[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3043]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING PATRICIA R. FORBES

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to honor the 
work, dedication and career of Patricia R. Forbes, a champion for this 
Nation's small businesses. In just a few days, Patty will be retiring 
and my office will be losing a truly superb staff member. I cannot 
think of many people who have contributed as selflessly and as 
competently in a wonderfully bipartisan fashion as she has.
  Prior to joining my staff, Patty served 11 years at the Small 
Business Administration and spent 4 years directing the staff of then-
chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, Senator Dale Bumpers from 
Arkansas. During Senator Bumpers' chairmanship, Patty served as his 
majority counsel and later as his deputy staff director and counsel. In 
her tenure as my staff director and chief counsel on the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, she has proven to be 
an invaluable asset to me and the committee.
  Patty joined my staff shortly after I became the chair of the Small 
Business Committee in 1997. Whether it has been developing and 
implementing an effective small business legislative agenda, preparing 
legislation, ensuring that adequate appropriations are directed to 
small business initiatives, preparing hearings, correspondence or 
speeches, Patty has been an exemplary leader to the staff of the Small 
Business Committee. Her ability to craft and negotiate meaningful and 
responsible legislation affecting SBA's programs and the Nation's small 
businesses has been a driving force behind the bipartisanship and 
effectiveness of this committee. Senators on both sides of the aisle 
have grown to respect her expertise, her commitment to small 
businesses, and her unfailing devotion to her work.
  During her career, Patty Forbes has made a significant impact on the 
lives of millions of entrepreneurs. For 13 years, Patty worked in the 
Senate fighting to provide small businesses greater access to capital, 
Government contracts, business counseling and training opportunities, 
tax relief and a plethora of other items that help this Nation's 
economy grow and help individuals reach for the American dream. I, 
along with the entire small business community, have been truly lucky 
to have had her service over the years.
  Patty Forbes is leaving behind a legacy of commitment and capability 
that has helped many entrepreneurs turn their vision into reality. She 
can take pride in the work she has done for me, the U.S Senate, and 
this Nation. Patty Forbes will truly be missed.

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