[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING SIMONE THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 21, 2022

  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
service and contributions of Simone Thomas, who is retiring after 37 
years as a skilled and dedicated public servant at the Congressional 
Budget Office.
  For many years at CBO, Simone has served as a trusted, expert adviser 
to senior management and staff on the most effective use of the 
agency's intra net and new communications tools. She has been the 
driving force spurring intranet enhancements and innovations that have 
made it easier for staff to collaborate on analytical work for the 
Congress, such as CBO's periodic volume of budget options.
  She has made significant contributions to enhance internal 
communications as CBO's SharePoint Administrator, enabling CBO's staff 
to stay better connected and informed. She has distinguished herself 
with her hard work and resourcefulness during the pandemic. She came up 
with creative ways to instruct CBO's staff in the use of new 
communications tools to help them work more effectively on a remote 
basis.
  Simone's expertise also extends to CBO's public website. She was 
responsible over the years for publishing time-sensitive, high-profile 
cost estimates as well as the agency's major recurring reports. That 
work sometimes required working during the evening or on weekends, 
which Simone always took in stride.
  To her colleagues, Simone has been a constant source of knowledge, 
support, and kindness. She has received accolades over the years for 
her prompt customer service, patience, reliability, and ingenuity in 
troubleshooting complex SharePoint challenges.
  She is a consummate professional, always seeking out opportunities to 
learn, grow, and share her expanded knowledge with others. She has also 
led by example in her philanthropic efforts, devoting significant time 
and energy to spearheading CBO's efforts each year to raise money for 
breast cancer research. She has helped raise thousands of dollars for 
that cause over the years. She will be missed by her colleagues, who 
have benefited greatly from the depth of her knowledge, as well as her 
generous spirit, warmth, and collegiality.
  I know my colleagues will join me in extending our thanks and 
appreciation for Simone's service to our country. We wish her a 
relaxing, well-deserved retirement.

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