[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 79 (Monday, May 11, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JIM McCLESKEY

 Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Jim 
McCleskey upon his retirement as director of the North Carolina 
Washington Office. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. McCleskey 
has served the people of North Carolina with exceptional dedication, 
integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service, leaving an 
immeasurable impact on our State and Nation.
  Jim McCleskey is a native North Carolinian who has built a career 
defined by professionalism, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to 
strengthening North Carolina's communities and economy. Over many years 
of service, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless 
citizens and advance opportunities for communities across our State.
  Throughout his career, Mr. McCleskey cultivated strong relationships 
across North Carolina and throughout Washington, earning the respect 
and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, community leaders, and 
constituents alike. His service has exemplified the highest standards 
of public service, and I am deeply grateful for the outstanding support 
and counsel he consistently provided to the staff in my offices on 
behalf of our State.
  In addition to leading the North Carolina Washington Office, Mr. 
McCleskey served with distinction as North Carolina's Alternate 
Representative to the Appalachian Regional Commission, serving under 
five Governors and across multiple Presidential administrations. 
Throughout his tenure, he worked in a bipartisan manner to strengthen 
the Appalachian Regional Commission as an effective Federal-State 
partnership dedicated to improving economic opportunity and quality of 
life throughout Appalachia.
  Among his 13 State peers, Mr. McCleskey is the longest serving 
alternate representative in the history of the Appalachian Regional 
Commission. Under his leadership and advocacy, the commission awarded 
more than $214 million in funding to support 722 projects across North 
Carolina improving infrastructure, workforce development, and business 
growth. He also coordinated the efforts of Appalachian Governors to 
advocate for robust Federal support for the commission and its mission.
  Mr. McCleskey's leadership helped the Appalachian Regional Commission 
respond to some of the region's most pressing challenges, including 
substance use disorder, economic transition, and long-term recovery 
efforts following major natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene. His 
steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge have left a lasting 
mark on both North Carolina and the Appalachian Region.
  I extend my sincere gratitude to Jim McCleskey for his extraordinary 
service to the people of North Carolina and the Nation. I wish him 
happiness, good health, and many rewarding days ahead--hopefully with a 
few fish on the end of his fly-fishing line.

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