[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6915]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO RICHARD GIL KERLIKOWSKE

  Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my friend from the 
Department of Homeland Security--U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
Commissioner Richard Gil Kerlikowske, who is retiring in January 2017. 
I have known Gil since his days as Director of the Office of National 
Drug Control Policy, during which time he worked tirelessly to promote 
policy reforms, particularly in the area of substance abuse treatment. 
In 2013, he visited North Dakota at my request and saw firsthand the 
substance abuse dilemma that we were experiencing in the western part 
of the State. He worked with me to direct Federal resources to assist 
our State partners in reducing drug abuse, and for that, I will always 
be grateful.
  Gil was appointed Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
CBP, in 2014, and, as a Senator on the committee that oversees CBP, I 
saw firsthand the dedication he brought to the position. On his 
retirement, it is fitting that we recognize the successes achieved 
under his leadership.
  Gil worked to counter terrorism and transnational crime by creating a 
counter-network capability to identify and disrupt illicit networks and 
adapt to emerging threats along the border and abroad, placing under 
one roof the National Targeting-Center Passenger and Cargo facilities 
to enhance the agency's efficiency and effectiveness in identifying 
potential high-risk individuals and freight.
  He made efforts to enhance transparency and accountability by 
implementing the CBP Integrity Strategy, enhancing the agency's ability 
to address corruption and misconduct in the workforce; initiating a 
review and redesign of CBP's complaint and discipline system to promote 
a timely, transparent, and accountable dispute resolution process; 
fostering the agency's commitment to respond to use of force incidents 
by creating an incident team to conduct investigations and by 
initiating a National Use of Force Review Board to assess policy 
compliance and best law enforcement practices; implementing firearms 
and less-lethal use of force simulator training; implementing National 
Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search, the first 
nationwide standards that govern interaction with detained individuals.
  He engaged stakeholders and partners globally to enhance U.S. border 
security. Such actions include signing new preclearance agreements with 
Sweden and the Dominican Republic; creating increased security, 
economic growth opportunities, and an improved passenger experience 
with CBP performing the same immigration, Customs, and agriculture 
inspections of air passengers on foreign soil prior to boarding a 
direct flight to the United States; assisting the Government of 
Tanzania in establishing a sophisticated canine program to combat the 
smuggling of contraband; and sponsoring ten Customs Mutual Assistance 
Agreements with various countries.
  He worked to advance border security and management by addressing the 
surge of unaccompanied alien children and family units by enhancing the 
agency's capabilities and coordination with Federal partners while 
sustaining all border security responsibilities; deploying advanced 
technological solutions to provide additional layers of surveillance; 
initiating a Naloxone pilot program, becoming the first Federal law 
enforcement agency to train and equip officers with the potentially 
lifesaving drug for the treatment of overdoses; installing facial 
comparison technology in two airports and continuing work towards a 
comprehensive biometric exit system; establishing the Missing Migrant 
Initiative in the south Texas corridor--a proactive program to 
establish preventative procedures in order to preserve human life.
  He worked to enhance economic competiveness through lawful trade and 
travel with a continued commitment to the strong partnership between 
the U.S. and Canada by leading CBP to deliver on key Beyond the Border 
Action Plan commitments related to joint commerce and travel 
facilitation and security initiatives; transitioning to the Automated 
Commercial Environment, which serves as the ``single window'' for the 
electronic transmission of import and export information for 47 
agencies; streamlining the import-export process and eliminating more 
than 200 forms; developing ten centers for excellence and expertise to 
facilitate trade for compliant importers; achieving positive results in 
CBP's Traveler Satisfaction Survey administered at the top 25 airports 
between September 2015 and February 2016.
  He promoted organizational integration, innovation, and agility by 
raising levels of engagement and commitment higher than at any other 
time since 2011, according to the 2016 Federal Employee Viewpoint 
Survey. He led creation of advanced hiring hubs and other recruitment 
initiatives that reduced overall costs and hiring delays for CBP 
officers and Border Patrol agents. The agency was recognized by 
Monster.com and Military.com's ``Best Companies for Veterans 2016'' as 
the second best organization for veterans among government and private 
sector employers.
  I would like Congress to recognize the significance of these 
accomplishments and to express my appreciation and the appreciation of 
the American people for Gil Kerlikowske's selfless dedication to 
service. I wish him the best of luck as he pursues the next chapter of 
his life.

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