[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1181-E1182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RETIREMENT OF COLLEEN KELLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL TREASURY 
                            EMPLOYEES UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DONNA F. EDWARDS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of Colleen Kelley who is retiring as President of the National 
Treasury Employees Union (NTEU). Her resignation will become effective 
in August, following NTEU's National Convention in Hollywood, Florida.
  Colleen Kelley has provided the NTEU and federal employees with 
skilled leadership over the past 16 years, while always advocating in 
an honest and forthright manner with Congress. Having served at the IRS 
and in various NTEU roles, her experience and unique perspective on the 
impacts of proposals on

[[Page E1182]]

federal employees was vital in educating lawmakers and constituents on 
the important role federal employees play in keeping our nation safe 
and growing our economy.
  During her national presidency, federal employees have contributed 
$159 billion toward deficit reduction over 10 years in pay freezes, 
increased pension retirement contributions, and furloughs. She has 
relentlessly educated the public on the important contributions made by 
federal employees and how cutting employee pay and benefits hurts our 
government's ability to recruit and retain the best workforce possible 
to serve the American people.
  As someone who has the honor of representing over 51,000 federal 
employees from the 4th Congressional District of Maryland, I have been 
fortunate to work closely with Colleen for several years. I thank her 
for her dedication to federal employees and our country, and I look 
forward to coordinating closely with Colleen's successor to ensure 
America's federal employees receive the pay and benefits they deserve.
  I wish Colleen continued success, happiness, and hopefully some well-
earned rest. She leaves behind a legacy of service that others can and 
should aspire to.

                          ____________________