[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING MR. CURTIS PORTER'S CAREER OF PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 18, 2025

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Curtis O. Porter, 
for his leadership and countless contributions serving our children, 
youth, and families across the Nation.
  Mr. Porter began his professional career as the Special Program 
Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Court Service Unit in 
Manassas, Virginia. His innovative work diverting over 100 runaway and 
homeless youth from secure detention to volunteer host home families 
earned him the Meritorious Award in Juvenile Justice Probation in 1984.
  Mr. Porter's dedication to at-risk youth led him to serve as the 
Senior Assistant Director of Volunteer Emergency Families for Children 
(VEFC), where he seemed crucial funding and expanded the program's 
reach. His exemplary work caught the attention of Governor L. Douglas 
Wilder, who appointed him to several state boards, including the State 
Criminal Justice Services Board and the Virginia Juvenile Justice and 
Delinquency Advisory Committee.
  In 1995, Mr. Porter transitioned to federal service, joining the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services. Over the next 29 years, he 
served in various high-level positions, including Acting Associate 
Commissioner and Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner of the Family and 
Youth Services Bureau. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing 
critical national programs addressing runaway and homeless youth, 
adolescent pregnancy prevention, domestic violence prevention, and 
mentoring children of prisoners.
  Mr. Porter's commitment to public service extended beyond our borders 
when he represented the Department of Health and Human Services on a 
trip to New Orleans with First Lady Laura Bush, supporting the city's 
recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Throughout his career, Mr. 
Porter has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Award for the 
Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program and the Administration for 
Children and Families Assistant Secretary's Award for Exemplary 
Leadership.
  As Curtis O. Porter retired from federal service on December 31, 
2024, I want to commend him for his exceptional service and enduring 
impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia and our Nation. His unwavering 
dedication to improving the lives of children, youth, and families 
serves as an inspiration to us all.
  Mr Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Curtis O. 
Porter for his remarkable 43-year career in public service and to wish 
him well in his well-deserved retirement.

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