HONORING KATHRYN YURKANIN

HONORING KATHRYN YURKANIN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E192] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KATHRYN YURKANIN ______ HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, March 5, 2026 Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional public servant and partner to Congress, Kathryn Yurkanin, Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, as she retires after 41 years of dedicated service to our Nation. Kathryn's remarkable career includes 20 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, she began as a Transportation Officer and later transitioned to serve as an Acquisition Officer, ultimately retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Near the culmination of her military career, she expanded her service into the policy arena as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman Silvestre Reyes. From there, she went on to hold numerous critical leadership roles, including Congressional Budget Liaison Officer, Acting Director of the Acquisition Policy and Oversight Directorate, and Director of Congressional Affairs for the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, among many other distinguished assignments. Ms. Yurkanin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Mount Saint Mary's University, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. Her academic achievements reflect the same discipline, commitment, and pursuit of excellence that have defined her professional life. As Principal Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison for the Department of the Army, Kathryn has provided steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and seamless coordination for the daily operations of the Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison. Across changing administrations, shifting priorities, and complex legislative challenges, she has remained principled, dependable, and unwavering in her commitment to service. In every role she has held, she has embodied integrity, professionalism, and an enduring devotion to the mission of the institution she has served. Mr. Speaker, I thank Kathryn Yurkanin for her selfless dedication, unyielding leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As she concludes her 41 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest gratitude to Kathryn for her sacrifices and contributions to the strength and security of our Nation. I wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, and I know that Ms. Yurkanin will continue to be an inspiration. ____________________