[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 217 (Thursday, December 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING WILLIAM T. JOHNSON FOR HIS SERVICE AND EFFORTS THAT SAVED 
                 THE LIVES OF NUMEROUS AFGHAN PARTNERS

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 16, 2021

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
work of Colonel (Ret.) William T. Johnson, a retired U.S. Army officer 
and member of the Armed Services Committee's professional staff.
  The work of this legislative body is supported by staff who work 
determinedly on behalf of the American public. These public servants 
provide valuable policy advice to Members of Congress, assist in 
crafting legislation and facilitating Congress' oversight 
responsibilities, among many important duties. While the work of all 
congressional staff should be recognized, I want to take a moment to 
single out COL Johnson for going above and beyond his professional 
responsibilities.
  COL Johnson has served for many years on the Armed Services Committee 
as an expert on Afghanistan policy. This past year, COL Johnson 
provided invaluable advice to Members of Congress both on and off the 
Armed Service Committee, staffed critical hearings and briefings, 
drafted essential, late-breaking updates to the Department's 
authorities for the scope of its work in Afghanistan. As events 
unfolded in Afghanistan, offices across Capitol Hill received countless 
requests for assistance from Americans, Afghan partners, and members of 
the international community seeking safe passage out of Afghanistan. 
Many of those seeking assistance approached the Committee and COL 
Johnson took great initiative. He not only navigated the formal Defense 
and State Department process but also leveraged his own informal 
networks, based on his prior military service and time serving in 
Afghanistan. COL Johnson made connections that helped vulnerable 
individuals navigate their way safely to the United States. His 
tireless efforts and hours of work saved countless lives.
  The Armed Services Committee and Member offices received many 
testimonials in the form of pictures, emails, and text messages 
confirming that individuals COL Johnson assisted had made it to safety. 
Without the tireless work of the men and women of the United States 
Armed Forces, the State Department, and public servants like COL 
Johnson, such messages of gratitude would not have been possible. This 
was a tremendous accomplishment. Speaking for myself, other Members of 
Congress, the American people, Afghans, and other partners, I thank him 
for his service and efforts.

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