[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN APPRECIATION OF THE SERVICE OF EDWARD A. BURRIER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  Mr. ROYCE of California. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Foreign 
Affairs Committee, I would like to take a moment to express my 
appreciation for an exceptional individual who has served this House 
with distinction for the last 18 years, Mr. Edward A. Burrier.
  Edward first started in my office interning at the Africa 
Subcommittee, which I then chaired. At the time, he was still in 
college at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, 
Virginia. Each day he would make the long commute from Fredericksburg, 
just to volunteer.
  He then took a job in my personal office in 1133 Longworth where he 
met his future wife, a fellow junior staffer, Gretchen. While I may 
have been unaware about their early dating, I was pleased to have the 
opportunity to attend their memorable wedding in Adare, Ireland in 
2006. They now have a young son, William, and it has been a pleasure 
watching them grow personally and professionally.
  Edward eventually rose to the position of Committee Deputy Staff 
Director of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Over the years, Edward 
was essential in achieving so much, including efforts to prevent the 
proliferation of MANPADS to terrorists, and major legislation 
sanctioning the regimes of North Korea and Iran, which are dangerously 
pursuing nuclear weapons programs. He found a niche in tracking 
international rogues, some of who are now behind bars for gun-running 
and creating mayhem, in part because of Edward's efforts. He also 
produced important reports, including the path-breaking Gangster 
Regime: How North Korea Counterfeits United States Currency, still 
relevant today. And he wrote for me hundreds of Foreign Intrigue blog 
entries, some of the most captivating foreign policy writing in 
Washington.
  Everything he worked on became better. In the last Congress, the 
Committee succeeded in having 24 bills become public law. That's a big 
number, and an impressive record. In short, Edward has been involved in 
all the major foreign policy issues of the day, helping to make our 
country safer and more prosperous.
  Over my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have had several 
long-serving staff members. Edward has been part of this group, central 
to much of what I have been able to accomplish. Most recently, he 
helped manage what I believe to be the best committee staff in 
Congress.
  Edward is cool, calm, and collected. He is a genuinely good person.
  Edward was one of the most talented, competent, and dedicated staff 
members in the House. His skills and excellent judgment will serve him 
well as he transitions to a top position at the Overseas Private 
Investment Corporation. His many friends on the Hill, both Republicans 
and Democrats, wish Edward continued success.

                          ____________________