[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 183 (Tuesday, December 10, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KATE M. KAUFER

  Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate Kate M. Kaufer, the 
fearless leader of my defense staff, on more than 20 years of 
distinguished Federal service and on her well-earned retirement.
  For the last 4 years, it has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve 
as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee supporting our 
military and our intelligence community. The subcommittee's unique 
jurisdiction appropriates more than half of the Nation's discretionary 
funding: $852 billion in this year's Senate bill. It is almost 
impossible for any one human being to wrap their arms around such an 
enormous national security enterprise. But I can think of at least one 
exception: Kate M. Kaufer.
  Born in Germany, Kate began her Federal service as a Presidential 
Management Intern for the U.S. Marine Corps in June 2003; she joined 
the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in December 2004. In her 20 
years on the subcommittee, she has managed just about every 
appropriations account and issue in our jurisdiction with an incisive 
hungry analytical mind. Shipbuilding, satellites, intelligence 
activities, research, and innovation--you name it, Kate has left her 
mark. I want to extend my particular thanks to her and her loved ones 
these last 2 years as my clerk, for the late nights and weekends, the 
interrupted family vacations, and the weight of leading an 
indispensable subcommittee.
  Kate exemplifies the unique spirit and culture of our subcommittee. 
Her mantra was always, ``We solve problems.'' In every interaction--
whether with me, my colleagues, or fellow staff--she focused on getting 
real things done, in the most bipartisan way possible. That is quite an 
achievement in Washington these days. In short, she was always an 
upbeat professional of the first order. The Senate will miss her, as 
will this subcommittee.
  In addition, Kate is a tremendous mentor to those around her, 
teaching defense appropriations courses at Georgetown University, 
University of North Carolina, and Defense Acquisition University. She 
somehow also finds the time to be an accomplished triathlete, an avid 
traveler and hiker, and a passionate soccer fan.
  In closing, I wish continued success and happiness to Kate, her 
partner, and her family as she embarks on her next great adventure.

                          ____________________