[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1434-S1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM FONTANA

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would like to offer my congratulations 
to Tom Fontana, special assistant to the CEO for the U.S. Capitol 
Visitor Center, CVC, on his retirement after 30 years of Federal 
service.
  Tom began his career at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1988. He 
was responsible for communications for one of the Corps' largest 
projects, the renovation of the Pentagon in the 1990s. He eventually 
joined the U.S. Department of Defense, where he continued working to 
successfully completing the project. Tom was at the Pentagon on 
September 11, 2001, when a plane hijacked by terrorist crashed into the 
building.
  While Tom had just accepted a position with the Architect of the 
Capitol, AOC, to manage communications for the construction phase of 
the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, due to the tragedy, he remained in his 
position at the Pentagon to lend assistance before assuming his role 
with the CVC in 2001.

[[Page S1435]]

Throughout the construction of the CVC, Tom provided countless tours 
and briefings to Members of Congress, including leadership and their 
staff. Given his depth of knowledge, responsiveness, and evenhandedness 
through that challenging time, Tom earned great respect from the 
Members of Congress and the media in Washington.
  In 2008, Tom subsequently assumed the role of director of 
communications and marketing for the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. Under 
Tom's leadership, the CVC communications division expanded from 
providing the basics of a startup operation, to providing a wide range 
of communications to help visitors learn about the Capitol and workings 
of Congress. He has always looked for ways to take advantage of new 
technologies to engage visitors, students in particular, about 
Congress's history. Under his leadership, the first AOC apps were 
developed, and one of them received a national award for its 
innovation.
  For many Members of Congress, dignitaries, AOC, and CVC staff, Tom is 
the authoritative voice on the Capitol Visitor Center. He is widely 
respected for his unique knowledge about the Capitol building and 
grounds. From presenting inspiring tours to engaging visitors who are 
simply seeking directions, he personifies an experience all visitors 
expect when they come to the U.S. Capitol. Tom is an ambassador for the 
CVC, the Capitol, and Congress without equal.
  Tom has also been an incredible asset to me and my office throughout 
his leadership at the CVC. Every year, I host a unique dinner on 
Capitol Hill for governmental leaders from all over the continent of 
Africa, including heads of state, legislators, and cabinet members. 
Ambassadors and guests who are key leaders in Africa also attend, along 
with several U.S. legislators. Prior to the dinner, we provide the 
guests with a tour of the Capitol to learn more about our Capitol 
building and the workings of Congress. Throughout all of the years I 
have held the tour and dinner, Tom has gone above and beyond what was 
required to make our guests feel welcome and to ensure that everything 
runs smoothly. His role in the success of our event has become so 
essential that, several years ago, we began inviting Tom to the dinner 
not only to support it, but to take part in it.
  Tom leaves big shoes to fill. My Senate colleagues and I appreciate 
Tom's hard work and commitment to our Capitol and country. He will be 
missed, but I wish him all the best in his retirement.

                          ____________________