[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E480-E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID POMERANTZ

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to David Pomerantz, 
the retiring Democratic Staff Director of the House Appropriations 
Committee, who reflects the best of public service and the institution 
of Congress.
  The Appropriations Committee has historically been a body more 
interested in substance and policy than politics. Democrats and 
Republicans fight strongly for what we believe in, and at the end of 
the day, we try to work together to produce good legislation that funds

[[Page E481]]

important services and investments, helps Members of Congress address 
local challenges, and provides sound guidance to federal agencies as 
they administer federal law,
  But Members of the Appropriations Committee could not accomplish any 
of these goals if not for the hard work and support of dedicated staff, 
like David.
  His retirement is bittersweet. Since 2011, David has led our House 
Democratic staff and supported the Members of our Committee with 
wisdom, calm, and occasionally boisterous laughter. David and I have 
had more emergency meetings, late night conference calls, and strategy 
sessions than either of us care to remember. His steady hand has been 
an asset during some of the most contentious funding debates with which 
the federal government has ever had to grapple.
  While we already miss his depth of knowledge, expertise, and good 
humor, we are delighted for him to begin this new chapter in his life.
  Having grown up on the West Coast, the son of a successful 
professional in the entertainment industry, David's return to his 
family's roots on the East Coast and his pursuit of a long career in 
federal service may have seemed counterintuitive. Prior to his 
distinguished career on Capitol Hill, Dr. Pomerantz was an Assistant 
Professor of Political Philosophy at SUNY Stony Brook. He began his 
service to the U.S. House of Representatives with the Democratic staff 
of the Rules Committee in 1983. He joined the Appropriations Committee 
in 2001, where he served as Professional Staff, Clerk of the Commerce, 
Justice, State Subcommittee, and Director of the nonpartisan Surveys & 
Investigations staff under Chairman and Ranking Member David Obey and 
finally as Democratic Staff Director for Ranking Member Norm Dicks and 
myself.
  David reflects the best of this institution. He served the 
Appropriations Committee, the Rules Committee, and the U.S. Congress 
with integrity and skill. His time and talents were essential in 
solving some of the greatest challenges before the Congress, 
particularly in recent years when we faced government shutdowns and 
gridlock over appropriations and budget matters. In addition to his 
expertise of agency and program budgets, his knowledge of parliamentary 
process is unparalleled. His vast institutional knowledge of the House 
is second to none, and he will be sorely missed. Members of the 
Committee, staff, and the full Democratic caucus are deeply indebted 
for his tireless service and dedication.
  It is a testament to David's leadership that our Committee remains so 
well prepared to address the great challenges we face, and his lasting 
imprint will be an unyielding commitment to fighting for Democratic 
ideals and an excellent staff who will carry forward his legacy.
  I wish David the best as he begins this new and exciting chapter in 
his life.

                          ____________________