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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release July 21, 1995
        PRESIDENT NAMES HAL C. DECELL, III, ASSISTANT SECRETARY, 
        OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS, 
            U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

     President Clinton today announced his intent to nominate Mr. Hal C.

DeCell, III of Mississippi for Assistant Secretary, Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

A native Mississippian, Mr. DeCell served Congressman Jamie Whitten (D-MS), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee from 1979 to 1992, in a variety of capacities. For more than 17 years, he covered a wide range of issues for the Congressman, including housing and economic development. From 1991 until 1995, he served as Chief of Staff/Administrative Assistant. Mr. DeCell concurrently held two positions for fourteen years as House Appropriations Committee Associate Staff/Legislative Director for the Chairman. He also served as Press Secretary and Legislative Assistant from 1977 until 1984. Prior to his service for Congressman Whitten, he worked for Congressman G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery (D-MS), and as a reporter for the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, Mississippi. Mr. DeCell received his B.A. from Tulane University and earned his law degree from George Mason University.

The Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations advises the Secretary with respect to legislation, Congressional relations, and policy matters affecting State and local governments. The Assistant Secretary maintains liaisons with Congress and serves as the point of contact for Congressional inquiries, communications, and general information relating to the Department's policies and activities. The incumbent also serves as the principal point of contact with State and Local governments and public and private interest groups on Departmental legislation and policy.

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