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• Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, this week, Lt. Gen. Harry Soyster is departing from the Defense Intelligence Agency and retiring from the Army. I do not want the occasion to pass unnoticed. For not only have I enjoyed very cordial relations with him as ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, but also I am proud to count him as one of my constituents from Pennsylvania.

• General Soyster epitomizes what a general should be, one who truly attends to the needs of all his men and women--regardless of their rank. His stature and bearing befit a general, and he made his mark in the field as an inspirational leader.

• Originally an artillery officer, the general demonstrated his versatility and savvy when he undertook his intelligence responsibilities. His last several years heading DIA spanned tumultuous events. Economic difficulties at home and changes in both Eastern Europe and the U.S.S.R. prompted new questions about intelligence missions and budgets.

• At the same time, however, military action in Panama and the Persian Gulf tested our existing capabilities and, in the latter case, strained them. Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf has praised DIA's performance during the gulf war, and I am sure this is one of the more satisfying accolades that General Soyster will take with him.

• His decision to begin reorganizing DIA was prescient. But Pentagon officials and Congress thought this was such a good idea that they, too, got into the act. What we have at the moment, therefore, is competing theories and mass confusion. This doubtless will be sorted out over the coming months and during the next authorization cycle. But it would be understandable if General Soyster feels some fortuitous relief in bowing out now.

• General Soyster held the agency together during this transition period, executed crisis and war functions well, and maintained good relations with the legislators who control DIA's budget. He effectively promoted the enactment of needed nonofficial cover authorities for Defense Department human intelligence collection activities.

• For all of these things and for his personal qualities he will be remembered. We sincerely wish him health, happiness, and fulfillment in his retirement.

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