[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MICHAEL D. COLE UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2023

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael D. Cole upon 
his retirement from the United States Department of State after 22 
years of service.
  Mike embarked on his foreign service journey in 2001. Since then, his 
service has extended from Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. to U.S. 
Embassies and Consulates in Abuja, Bangkok, Budapest, Mumbai, San 
Salvador, and Vienna.
  Mike assumed the role of Director of the Los Angeles Passport Agency 
in September 2020, facing head-on the arduous challenges and travel 
restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As international 
travel has resumed in the years since, Mike's leadership in Los Angeles 
was critical in the agency's return to pre-pandemic productivity, 
processing passports for nearly three-quarters of a million U.S. 
citizens during his time as Director. In this position, Mike was a 
reliable, affable, and professional partner to my District Office as 
caseworkers processed passport casework brought to them by my 
constituents. Mike and his team provided prompt and satisfactory 
guidance in navigating these often tricky and changing requests.
  Mike's dedication to public service is further exemplified by his 
service in the Consular Corps, where he has utilized his experience and 
expertise to mentor the next generation of Consular Officers. His work 
to assist U.S. citizens during crises, offer support in disaster 
relief, aid bereaved families, and protect vulnerable children stand as 
a testament to his commitment to the American people domestically and 
abroad.
  I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mike for his service to our 
constituents of the 39th Congressional District and our country, and I 
wish him a well-deserved retirement.

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