Murkowski Honors John Katz on Senate Floor
Senator Honors Long-Time Alaskan Policy Advocate on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Murkowski today took to the U.S. Senate floor to share her reflections on long-time Alaskan public servant John Katz – who is retiring at year’s end – and honor him for his four decades of advocating for policies between the federal government and Alaskan interests.
Katz announced his retirement in early October, citing a rising level of frustration with the polarization in Washington, DC – a sentiment echoed by Senator Murkowski in her speech.
Additional excerpts:
“John has served Alaska for more than 40 years, working for eight different governors – Republican and Democrats, liberals and conservatives. He once said that he was comfortable serving so many different governors because the issues for Alaska were consistent – whether they be responsible resource development, state sovereignty, federal assistance with infrastructure. The one constant figure connecting one administration to the next, the one constant figure has been John Katz.”
“You could refer to John as Alaska’s “Fourth Congressman,” his 40-year tenure in the league of the late Senator Stevens and Representative Don Young. John’s breadth of knowledge and understanding of Alaska’s issues has guided him in his very unique role.”
Senator Murkowski’s entire speech can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq8moPpw-lA
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