[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S379-S380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LINDA WILSON

  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Linda Wilson, who recently retired from the U.S. 
Department of Education after over 33 years of service to the American 
people.

[[Page S380]]

  Linda earned a degree from University of Arizona in 1980 before 
embarking on a career dedicated to public service. Linda began her 
service as a congressional staffer for Representative Millicent Fenwick 
from her home State of New Jersey. She then served the people of 
Illinois as a legislative aide for Representative Bob Michel. In 1989, 
Linda began her service at the U.S. Department of Education, engaging 
with State and local officials and congressional offices in both the 
Intergovernmental Affairs Office and the Office of Legislation and 
Congressional Affairs, serving 9 of the 12 U.S. Secretaries of 
Education across political parties.
  Linda has been an indispensable resource in my work on the Senate 
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Senate 
Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member. She assisted me to 
solve innumerable problems and concerns important to my constituents. 
She provided information about various administrations' implementation 
of important Federal programs, such as the Alaska Native Educational 
Equity Program, the Native American Language program, the State-Tribal 
Education Partnership program, and Impact Aid, in addition to providing 
insight into the Department's budget priorities. In addition to her 
expertise on these issues, she always approached my questions and 
concerns with the utmost diligence and attention, providing the support 
necessary for me to craft legislation that meets the needs of my 
constituents and the American people.
  I am grateful for Linda's professionalism and dedication. I thank her 
and congratulate her on her upcoming retirement and wish her well in 
the future.

                          ____________________