[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING KATHRYN YURKANIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2026

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an 
exceptional public servant and partner to Congress, Kathryn Yurkanin, 
Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, as she retires after 41 
years of dedicated service to our Nation.
  Kathryn's remarkable career includes 20 years of honorable service in 
the United States Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, she began 
as a Transportation Officer and later transitioned to serve as an 
Acquisition Officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel. Near the culmination of her military career, she expanded her 
service into the policy arena as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman 
Silvestre Reyes. From there, she went on to hold numerous critical 
leadership roles, including Congressional Budget Liaison Officer, 
Acting Director of the Acquisition Policy and Oversight Directorate, 
and Director of Congressional Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of 
the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, among many other 
distinguished assignments. Ms. Yurkanin earned a Bachelor of Arts in 
Sociology and Criminal Justice from Mount Saint Mary's University, a 
Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the 
Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from George 
Mason University. Her academic achievements reflect the same 
discipline, commitment, and pursuit of excellence that have defined her 
professional life.
  As Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison for the Department of 
the Army, Kathryn has provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, 
and seamless coordination for the daily operations of the Office of the 
Chief Legislative Liaison. Across changing administrations, shifting 
priorities, and complex legislative challenges, she has remained 
principled, dependable, and unwavering in her commitment to service. In 
every role she has held, she has embodied integrity, professionalism, 
and an enduring devotion to the mission of the institution she has 
served.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Kathryn Yurkanin for her selfless dedication, 
unyielding leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As she 
concludes her 41 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest 
gratitude to Kathryn for her sacrifices and contributions to the 
strength and security of our Nation. I wish her all the best as she 
embarks on the next chapter of her life, and I know that Ms. Yurkanin 
will continue to be an inspiration.

                          ____________________