[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING JEFFREY HUGH ASHFORD ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2022

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise as Chair of the Appropriations 
Committee, and on behalf of the Members of the Committee, and its 
staff, to pay tribute to Jeffrey ``Jeff'' Ashford as he retires 
following nearly 4 decades of government service, including over 25 
years with the House Appropriations Committee.
  Jeff began his career in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and 
later joined the International Security Affairs Branch of the 
International Affairs Division within the Office of Management and 
Budget (0MB), where he developed and oversaw security assistance and 
arms control budgets and programs. Later, after serving the HM Treasury 
in London for 2 years, Jeff returned to 0MB, this time within the 
State-USIA Branch where he developed and oversaw the budget for several 
State Department programs.
  Jeff came home to the House Appropriations Committee in 1997, first 
serving on the Treasury, Postal Service, and General Government 
Subcommittee. He led the Committee's work on Treasury's law enforcement 
efforts, drug programs, and personnel agencies. In 2003, Jeff took on 
the difficult task of working for the newly established Subcommittee on 
Homeland Security. Jeff's work was particularly important in ensuring 
that the new programs, tasked with protecting the American people, were 
properly funded and that the Committee's priorities were considered. He 
also helped ensure that the Committee exercised strong and responsible 
oversight over the Department of Homeland Security, especially during a 
complicated period of transition.
  Since 2013, Jeff has served on the staff of the Commerce, Justice, 
Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee. Jeff has helped the 
Committee and its Members effectively navigate, negotiate, and resolve 
politically-sensitive issues. His profound technical knowledge of the 
Justice Department, including its law enforcement officers, 
prosecutors, and prisons and the Civil Rights and National Security 
divisions, has benefited the Committee greatly and ensured the 
Department works most effectively for the American people.
  Jeff's tenacious work ethic and his expert knowledge of the issues 
under our Committee's jurisdiction have made him an unparalleled asset 
to the committee. Even during trying circumstances, Jeff always brings 
with him unfailing good humor and even keel. His hard work has made our 
government work better and our Congress and this Committee stronger. 
His dedication to this body and to the American people have made him a 
truly unique and irreplaceable asset.
  I speak for myself and all Members of the Committee in saying we will 
miss Jeff's incredible understanding of the federal budget and his hard 
work and dedication greatly.
  I am excited for what the future holds for Jeff and wish him, his 
wife Lori, and his children Chloe and Sylvia the very best. 
Congratulations on a wonderful career. Our Nation and this body will 
miss Jeff and are deeply thankful to him for his leadership.

                          ____________________