[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 209 (Thursday, December 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1749-E1750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SERVICE OF ARTHUR RADFORD BAKER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate a distinguished 
public servant, and one of the ``dedicated men and women of law 
enforcement.'' Mr. Arthur Radford Baker, Jr., will retire from the 
Federal Bureau of Investigation on December 31 of this year, after 30 
years of service.
  During his tenure at the FBI, Art has served in various capacities. 
He has led colleagues as a supervisor on counterintelligence and 
espionage matters out of the Baltimore Field Office, using 
sophisticated investigative techniques straight out of Hollywood spy 
thrillers. He has investigated organized crime, including La Cosa 
Nostra and Asian and Russian syndicates, out of the Detroit Field 
Office. Art even attained the highest marksmanship award the Bureau has 
to offer, qualifying for his name to be enshrined on a wall at Quantico 
as part of the FBI's elite ``Possible Club.'' In large part, though, it 
has been Art's service to our country as a Congressional detailee that 
stands out as one his fondest memories, including many legislative 
successes to which he contributed that are now memorialized and framed 
as ``redlines'' of passed laws.
  Art served faithfully for nearly 3 years as a detailee from the FBI 
to the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland 
Security, and Investigations. During his tenure, Art was a consistently 
reliable and capable staffer and legal counsel, and a great colleague. 
He was particularly beloved by our departed colleague and friend, the 
gentleman from North Carolina, Congressman Howard Coble.
  In his work at the Judiciary Committee, Art staffed Chairman Lamar 
Smith and Subcommittee Chairman Coble for a multitude of assignments, 
including issues that spanned a spectrum of pressing matters, including 
Patriot Act hearings and legislation on child exploitation and 
trafficking. Art was a dedicated, crucial staffer upon whom Members 
could rely.
  After returning to the FBI, Art served with distinction in the Office 
of Congressional Affairs (OCA). His service in OCA spanned a 
transitional era in American history, including the 9/11 terrorist 
attacks, the espionage leaks of Robert Hanssen, and the resulting 
reformulation of the FBI. Through it all, Art was a vital cog in our 
nation's premier law enforcement agency, and a steadfast friend to the 
Judiciary Committee. It is often said in Washington that legislating is 
the ``art'' of the possible. How appropriate that we say that today.
  Throughout his career, Art Baker has been a loyal public servant. For 
years, my staff has relied on his insight, his wise counsel, and his 
consistent ability to make us laugh. Many marvel at his various skills 
and interests, earning him a legitimate moniker as a ``Renaissance 
Man.'' We expect that the forthcoming stage of his life in retirement 
will not be any less varied or adventurous.
  I salute Art for his many years of distinguished service.

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