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Prepared Testimony of
Melody H. Fennel
Assistant Secretary for Congressional
and Intergovernmental Relations - Designate
before the Senate Committee on
Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
Washington, DC
July 26, 2001
Chairman
Sarbanes, Senator Gramm, and Members of the Committee:
It
is my pleasure to introduce my mother Mary Lee Fennel, and my brother
Mark Fennel. I have been blessed with a family that has made many
told, and even more untold, sacrifices for me.
I am deeply grateful to President Bush and Secretary Martinez for
according me the honor of this nomination. I anticipate the charge
for which I have been nominated with great humility. Chairman Sarbanes,
I thank you for your willingness to consider me for confirmation
and for supporting the nominations process during such a busy time.
Members
of the Committee, I sit before you with true admiration, as a staff
aide that has witnessed your steadfast dedication to your principles
and the pursuit of what you believe is right for our fine Nation.
I sit before my staff director and colleagues on both sides of the
aisle with great respect for their ethics, their commitment to public
service, and their strength of spirit. Senator Allard, it has been
a privilege to serve you as you presided over complex housing issues
with alacrity. Senator Gramm, my wise leader, I sit before you with
great appreciation for the honor of having represented you. Thank
you for allowing me the privilege of serving you and the American
people. I only hope that I will continue my service with your badge
of courage upon me.
In
1780, Abigail Adams wrote to her son, who later became our sixth
President, "�Justice, humanity and benevolence are the duties you
owe to society�". If confirmed, it would be my duty to assist the
President and the Secretary in the provision of this justice - a
justice that proffers help to our citizens whom are truly in need,
and assures that the monies from those that give are used honestly
and efficiently. To ensure this, a close relationship between the
executive and legislative branches is essential - and while there
is of course an important separation between the two, there also
exists a natural concomitance. If confirmed, I personally pledge
to you that the Administration's housing and community development
proposals will be presented to Congress in an open and forthright
manner - in order to ensure the full opportunity for a comprehensive
dialogue.
In closing, I offer my thanks to God, to his name be the glory.
Thank you.
Last modified: July
27, 2001 Content Archived: March 17, 2010
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