[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S2561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MEAGHAN McCARTHY

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a devoted 
public servant and tireless friend of the people of Washington State as 
she moves on from the staff of the United States Senate. Meaghan 
McCarthy has dedicated nearly 13 years in service to the Appropriations 
Committee and is widely recognized for her expertise in housing policy. 
I know that back in Washington State, here in the Senate, and across 
the country--Ms. McCarthy's important work has helped so many people 
find affordable housing and get back on their feet. I know so many will 
miss her compassionate advocacy on behalf of those facing housing 
challenges, from veterans requiring supportive housing, to working-
class families that need a helping hand to remain in safe and 
affordable homes, and so many more.
  A Massachusetts native and graduate of Notre Dame and Johns Hopkins 
University, Ms. McCarthy began her career in public policy as an 
advocate for children, working at the Children's Defense Fund. She then 
joined the Appropriations Committee as professional staff, where she 
developed a keen understanding of complex Federal housing policy. As a 
top staff member on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Ms. McCarthy has 
overseen and helped fund key affordable housing supports that make sure 
millions of people across the country have access to high-quality 
affordable housing. From tenant vouchers provided through the section 8 
program to homeless assistance grants, supportive HUD-VASH vouchers for 
our veterans, and public housing funds, Ms. McCarthy has worked hand-
in-hand with housing officials in my State to make sure Washington 
State families receive the resources they need.
  It is so clear to me that Washington State has benefited from Ms. 
McCarthy's hard work, vast knowledge, and compassion for people and 
families fighting to make ends meet. During my time as the 
subcommittee's chair, I was always thankful that she was working on my 
State's behalf. Many of our housing advocates and authorities have 
reached out to my office to express their appreciation for her work. 
They have called her a ``critical bridge between Washington state's 
communities and our nation's big-picture, broad-stroke policy and 
budget machinery,'' someone who translated real-world neighborhood 
needs into action in a complex Federal bureaucracy.
  Ms. McCarthy's work has had real and measurable impacts in Washington 
State communities. Stephen Norman, the executive director of the King 
County Housing Authority, was kind enough to share an anecdote wherein 
Ms. McCarthy pioneered a program to fund community facilities adjacent 
to public housing, which he called ``a cross-cutting initiative that 
recognized the importance of education success for low income children 
and the opportunities created by partnering schools and Housing 
Authorities.'' When HUD's draft rules effectively excluded suburban 
communities, which require a network of smaller facilities, Ms. 
McCarthy did what she does best: she went to work to solve the problem 
and change the rules. And change them she did. Now, King County has a 
network of 14 youth facilities, serving some of the poorest families in 
the region and helping children to reach their potential and to realize 
their dreams.
  Today I join with others throughout the country, the State of 
Washington, and this body in thanking Ms. McCarthy for her years of 
service. I congratulate her on all of her accomplishments and wish her 
the best of luck in her future endeavors.

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