[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 148 (Monday, September 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ROBERT NEWLEN'S DEDICATION TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRYAN STEIL

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 23, 2024

  Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, since July 3, 2023, Robert R. Newlen has 
faithfully served as Interim Director of the Congressional Research 
Service (CRS). Today, I want to recognize Newlen for his exemplary 
service and leadership during this time. Newlen has been an excellent 
partner to Congress and a laudable leader of CRS.
  Newlen has had a long career of public service and as a servant to 
Congress. Newlen served at the Library of Congress for 42 years, 
including serving as the Deputy Librarian of Congress. Newlen served 
within CRS from 1975 until 2010, starting as a temporary clerk and 
rising to multiple senior leadership positions including Assistant 
Director of Knowledge Services Group. In 2017, Newlen left the Library 
of Congress as the Deputy Librarian of Congress. Before agreeing to 
serve as Interim Director, Newlen was the Executive Director and 
Director of Strategic Initiatives of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation 
in Phoenix, Arizona.
  CRS serves as an essential resource that strengthens our capacity to 
legislate every day. Yet CRS is beset by many of the challenges that 
have risen in today's diverse and complex media and information 
environment.
  As Interim Director, Newlen acted as a perceptive leader who was 
quick to identify the challenges that the agency faces and was 
responsive in his immediate work to address them. From day one, Newlen 
recognized the need for robust leadership and effective communication 
throughout the agency. To that end, we have witnessed Newlen's efforts 
to empower CRS experts and incorporate the feedback and perspectives of 
every employee of the agency. Newlen recognized the information 
technology challenges that CRS faces and has diligently partnered with 
key stakeholders to effectively address these challenges.
  Newlen's leadership during this time has been essential to turn the 
agency to face the modern needs and challenges of Congress. He has been 
a transparent and collaborative partner to me, Congresswoman Bice, the 
Committee, and to Congress.
  I want to express my gratitude that Newlen has agreed to temporarily 
continue his service to this institution as an advisor to the new 
Director, Karen Donfried to support and assist her in her new role.
  While more work remains to improve and modernize the Congressional 
Research Service, we are appreciative of Interim Director Newlen's 
efforts.
  On behalf of the Committee on House Administration: Robert Newlen, we 
thank him for his service to improving Congress.

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