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.
“TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANTHONY V. SANTINO” mentioning Joni Ernst was published in the Senate section on pages S2571-S2572 on May 18.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL ANTHONY V. SANTINO
Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a great American and an exceptional member of the United States Air Force. On this occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize Lt. Col. Anthony ``Tony'' Santino's distinguished service and dedication to fostering the relationship between the U.S. Air Force and this Chamber.
Lieutenant Colonel Santino has distinguished himself through his professional character and leadership by serving this Nation in uniform. A leader and expert communicator, he has provided exemplary service to our country while assigned to the Air Force Senate Liaison Office. Tony is a senior missileer, operating at the highest levels of America's nuclear enterprise, ensuring the United States and its allies are strategically prepared to defend this great nation from external threats.
Prior to his current assignment, Tony had the privilege of being an Air Force fellow for Representative Liz Cheney. In addition to his numerous and impressive professional accomplishments, it is worth noting he flawlessly balanced his duties, evidenced by his ability to allocate personal time to selflessly volunteer as local neighborhood math tutor, where Tony's enthusiastic service empowered DC youth and inspired community partnership. His passion for not only the organization he works for but also the community in which he resides is unrivaled.
As a legislative liaison in the Air Force Senate Liaison Office from November 2019 to May 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Santino expertly performed his duties without reservation. His strategic thinking and strategic foresight helped to strengthen and improve our national security. Tony accomplished this by utilizing his in depth Air Force knowledge with numerous engagements between Congress and the Department of the Air Force. During this assignment, Tony conducted congressional engagements to provide Members of Congress and staff insights into the Air Force we need and Air Force required to support the national defense strategy. Tony transformed congressional engagement norms amidst coronavirus limitations, leading more than 40 remote and virtual engagements between Air Force senior leaders and U.S. Senators, exponentially increasing trust and mutual understanding.
Tony's innovative efforts and trusted credibility on Capitol Hill enabled the passage of foundational legislation in support of Air Force priorities, securing more than $170 billion in annual requirements and directly contributing to the stand-up of the United States Space Force. All of these conversations and engagements helped stakeholders understand the defense equities and impact on national security. Tony remained engaged with Members of Congress to ensure all were informed, advised, and educated on initiatives important to the Air Force and the citizens of this great country. Due to his direct involvement and stewardship, Members of Congress were able to make informed decisions and ensure the Department of the Air Force was properly resourced and funded.
After concluding this challenging assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Santino will move to his next duty station at Vandenberg AFB, where he will be the director of operations for the 576th Flight Test Squadron. Tony has sacrificed much in service to our Nation. I am eternally thankful for Tony's selfless service and superb work with my office and the Senate over the past 18 months on issues important to the State of Iowa and this great Nation. I salute this American patriot whose selfless service has kept our country safe and strong.
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