[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E205-E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING J. MARK SWEENEY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRYAN STEIL

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 11, 2025

  Mr. STEIL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and the Committee on 
House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle, I rise today to 
recognize J. Mark Sweeney, Principal Deputy Librarian of Congress, for 
his exemplary service to Congress and the American people upon his 
retirement.
  Mr. Sweeney began his career at the Library in 1985 as a Library 
Technician, sorting, organizing, and shelving government publications. 
Nearly forty years later, he retires as one of the agency's most 
impactful leaders, leaving behind a commendable legacy of public 
service.
  His legacy includes advancing several critical Library-wide 
initiatives that have enhanced the Library's services and enriched its 
offerings to users. Since stepping into the role of Principal Deputy 
Librarian in 2018, he has provided executive leadership to further the 
institution's priorities, including leading a process to develop and 
launch a user-centered strategic plan and improving the visitor 
experience for Americans traveling to the Library's Thomas Jefferson 
Building on Capitol Hill. His strong management skills also 
successfully guided the Library's operations through the COVID-19 
pandemic and beyond.
  As Associate Librarian for Library Services, beginning in 2015, he 
was responsible for acquiring, securing, and preserving the Library's 
universal collections. His career contributions include playing an 
instrumental role in preserving and ensuring access to hundreds of 
years of American newspapers, from the eighteenth century to the 
present. His work with the United States Newspaper Program, along with 
his leadership in expanding digital accessibility within the National 
Digital Newspaper Program, continues to serve as a model of national 
cooperation in preserving important aspects of America's cultural 
heritage for Congress, researchers, and future generations.

[[Page E206]]

  Throughout his distinguished career in public service, Mr. Sweeney 
has held multiple positions at the Library, including Chief of the 
Preservation Reformatting Division, Chief of the Serial and Government 
Publications Division, Chief of the Humanities and Social Sciences 
Division, and Director of Preservation, among other roles.
  On behalf of the Committee on House Administration, Ranking Member 
Morelle and I commend Mr. Sweeney for his many years of dedication and 
outstanding contributions to the Library of Congress.

                          ____________________