Volume 156, No. 52 covering the 2nd Session of the 111th Congress (2009 - 2010) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MARY CANAVAN ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E538 on April 14, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MARY CANAVAN ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
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HON. JOHN D. DINGELL-
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true public servant, Mary Canavan. Mary has been with the Federal Government since a week after graduating from college in 1970. After 40 years of dedicated work, Mary is retiring this spring.
Mary is one of two children of Irish immigrants--who like most immigrants to the United States--worked incredibly hard to provide for their children. The family was a close one, with Mary taking care of her parents as they got older. To this day, Mary is incredibly close to her brother, a priest, who comes over every Sunday for dinner with his sister. A few years back, Mary's brother was in a car accident and was hurt severely. Typical for Mary, she stepped up to ensure he got the best possible care.
As I mentioned, just a week after graduating from college, Mary joined the Federal Water Quality Administration in June of 1970. She joined the Environmental Protection Agency when it was established and the Federal Water Quality Administration was abolished. She began her career in public affairs and thoroughly enjoyed working with students on college campuses. Mary also worked in the water grants program and as a State coordinator, working with Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In 1987, Mary became a congressional relations officer and has served in that capacity ever since.
Mary is very involved in her Church, Chicago's 135-year-old Holy Name Cathedral. She recently served as head of the parish council. And after a fire damaged the cathedral last year, Mary, yet again, stepped up to the plate, making sure that the church could continue to accept parishioners and guests during construction. She also helped to plan a fund-raiser to help with church renovations. Mary continues to plan events like the annual gala.
I have never heard a bad word about Mary Canavan. She is universally loved and respected. Mary is a Federal employee of the highest caliber. She has served EPA and the offices she deals with tremendously well. I know my office will miss her and based on my discussions with the rest of the Michigan delegation, we are not alone.
I wish Mary all the best in retirement, as she looks forward to travel and being able to devote more of her time to her Church and her beloved brother. I ask all my colleagues to rise and pay tribute to Mary Canavan as she leaves Federal service.
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