[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 60 (Tuesday, April 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND 70TH BIRTHDAY OF THEODORE KATTOUF

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2016

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 70th birthday 
of Mr. Theodore Kattouf of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kattouf has 
dedicated his life to serving our country, and in so doing has achieved 
a uniquely distinguished career.
   Upon graduation from Penn State University in 1968, Mr. Kattouf 
served in the United States Army infantry for over three years and 
subsequently joined the Foreign Service in 1972. Beginning in 1973, Mr. 
Kattouf served as the economic and commercial officer in Kuwait, which 
then led to his assignment as a political officer to Damascus, the 
second largest city in Syria. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. 
Kattouf became a Middle East analyst at the U.S. State Department. Mr. 
Kattouf returned abroad from 1983 to 1986, serving in Baghdad as the 
Deputy Chief of Mission. Mr. Kattouf has spent numerous years working 
abroad with distinguished titles such as: Deputy Chief of Mission, 
Deputy Chief of Mission in Damascus, Deputy Chief of Mission in Riyadh, 
and Charge d'Affaires. His international work is not to be overshadowed 
by his work in the United States, which included Deputy Director and 
Director of Lebanon, Jordan and Syrian Affairs, and President and CEO 
of AMIDEAST.
   Additionally, under President Clinton, Mr. Kattouf was nominated and 
confirmed as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in 1998. Later, in 
2001, he was confirmed as Ambassador to Syria, having received a 
nomination for the post from President Bush.
   Over the years, Theodore has encouraged international cooperation 
through his work as a U.S. Ambassador for the UAE and Syria. Mr. 
Kattouf has also received numerous awards, highlighting his dedication 
and advocacy efforts, some of which include: the Cobb Award, two 
Meritorious Honor Awards, four Senior Performance Awards, and one 
Presidential Honor Award.
   It is with great pleasure and honor that I recognize Mr. Kattouf's 
service and contributions to our nation at the highest level. I applaud 
Mr. Kattouf for his dedication to our country and wish him a happy 70th 
birthday.

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