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• Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ellora C. Carle. After a distinguished career with the U.S. Government she is retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency on October 31, 1995.

• Over a period spanning nearly 39 years, Mrs. Carle served the CIA and the Nation with patriotism, loyalty, and a strong sense of duty. She deserves the thanks of this body and of the American people.

• Mrs. Carle began her career in the 1950's and served under nine Presidents and thirteen Directors of Central Intelligence. Throughout these years, she contributed in important ways to the Agency's work on behalf of the Nation's security. First in the CIA's Clandestine Services and later in the offices of General Counsel and Congressional Affairs, her skills and perseverance achieved operational successes and provided the day-to-day support necessary for the CIA to function effectively.

• In the Office of General Counsel, she worked on and supported voluminous litigation in the Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and Graymail suits. Her excellent organizational skills made her invaluable in marshalling the Government's case. The result was that important secrets were protected.

• I would note in particular the part that Mrs. Carle has played in supporting the House and the Senate for the past 7 years. During this period, she has managed--and in many cases prepared--the Agency's responses to hundreds if not thousands of constituent requests. Congressional offices here in Washington and in districts across the land have benefited from the expertise and the integrity that she has brought to this work.

• As chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am pleased to take this opportunity to bring to your attention a citizen whom the public may never know, but who has worked in quiet and unrecognized ways on its behalf. I ask you to join with me in wishing Ellie Carle a long and enjoyable retirement.

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