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Monday, April 9, 2007
FBI’s Lobbyist Sets Sail
Eleni Pryles Kalisch, the FBI’s first female assistant director of congressional affairs, is leaving the bureau for the warmer waters of Royal Caribbean Cruise lines.
Who can blame the Georgia native?
Kalisch has spent most of the past five years reshaping the bureau’s image on Capitol Hill, a daunting task given the post-9/11 climate on Capitol Hill.
It has been more a constant battle to keep Congress from tampering with the FBI and to fend off attempts to replace the bureau with a domestic spy agency similar to Britain’s.
Now she will be vice president of congressional affairs for the cruise line — sun and fun instead of al-Qaida and Osama.
“It was not an easy decision,” said Kalisch, who became assistant director in 2003. “I never dreamed I would leave. I never thought I would find a job as exciting as this one.”
But when Kalisch learned about the opportunity at Royal Caribbean, she couldn’t resist.
“The pace, the volume has been overwhelming since 9/11,” Kalisch said. “It has not let up and I don’t think it will. It’s just nonstop.”
Under John Collingwood, the former assistant director in charge of congressional and media affairs, Kalisch handled congressional scrutiny of some of the FBI’s most embarrassing blunders—Robert Hanssen, the agent caught selling top secret information to the Russian government; the investigation of Los Alamos scientist Wen Ho Lee; and the fiery siege of the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas.
“I learned from Collingwood how to fall on the sword,” Kalisch said in an interview with Cox in 2002. “When we mess up, we admit it and put a plan in place to improve.”
That belief took the Georgia native far. As the bureau’s point person for terrorism and counter terrorism questions from Capitol Hill, Kalisch is highly regarded by lawmakers and staff from both sides of the aisle.
“I think I am most proud of our reputation for being responsive to both sides of the aisle in Congress,” Kalisch said.
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An appreciative president
President Bush appreciates lots of things and people. We know that because he frequently says so in his speeches. Today, during an immigration policy speech in Yuma, Arizona, we learned of 19 more things and people appreciated by the appreciater-in-chief.
The number of appreciations seems to have appreciated by an appreciable amount.
First, the weather. Warm in Yuma. Chilly in Washington.
“Yes, 28 degrees in Washington. That’s right. I appreciate you sharing that with me.”
Next, federal employees.
“I appreciate so very much the work you’re doing day and night to protect these borders.”
Next, specific people worthy of specific appreciation.
“I appreciate very much Ron Colburn and Ulay Littleton. I appreciate both of their service. I appreciate the tour.” (That’s Colburn, the region’s top Border Patrol agent, in the middle in the AP photo above. Littleton is an Arizona National Guard brigadier general.)
“I appreciate the hard work of Secretary Michael Chertoff. He’s secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.” (That’s Chertoff, far left, in the photo.)
“I appreciate Commissioner Ralph Basham. He’s the main man in charge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.”
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano? “I appreciate you being here, governor.”
Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl? “I appreciate so very much Senator Jon Kyl.”
Local House members? “I appreciate members of the congressional delegation who’ve joined us: John Shadegg, Jeff Flake, from Snowflake, Arizona, I want you to know. And I appreciate you working on this immigration issue. Congressman Trent Franks and Congressman Harry Mitchell. I appreciate you all taking time for being here with me today.”
Why there’s Yuma Mayor Larry Nelson.
“I appreciate you being here, Mr. Mayor.”
And there’s a bunch of Border Patrol agents.
“And I appreciate your service to the United States of America.”
And there’s some double fencing, all-weather roads, new lighting and mobile cameras.
“And so I appreciate the fact that we’ve got double fending, all-weather roads, new lighting, mobile cameras.”
How about the families of National Guard troops doing border work?
“And you e-mail them, back home, and tell them how much I appreciate the fact they’re standing by.”
Miscellaneous presidential appreciations:
“I appreciate very much the fact that illegal border crossings in this area are down.”
“I appreciate what Colburn says. He puts it this way: ‘They’re watching — they see us watching them,’ that’s what he said.”
“I said we’re going to effectively end catch-and-release (of illegal immigrants). And I appreciate your hard work in doing that.”
