[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 1, 2001)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1481-E1482] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING JOHN STRAUB, DEPUTY CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ______ HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR of north carolina in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 31, 2001 Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Mr. John Straub has recently finished three and one-half years of service to the House of Representatives as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. I rise today to recognize and salute Mr. Straub as that service has been of a very high standard and filled with accomplishment. During his tenure as Deputy CAO, John also served as acting head of the Office of Finance. It was during this time that the House of Representatives received its first clean audit of its financial statements by outside auditors, PriceWaterhouse Coopers. While the entire Finance Office team was responsible for this achievement, John played a significant role in leading the House to a high level of financial management. John has also served as the point man working with the House Inspector General to guide and coach improvement of a number of House services. He was successful in assisting CAO personnel to take actions that have met the standards called for in several hundred audit recommendations issued by the House IG. Clearly, the Members, House staff and the public have benefited from the enhanced level of service and efficiencies that these improvements have made possible. The Appropriations Committee has relied on the CAO's office for assistance with the House [[Page E1482]] budget as the annual Legislative appropriations bill makes its way through Congress. John frequently served as point man in making sure that we had accurate information and figures as our legislation was constructed. All too often, Mr. Speaker, in the rush of day to day activities, we elected Members of the House forget the hard work and dedication of House employees other than those in our personal offices. The American people are fortunate to have hard working public servants such as John Straub. In a hundred ways, John has made the House a better, fairer place to work and serve for literally thousands of other public servants. In closing, besides his many practical accomplishments, Mr. Straub brought to the House a personal style that is both professional and refreshing. He always had a kind word and a smile, and applied boundless energy to every task. While we in the House are disappointed to lose a person of his caliber, we're pleased that he'll be able to support one of the Nation's pre-eminent education institutions, Harvard University, as Associate Dean for administration of the Kennedy School of Government. On behalf of the members and the institution, we thank John Straub for his service and dedication, and wish him best of luck in his future endeavors. ____________________