[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL S. TREPPEL

  Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I would like to honor and recognize Michael 
S. Treppel for his nearly quarter century of distinguished service to 
the U.S. Congress. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Treppel has tirelessly 
supported the safety and well-being of more than 30,000 congressional 
staff, security personnel, and Members of the House and Senate. His 
work--often behind the scenes--has allowed others to carry out their 
duties with the confidence that their health and safety were in expert 
hands.
  From the daycare centers to the Chambers of the U.S. Capitol, Mr. 
Treppel's impact has been both broad and profound. As an environmental 
health specialist and later as director of environmental health within 
the Office of Attending Physician--OAP--he has been the trusted 
adviser, evaluator, and implementer of critical health and safety 
policies that shaped the day-to-day environment of Congress. Mr. 
Treppel conducted over 5,000 inspections across nine congressional 
buildings, ensuring strict adherence to food safety standards and 
pathogen prevention protocols. His work was central to staff welfare, 
and he quickly corrected any discrepancies while establishing 
preventative measures to ensure long-term compliance.
  He worked closely with leading experts from the Department of 
Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention, and internal leadership from the Architect of 
the Capitol--AOC--and OAP. During the anthrax and ricin incidents at 
the U.S. Capitol, Mr. Treppel played a pivotal role in evaluating 
ventilation systems and contamination risks, providing vital guidance 
to protect occupants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the 
environmental health response for the entire Capitol complex. He 
singlehandedly recommended and guided sanitation and remediation 
requirements for all nine buildings and the U.S. Capitol, helping to 
restore safe occupancy in offices, common areas, committee rooms, 
eateries, and the House and Senate Chambers. He also facilitated the 
delivery of critical Personal Protective Equipment--PPE--including 
plexiglass shields, N-95 respirators, and medical-grade disinfectants. 
When the return-to-work transition began, he assessed and approved the 
use of physical barriers, distancing protocols, and sanitation 
measures. His knowledge and calm guidance became a trusted source for 
thousands navigating uncertainty during a global health crisis. He also 
developed and led PPE training for clinical staff for COVID-19, H1N1, 
SARS, Ebola, etc., ensuring that frontline medical personnel were 
equipped to protect themselves and others--and he made proper donning 
and doffing of protective equipment second nature to the Capitol's 
medical teams.
  He also played a vital role in the planning and reopening of the new 
House Child Daycare Center in the O'Neill Building, providing input on 
space requirements, sanitation procedures, and illness policies. His 
oversight extended to the Library of Congress and Senate daycare 
centers as well, where he continued to ensure safe environments through 
inspections and guidance on evolving health standards.
  Mr. Treppel oversaw the occupational health division and served as a 
contracting officer representative. He was instrumental in managing 
hundreds of thousands of dollars of contracts for health surveillance 
programs for AOC tunnel workers, power plant employees, and U.S. 
Capitol Police. During the pandemic, when services were paused due to 
social distancing, he facilitated a smooth transition to mobile medical 
units, ensuring uninterrupted OSHA-compliant care for at-risk workers. 
In addition to his environmental expertise, he helped interview and 
evaluate hundreds of nursing candidates to support both routine care 
and mass casualty preparedness for the congressional community.
  Few individuals have had such a lasting and comprehensive impact on 
the operational safety of the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Treppel's unwavering 
dedication, depth of knowledge, and calm presence during times of 
crisis have made him an invaluable part of the congressional community.
  As he retires, we offer our sincere gratitude for his exceptional 
service. His legacy of leadership and care will be felt for many years 
to come.
  We thank Michael S. Treppel and wish him the very best in his well-
deserved retirement.

                          ____________________