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2011

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to express my gratitude 
to Dr. Peter Friedman who served as my Congressional Fellow this year. 
Pete served as my point person on energy issues with the Energy and 
Water Appropriations Subcommittee and was responsible for all nuclear 
and defense related issues in my office.
  Pete's background as chairman of an engineering department, a naval 
officer, and engineering background, provided me with unique technical 
knowledge of nuclear power and defense issues. His expertise came to 
the forefront during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor accident. 
Pete provided me with data-driven, measured advice on the crisis which 
was both forward-looking and justifiable. It was an important year for 
nuclear energy and it was good to have Pete on my staff.
  In the appropriations process, Pete developed well-researched and 
insightful positions, which properly prioritized the spending on energy 
projects based on their potential impact. His astute political insights 
and his willingness and ability to learn the legislative process served 
me very well.
  I benefited greatly from Pete's advice, knowledge and work ethic over 
the past year. I want to thank him, and commend him, for a job well 
done. I also want to thank his wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Helen, for 
allowing us to have Pete for the year. I know it wasn't easy for them 
to have him away for such a long period. I am sure they will be glad to 
have him back and that he will be glad to resume his position as 
Chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University 
of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
  Finally, I want to thank the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
for sponsoring Pete as a Congressional Fellow. At a time when the world 
is becoming increasingly technical and competitive, Congress benefits 
from the advice of experienced and educated experts.

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