[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHELE MACKIN

  Mr. REED. Madam President, today I wish to recognize the dedicated 
public service of Michele Mackin, who retired on April 30 as managing 
director for contracting and national security acquisitions with the 
Government Accountability Office.
  For 34 years, Michele has helped Congress analyze the Federal 
Government's largest acquisition programs, from the Air Force's C-17 
and C-130 aircraft to the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, Ford-class 
aircraft carrier, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, along with scores 
of other systems and related services that the Departments of Defense 
and Homeland Security have procured to make our Nation safe.
  She has also been a leading voice on Federal contracting issues and a 
vigilant watchdog who consistently brought important issues related to 
the improper use of contracts to light. In so doing, Michele has 
obtained the respect of the Members of this body and the deep affection 
of her colleagues, who for decades have been drawn to her fine example 
of public service.
  Michele has been a trusted voice on this Nation's shipbuilding 
programs, and Congress has relied greatly on her clear analysis and 
recommendations to guide us in our oversight role. Since first becoming 
a member of the Senior Executive Service in 2013, Michele has testified 
before Congress 11 times for a variety of committees--voicing concern 
on the Littoral Combat Ship program, raising questions about the Navy's 
acquisition strategy for the Constellation-class guided-missile 
frigate, highlighting risks in the Coast Guard's Deepwater program, and 
advocating for contracting and acquisition reforms at the Departments 
of Navy, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs.
  Michele epitomizes what Congress and the American public value about 
the Government Accountability Office: the honest broker. In embracing 
the idea that oversight of programs and contracts represents a sacred 
trust, Michele has been a tireless, effective advocate for both the 
American taxpayer and the men and women serving the government's many 
and varied missions. She has inspired her teams with the notion of 
stewardship that the American people should get what they have paid 
for, that government should operate fairly and transparently, and 
American warfighters should get the capabilities they need to defend 
this great Nation.
  We wish Michele a fond farewell and thank her for her distinguished 
service to Congress and the American public.

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