[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 102 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E544-E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING COAST GUARD COMMANDER KIMBERLY YOUNG-McLEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. 
Kimberly Young-McLear, a Commander in the United States Coast

[[Page E545]]

Guard, on the occasion of her retirement from Federal service.
  In December 2019, during my tenure as Chairman of the Committee on 
Homeland Security, Commander Young-McLear testified before our 
Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Reform in a joint hearing 
titled, ``Righting the Ship: The Coast Guard Must Improve its Processes 
for Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation.'' The hearing was 
the culmination of an 18-month investigation into how the Coast Guard 
mishandled Commander Young-McLear's allegations of harassment and 
bullying based in part on her race, gender, and sexual orientation and 
failed to protect her from prohibited retaliation. The hearing, along 
with the issuance of a joint staff report on the results of the 
investigation, prompted the Coast Guard to implement several 
recommendations to improve its anti-harassment policies, investigative 
processes, and civil rights manual. Commander Young-McLear's courage in 
coming forward led directly to these critical changes to root out 
harassment and bullying and drive accountability within the Coast 
Guard.
  In the years since, Commander Young-McLear has continued to be an 
advocate before Congress and resource for victims and whistleblowers 
across the government, while steadfastly serving the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS), Commander Young-McLear has served with 
distinction in several roles at DHS, including as Special Assistant to 
the Deputy Secretary, as a professor at the Coast Guard Academy, and as 
Senior Advisor at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 
(CISA). Among her many contributions, Commander Young-McLear developed 
and delivered over 10 academic courses to more than 800 Coast Guard 
cadets across business, marine science, and cyber systems majors; 
played a key role in developing the Coast Guard's first Cyber Strategy 
and CISA's first Strategic Plan; and successfully advocated for 
policies enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equality across the 
Department.
  Commander Young-McLear's bravery, perseverance, and integrity provide 
a model for civil servants across government. Her valuable 
contributions throughout her 20-year career have informed Congress' 
oversight and legislative work, including that of the Committee on 
Homeland Security, and improved the Coast Guard's ability to execute 
its mission by reinforcing the need for all servicemembers to act with 
honor and integrity.
  I am proud to have worked with Commander Young-McLear during her 
tenure at the Coast Guard. I rise to honor her service and wish her 
well.

                          ____________________