[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 176 (Wednesday, December 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GARY MERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2016

  Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I, together with Subcommittee on 
Immigration and Border Security Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren of 
California, would like to pay tribute to Mr. Gary Merson for his 
outstanding service to the House of Representatives and the House 
Judiciary Committee in particular. For the past 15 months, Gary has 
served as the chief counsel to the Judiciary Committee's Immigration 
Subcommittee.
  A native of Lewiston, Maine, Gary's passionate dedication to the 
advancement of immigration law and policy is reflected in his 
distinguished 18-year legal career spanning private practice, non-
profit advocacy, and government service. Gary will return as the Acting 
Director of the Office of the Ombudsman at United States Citizenship 
and Immigration Services, where he has served since 2005.
  Gary previously served as counsel to the Immigration Subcommittee 
from February 2012 through December 2012 during which he played an 
important role in advancing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization 
Act of 2013. Prior to joining the Ombudsman's Office, Gary was 
Government Affairs Counsel with Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy from 
1999 to 2005, and prior to that an Advocacy Associate with the American 
Immigration Lawyers Association from 1998 to 1999. Gary is a graduate 
of Tulane Law School and Vanderbilt University.
  Gary's wide-ranging expertise on immigration law and policy and his 
longstanding leadership in the area of employment-based immigration 
have greatly benefitted both sides of the aisle during the 114th 
Congress and this Committee in particular. Gary was exceptionally 
instrumental in the efforts of 225 Congressional Democrats (186 in the 
House and 39 in the Senate) to file an amicus brief with the U.S. 
Supreme Court in United States v. Texas, a case considering whether 
certain aspects of President Obama's executive actions on immigration 
will be allowed to move forward. Gary also led committee efforts on a 
variety of immigration issues in the areas of refugees, immigration 
enforcement, high-skilled immigration, the EB-5 program, the H2-A/H2-B 
programs and executive authority.
  Although Gary entered the chief counsel role during a time of 
transition, he was able to handle committee matters with ease and 
grace. His rhetorical skills and natural political inclinations made 
the transition seamless. Gary's professionalism, dedication to 
committee business and pleasant demeanor earned him the universal 
respect of members and his colleagues. Gary is easily approachable and 
able to provide a witty remark even during difficult moments. While his 
guidance and leadership on immigration law and policy will be sorely 
missed, we are pleased that he will continue to serve immigrants and 
the American people through his work at the Ombudsman's Office.
  Mr. Speaker, we applaud Gary's tireless, principled and loyal public 
service to the U.S. House of Representatives and the American people 
and wish him every success in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________