Bart Gordon

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Joe Patterson for his contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Joe Patterson joined my staff in 2000. Incredibly, that makes him one of the newest members of the team in Murfreesboro. It is a joke among my staff that even with a decade of dedicated public service under his belt, Joe is still the low man on the totem pole in my hometown office. All joking aside, Joe's depth of experience overshadows his seniority. In addition to his work as my field representative and advocate for seniors, persons with disabilities, and those in need of housing assistance, Joe also has the responsibility of helping people who urgently need passports or visas on short notice. Thousands of Sixth District residents might not have been able to attend a loved one's funeral, take a business trip or enjoy a hastily-planned honeymoon if not for his work expediting their passports. Grateful constituents have sent him best wishes from sandy beaches on six continents--he's only waiting on Antarctica. Joe is an incredibly hard worker. He has a great rapport with the constituents he works with and has deep roots in the community. Stories of his cows getting through fences on his property and roaming all over Cannon County have been the subject of my annual Christmas letters over the years. What has never been publicly recognized until now is Joe's uncanny knowledge of trivial information. Whether the topic is cuisine or the latest hi-tech gadget, Joe can always bring some new and interesting tidbit to the conversation. An enthusiastic student of aeronautics, Joe has worked with NASA and local school districts to enable teachers in Middle Tennessee to attend Space Shuttle launches at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The once-in- a-lifetime experience and lesson plans brought back to the classrooms have been a welcome addition to schools across my district. This worthwhile endeavor would not have been possible without Joe's passion for the subject and dedication to the project. Madam Speaker, Joe has been an integral part of my staff and an invaluable help to the people of the Sixth District of Tennessee. I wish him, his wife, Lori, and their daughter, Kyla, all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James L. Stubblefield for his contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out someone who has accomplished an amazing feat that deserves recognition, applause, and perhaps, a test of his sanity; incredibly, Jimmy Stubblefield has been a part of my staff for all of my 26 years in Congress. Jimmy graduated a few years after I did from Middle Tennessee State University and jumped right in to my first campaign for Congress. He has served as my field representative ever since that first election, criss-crossing the district with me and logging countless late nights. Jimmy has helped thousands of Middle Tennesseans resolve issues with federal agencies, straighten out immigration and passport issues and receive needed benefits. He has touched the lives of many families and helped keep my Murfreesboro office running smoothly. Jimmy has always been known as the man who can get things done. He has worked with community leaders around the district to cut through red tape and make planned improvements a reality. He has helped spearhead the expansion of the Stones River National Battlefield, now one of the top historical destinations in the region. He saw to fruition the development of the Greenway system, which has given Rutherford County residents space to exercise and preserved our community's green spaces in the midst of incredible population growth. Jimmy knows each of these projects like the back of his hand, down to the fences and sign posts. He has ensured our alma mater MTSU has the resources and assistance it needs to accommodate the largest undergraduate student body in the state. Rutherford County has seen incredible development since Jimmy and I began working together, and Jimmy's fingerprints are all over it. Jimmy serves as president of MTSU's Alumni Association, and he and I have cheered the Blue Raiders through many ups and downs over the years. It's a good thing he's a sports fan because his athletic daughters have kept him busy running to games and cross country meets all around the area. Jimmy met his wife Nancy through my campaign, and it has been wonderful watching Katherine and Margaret grow up. Jimmy is one of three men who have stood by me from the very beginning, through victories and disasters--through hell and, literally, high water in the aftermath of tornadoes and severe flooding. Along with Kent Syler and Billy G. Smith, Jimmy has been there every step of the way. Madam Speaker, I could not have accomplished half of what I did without Jimmy's dedication and friendship. Jimmy, thank you for all your help and loyalty over these many years. I wish you, Nancy, Katherine and Margaret all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Billy G. Smith for his contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out someone who has accomplished an amazing feat that deserves recognition, applause, and perhaps, a test of his sanity; incredibly, Billy G. has been a part of my staff for all of my 26 years in Congress. Billy and I have worked together since my first campaign for Congress in 1984. In the Upper Cumberland, Billy emerged as a man who could get things done. After the election, he became my field representative for the area, and he has served my constituents there ever since. My younger staff members fondly say that Billy is old school, and, Madam Speaker, that's just fine by me. Billy is an old soul of the Upper Cumberland -- a man who knows his neighbors, memorizes the best fishing holes, and earns his community's trust. To say Billy has deep roots in the Upper Cumberland would be an understatement. As a boy, Billy helped his father work the farm with mules instead of a tractor. He served as Putnam County Sherriff in the 1970s and has worked as a police officer, a factory foreman, managed food and beverages for a hotel, opened a restaurant called Billy G's, and rented out a building complex. He knows everyone there is to know and is an institution unto himself. In his 26 years as my field representative, Billy has helped thousands of constituents who have come to my office on the courthouse square in Cookeville. He has warmly received individuals, families and business owners looking for assistance with a federal agency. He has ensured countless people received the Social Security and veterans benefits they deserve. He has heard the concerns and touched the lives of many families in need of help, and he has always kept me informed of the needs of my constituents in Clay, Jackson, Putnam, Overton and Smith counties. Just this year, he found himself trying to help constituents who had lost property in the wake of damaging floods. He could easily sympathize; his own childhood home also was severely damaged in the storm, but Billy was still in the office ready to help anyone he could. In all his time working for me and the residents of the Upper Cumberland, Billy has never taken a full vacation, so it may come as no shock to many that Billy has made plans to go into business for himself once again. Most folks who had such accomplished careers would already be well into retirement, but Billy will be continuing on with his work as a small business owner. A constituent once knitted a sign that hung above Billy's desk that read, ``I am just a nobody, trying to help somebody.'' Billy was fond of telling this to folks who came to my office for assistance. It reassured them that he was there to help, and it let them know their concerns were important to him, and to me. Madam Speaker, it is that generosity and humility that have made him a friend to so many and such a valuable colleague to me. Billy has been a dedicated public servant, a trusted friend and an unstoppable force of nature. Billy, thank you for all of your help over the years. I wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Kent Syler for his contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out someone who has accomplished an amazing feat that deserves recognition, applause, and perhaps, a test of his sanity; incredibly, Kent Syler has been a part of my staff for all of my 26 years in Congress. Kent and I both attended Middle Tennessee State University, where we both served as student body president. Kent then came to work for the Tennessee State Democratic Party, where I served as chairman. As my district Chief of Staff, he has managed an outstanding staff in Tennessee, represented me at events when Congress' voting schedule has prevented me from being home, and provided me with advice and counsel on some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. So many of my legislative accomplishments would never have been possible without Kent's invaluable contributions and hard work. In the early 1990s, Kent traveled with me to Romania to visit orphanages and talk with Romanian policymakers about the country's adoption policies. His hard work helped lead to the easing of Romania's cumbersome adoption restrictions, allowing hundreds of Romanian children to find loving homes in the United States. Kent also inspired the first regulations on the 1-800 and 1-900 number industry, prompted by a late night TV session when he was on bottle-feeding duty with his then-baby daughter Liala. The Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act is now law, and Liala is now a student at MTSU. Kent and I have done our best to stay true to our principles over the years, and we have never lost faith in MTSU's Blue Raiders. Kent has always had his finger on the pulse of the community, a valuable attribute that has made him a trusted advisor. Kent is an institution in Rutherford County, which has seen enormous development and nearly tripled in population since he and I first began working together three decades ago. Together, we have worked to improve the quality of life in our community through the expansion to Stones River National Battlefield, the development of the Greenway system and improvements to MTSU. Kent is one of three men who have stood by me from the very beginning, through victories and disasters--through hell and, literally, high water in the aftermath of tornadoes and severe flooding. Along with Jimmy Stubblefield and Billy G. Smith, Kent has been there every step of the way. Kent has dedicated his entire adult life to me and to our community. I can't ask for much more than that. He was best man at my wedding. He met his wife Lynell while working for me, and I've watched their daughters Liala and Emily grow up to be bright, accomplished young women. Madam Speaker, any success I've had is Kent's success. He is a dedicated public servant, a respected leader in his community and a trusted friend. Kent, thank you for all your help and dedication over these many years. I wish you, Lynell, Liala and Emily all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caroline Diaz-Barriga for her contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Caroline has served as my field representative for Sumner and Robertson counties since joining my office in 2002. She had previously worked for my colleague Congressman Bob Clement when Robertson County was a part of his district. After he left the House to pursue other endeavors and Robertson County was added to my district, Caroline was a natural choice to run my new offices in Gallatin and Springfield. Her presence there has allowed me to better serve my constituents in the northwestern part of my district over these last nine years. She is an integral player in both counties, attending city council sessions, civic club meetings, and Chamber of Commerce lunches. In her many years in public service, Caroline has helped countless constituents who have come to my office for assistance. She has warmly received individuals, families and business owners looking for assistance with a federal agency. She has ensured hundreds of residents received the Social Security and veterans benefits they deserve. She has heard the concerns and touched the lives of many families in need of help, and she has always kept me informed of the needs of my constituents. At times, she has found herself playing unusual roles, especially during the too-frequent tornado outbreaks that have occurred in Middle Tennessee. When a tornado struck Gallatin in 2006, Caroline's office in the basement of the Sumner County Courthouse became a place of refuge as residents huddled together to comfort each other and share cell phones to check on loved ones' safety. Madam Speaker, working with Caroline these past eight years has been a pleasure. No matter what challenges are thrown her way, she always manages to maintain a cheerful, positive attitude. She is a dedicated public servant, a great help to me and a pillar of the community. Caroline, thank you for all of your help over the years. I wish you, David and your family all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julie Eubank for her contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today I would like to single out Julie Eubank, my Chief of Staff in Washington. Julie attended high school in Smyrna and attended my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, but one fateful internship with my Murfreesboro office changed her course forever. She was drawn into politics and, with few interruptions, Julie has been a member of my team ever since. She has worn many hats in her time with my office. She began as an intern in 2002 and since then has served as my scheduler and executive assistant, communications director, and as the member services coordinator for the Committee on Science and Technology. Undoubtedly, her training as a teacher of small children helped her in each task too, whether it was coordinating events, working with reporters or herding cats on the Committee. Her Tennessee roots have helped kept her grounded and her respect and dedication to her community has been apparent throughout. In October 2009, Julie became Chief of Staff to my Washington office. It's a position that requires enormous responsibility and trust, and Julie took to the job easily. Madam Speaker, Julie is exactly the kind of lieutenant you'd want to have in your foxhole. She can take a tough assignment, turn on a dime and put it into action. She is a natural as a manager and mentor and has the absolute devotion of my staff. She has good political instincts, which have always been appreciated. Under pressure, she keeps up a great presence of mind and sense of humor. And apparently, quick reflexes. (As The Tennessean was proud to report after a false- alarm lockdown in Rayburn House Office Building, Julie Eubank ``doesn't mess around.'') All of her qualities have been put to the test during her time as my Chief of Staff. She has helped the office shift gears from preparing for a reelection fight to transitioning into retirement. She has been there through difficult floor fights and popped champagne after hard- won victories. Madam Speaker, I have been honored that Julie has dedicated so much of her professional career--so far--to me and my constituents. My colleagues in Tennessee and I are all extremely proud of her accomplishments. I look forward to following her next endeavors. Julie, I can't thank you enough for your loyalty through the years. I wish you all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Terry for his contributions to the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out Mike Terry, my field representative and political advisor and a dedicated public servant. Mike joined my staff in 1993 after serving as a clerk for the Tennessee State Senate. He brought to the position good political acumen, a keen understanding of Middle Tennessee's values, and a strong network of good relationships across the state. More and more, he has become a true heavyweight in the state's political scene. He has worked with the business community to ensure my office does all it can to nurture economic growth and facilitate job creation. He has been my liaison with local governments and Chambers of Commerce. He has worked hard, logged miles with me in every corner of the Sixth Congressional District, and led major meetings and events in all 15 counties. He knows what's happening on the ground in every community, and he has been my eyes and ears to let me know how folks at home feel about what's going on in Washington. Mike is loyal, talented and possesses excellent judgment. I have been extremely lucky to keep him on the team for the better part of two decades, and I have appreciated his dedication and friendship over the years. My staff and I have enjoyed hearing about his scuba diving adventures, his love of virtually every comedy made in the 1980s, and the trials and triumphs of his beloved Tennessee Vols. Madam Speaker, I could not have accomplished half of what I did without Mike's hard work. Mike, thank you for all your help and loyalty over these many years. I wish you and Lisa all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lt. Wayland Gregory Holyfield for his contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Greg is one of a distinguished group of staff members who have served a second term on my staff after leaving to pursue graduate degrees and other work. Greg first came to my office as a Legislative Correspondent in 2003, having gained Capitol Hill experience in the office of Senator Mark Pryor. His hard work soon earned him a promotion to my Legislative Assistant for foreign affairs, immigration, agriculture and other issues, Greg was a valuable resource to me and to constituents with concerns in these policy areas. Greg also lent special expertise to issues related to the music and recording industry, having grown up in a family in Nashville's songwriting business. Public service came naturally to Greg. Prior to working in my office, he served in the Peace Corps, spending more than two years overseeing agricultural projects in Mali. In 2005 he left my office to join the inaugural class at the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. After graduating from the Clinton School, Greg made the decision to join the Armed Forces and serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. We are extremely proud of his service and honored to count him as an alumnus of the office. When Greg decided to return to Washington, DC, to pursue his love of politics, his timing could not have been better. Greg took on the gargantuan and unenviable task of preparing my official papers to be archived at the Albert Gore Research Center at my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University. Greg attacked this mountain of paper with impressive organization and patience. Analyzing and cataloging 26 years worth of legislative records, invitations, correspondence and press files is no small feat, and the process of closing my office would not have gone as smoothly without Greg's dedication to the project. Greg's work made it possible for me and my staff to continue at full throttle with the office's legislative work through the end of my term this year. In addition, it has helped to establish a historical record of the district and the legislative process that I hope will be valuable to MTSU students and Middle Tennesseans for generations to come. It has been wonderful to have Greg on the team once again. Those who worked with him before welcomed the return of his dry sense of humor and natural charm, and the newer members of my staff have developed an appreciation for his passion for the Georgia Bulldogs, enthusiasm for war movies, and love of both types of music--country and western. Madam Speaker, Greg Holyfield has done great work in the service of the Sixth District of Tennessee. He comes from a good Tennessee family, and I know they are very proud of him. Greg, thank you for your help to my office and your service to our country. I wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Emily Phelps for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services program would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Emily Phelps has served as my communications director throughout this last year of my term. Even though I announced a year ago that I was retiring, my staff and I have not slowed down one bit since then. My legislative efforts have continued, and Emily has done a tremendous job of ensuring my constituents know how new laws will affect their families and their communities. Emily has put in long hours and hard work to manage outreach on Congress' actions on health care reform, the controversy surrounding failing brakes in some Toyota models, and my efforts to ban imports of foreign-generated nuclear waste. After floods ravaged Tennessee this spring, Emily provided up-to-the-minute reports about disaster assistance through my website and outreach to local media. While the Science and Technology Committee's communications director was out on maternity leave, Emily split her time, assisting with hearing, managing a press conference related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and preparing for House consideration of the America COMPETES Act. Madam Speaker, Emily has a bright, continued future ahead of her in communications. She is thoughtful, offers good ideas and insight, maintains ease and comfort with reporters, and, as all good staff does, advocates an alternative opinion rather than just agreeing with the status quo. My staff and I have enjoyed getting to know Emily and having her in the office. Her easygoing nature, with a touch of endearing quirkiness, is a pleasant counter to the clamor of Congress. Emily, I thank you for helping me accomplish so much this year, and I wish you all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Christopher Rackens for his contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Chris Rackens joined my office during the final week of House consideration of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a bill that sparked public interest exceeding anything I have seen during my time in Congress. It was a week of unprecedented call volumes that sometimes crashed the House phone system. Although he had just joined us days before, Chris helped to staff the office over the weekend to provide updates to constituents in Middle Tennessee who were following the debate. It was an exciting and challenging time for even the most veteran staffers. Unfazed, Chris jumped right into his staff assistant duties with professionalism under pressure, a great attitude, and a pride in his small-town upbringing that endeared him right away to his colleagues in Washington and Tennessee. Chris was always eager to tackle any task, which served him well as he was promoted from staff assistant to legislative aide. Chris has covered legislation in the areas of education and government reform, answering constituent concerns and assisting Tennessee universities and state entities that needed assistance working with federal agencies. In addition, he also took on the role of systems administrator for the office, an often thankless and time consuming job. During the last months, Chris has shown real leadership in the move from our Rayburn office to transition space in preparation for closing my Washington and Tennessee offices. He has handled many of the major logistical challenges of helping the staff relocate, all while staying on top of a full load of correspondence and legislative work. Our office transition would not have been as successful without him. Madam Speaker, Chris Rackens has done great work in the service of the Sixth District of Tennessee. He has tremendous charisma and an unfalteringly good attitude that has led him to believe no task is too big or too small to undertake. I know I will continue to hear good things from and about Chris, and I wish him all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Graham Schnaars for his contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Graham comes to Capitol Hill from the field of engineering. He earned a BS from the University of Virginia and a Master's in Structural Engineering from Lehigh University. After working on structural engineering projects from Louisiana to Alaska, and fitting in time to complete a cross-country bike trip to raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity, Graham followed his interest in public policy to Washington, DC. He began his Hill career with an internship at the House Committee on Science and Technology, which played well to his engineering background and research skills. A native Tennessean himself, Graham volunteered to help my personal office staff handle the overwhelming volume of calls that came in during the health care debate this spring. When the staff put in extra time over the weekend to keep constituents up-to-date, Graham surprised us by showing up and volunteering his services. He surprised us even more by staying with us until the final vote was tallied near midnight. With his dedicated work ethic, firsthand knowledge of Middle Tennessee and stellar research skills, Graham's was the first name mentioned when a position opened on the legislative staff. As my legislative aide for agriculture, housing and Interior Department issues, Graham has been a valuable resource to me and to constituents with concerns in these areas. He has managed a difficult correspondence load and facilitated meetings with local interest groups on complex issues. In addition to being a snappy dresser, Graham has been a great member of the team. He has a wry sense of humor, a wonderful attitude and an eagerness to pitch in as needed. At times when the office has been understaffed during the final months of my term, he held down the fort for senior legislative staff--and brought in his now-famous spinach and artichoke dip to help us through. Madam Speaker, Graham has done stellar work for Middle Tennessee. He has a bright future ahead of him as a policy wonk, and I wish him all the best.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dana Lichtenberg for her contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Dana joined my staff in 1999 already a seasoned Hill staffer with experience in three congressional offices. After proving herself to possess incredible policy knowledge, she became my Legislative Director in 2007. She manages my legislative staff, oversees my legislative agenda and advises me on issues before the Energy and Commerce Committee. Many congressmen would count themselves lucky to have a Legislative Director as knowledgeable in one policy area as Dana is in ten. Although telecommunications policy has been her first love, her understanding of health care policy and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is second to none. Her work in my office has taken her deep into small business, consumer protection and intellectual property policy. She will be leaving my office with 15 bills under her belt, notably the NET 911 Improvement Act that helped modernize 911 systems for Internet-based phones and the SPARTA sports agents law that cracks down on unscrupulous sports agent activity at the college level. In the nearly 12 years since she joined my staff, Dana has seen major changes, from the excitement surrounding three presidential elections and two power shifts in the House, to the heartbreaking and frightening period surrounding the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Throughout it all, Dana has managed a tight legislative team and mentored a number of great legislative staffers who have thrived under her tutelage and now work have successful careers elsewhere in Congress. Most importantly, Dana has never forgotten who she is working for. No matter how long her list of accomplishments grows, she is never too busy to help a Tennessean who has a concern related to federal legislation and walk them through it with patience and candor. Dana politely discusses legislation point-by-point with constituents who call with concerns, leading to many conversations ending with appreciation and understanding after beginning with angst and opposition. Dana always manages to keep herself busy both in the office and out with her gardening jobs, appreciation for good wine and trips home to her native California. Madam Speaker, it has been wonderful to have Dana to rely on as my Legislative Director. Dana, thank you for all your help and dedication over these many years. Your hard work has helped to make me a better congressman.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Kelsey Nevitt for her contributions to the Sixth District of Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any Member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Elizabeth Nevitt came to my staff last fall with stellar references from the office of my colleague Congressman Zack Space of Ohio and a background that has made her well-suited for the halls of Congress. She studied communications and political science at Muhlenberg College before taking a position with the University of Michigan. Eventually, her love of politics brought her to our Nation's capital, where she earned her Master's degree in Political Management at The George Washington University and worked in government affairs prior to beginning her service on the Hill. Elizabeth's strong principles, diligent work ethic and appreciation for policy nuances have made her a natural for her chosen career. In her role as my senior legislative assistant, Elizabeth helped me advance key legislative priorities in the areas of energy, trade and transportation by working with the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. She successfully oversaw House passage of the Radioactive Import Deterrence Act and worked with committee staff to address my concerns and add language to the Home Star Energy Retrofits Act and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Elizabeth has also worked with stakeholders in my district to see several major local initiatives through the appropriations process. With a great sense of diplomacy and attention to detail, she has been a tireless advocate for the people of the Sixth District of Tennessee and the universities in my district. Elizabeth is a consummate professional and has been a great addition to my office. She is bright, possesses excellent writing and editing skills, and a curiosity and depth of knowledge that made her an invaluable member of the team. She applies all of her talents to her efforts, whether it's her work as a founder of the Women's Congressional Staff Association or her well known karaoke pursuits. Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure having Elizabeth on my staff. I look forward to following her successful career, wherever it takes her, and wish her and her husband, Jason, all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jacqueline Frederick for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any Member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Jackie Frederick joined my Washington office as staff assistant after impressing me and my staff throughout her internship as she completed her final semester at American University this spring. During college, she studied political science and studied abroad in Spain. Her research and organizational skills and deep interest in politics and foreign affairs made her an excellent candidate for the staff assistant position when it became available. During her time with us, Jackie has managed an exceptionally warm and friendly front office. From VIP dignitaries to very young constituents, Jackie has welcomed all with total grace and Southern hospitality. She has helped hundreds of Middle Tennesseans secure passports and schedule tours around Washington, all while providing valuable support to my legislative staff and correspondence program. Her sense of humor, pride in her Miami Cuban heritage and unshakable optimism have made her a great addition to the office. In the short time she has been with us, Jackie has shown tremendous initiative in conceiving and implementing projects, notably her Constitution Day project. After noting that my Washington office had an abundance of pocket Constitution booklets, Jackie took it upon herself to distribute them. By reaching out to public schools in my district, she was able to put 2,500 Constitutions in the hands of Tennessee students on Constitution Day in September. It was an inspired idea, and it really did our office proud. Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure having Jackie with us. In January, she will join the staff of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, where she will serve as executive assistant to the Ambassador. My staff and I are thrilled about this newest chapter in her career and are confident she will do great work there. Jackie, I and your colleagues wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Eric Fins for his contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent services programs would not be possible without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed Chamber. Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close. Eric attended American University and graduated Cum Laude in 2008. Following a successful internship with his hometown representative, Congressman Jim McGovern, Eric joined my office as a staff assistant. He maintained a friendly front office and handled every task set in front of him, including the daunting job of ticket distribution for the overwhelming number of constituents who wanted to attend President Obama's inauguration. Eric's hard work earned him a promotion to the role of Legislative Correspondent and then Legislative Assistant. As a Legislative Correspondent, Eric managed a heavy volume of constituent concerns on a number of issues, ensuring all received prompt and thorough responses. As a Legislative Assistant, Eric brought a thoughtful approach and an impressive depth of knowledge on a broad range of issues, from immigration to defense to homeland security to financial services. Eric shepherded House passage of the Combat Methamphetamine Enhancement Act, which was signed into law this fall. Meth production continues to be a serious problem in my district, and many Tennesseans will see benefits from Eric's hard work. Eric should also be commended for his work with my internship program. His patience and good attitude made him such a good fit for the job of intern coordinator that he returned to it even after taking on a full legislative portfolio. By recruiting, training and mentoring an excellent group of interns, Eric did a service both to my staff and to the young people he worked with. Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure working with Eric. His dedication and great sense of humor have made him an integral part of the team in Washington and endeared him to his coworkers in Tennessee. We consider him an honorary Tennessean and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Lauren Perry for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District. Lauren has served as my executive assistant and scheduler in Washington, DC, and served as field representative in my Murfreesboro, Tennessee, office prior to moving to our Nation's capital. She will soon join the staff of my colleague Congressman John Barrow of Georgia, and I am confident she will be a great addition there. A fellow graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Lauren first came to my office through her hard work on my 2008 campaign. Although Lauren grew up nearby in Lawrenceburg, she quickly came to call Murfreesboro home. When she joined my staff as a field representative in 2009, she helped my constituents obtain their Social Security and Medicare benefits and helped students with concerns related to federal student loans. Lauren was enthusiastic, capable and quick to help all constituents who came through our door. Her kindhearted, compassionate nature endeared her to many people who were going through rough times and just needed some help cutting through government redtape. In June, Lauren left the big city of Murfreesboro and headed to a really big city, Washington, DC, to experience work on Capitol Hill. When the scheduler position became available, Lauren stepped in and rose to the challenge. In a short time she mastered the complexities of the job and put her organizational skills to good use on major logistical projects, such as archiving my congressional papers for our alma mater. Lauren's professionalism and positive attitude have made her a great addition to the office. She generously shared her home-baked treats with the office and became an integral part of the team. Her tiny dog, Nona, even graced us with occasional visits to the office in her leopard-print Snuggie, further brightening the mood. Madam Speaker, I and the rest of the staff will miss Lauren, but we are thrilled about this newest chapter in her career. I've had the pleasure of meeting her family, and I know she makes them proud. Lauren, I and your colleagues here in DC and in Tennessee wish you all the best in the future.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5866, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5866) to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requiring the Secretary of Energy to carry out initiatives to advance innovation in nuclear energy technologies, to make nuclear energy systems more competitive, to increase efficiency and safety of civilian nuclear power, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The ongoing national discussion on our path forward towards a comprehensive energy strategy necessarily raises questions about climate change, national security, and economic stability. In having this discussion, most experts have come to agree that any realistic strategy will require a diverse portfolio of energy sources. Renewables, clean coal and gas, and nuclear power must all play a role in moving our Nation towards energy independence while balancing our Nation's economic interests. Before us today is H.R. 5866, which amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modernize and improve our Federal nuclear energy R&D programs. I introduced this legislation after close collaboration with my friend from Texas, Ralph Hall, Mrs. Biggert, and many others on the committee on a bipartisan basis who share my belief that we must continue to seek the answers to the challenges of high capital costs for nuclear power systems and management and recycling of nuclear waste. Our Nation's 104 commercial reactors today produce 20 percent of our electricity, 70 percent of our emissions-free energy. Clearly, if we are to increase our energy independence, nuclear must continue to be a large part of our Nation's energy mix. Once the world's leader in nuclear energy technologies, the U.S. is losing its competitive edge after decades of being dormant. Of the nearly 60 reactors currently under construction worldwide, most are in Asia, with China making up the bulk of that using its own CPR-1000 reactor technology. This trend will represent billions of dollars in foregone opportunities for the U.S. As I mentioned, this bill is the result of a truly bipartisan effort over the past 8 months that has won the support of the nuclear industry, nuclear suppliers, and numerous trade associations. I would like to take a moment to thank the committee staff who worked on this bill, specifically Rob Walther and Chris King of the majority side and Dan Byers on the minority side. And I would like to thank Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Mr. Inglis and Subcommittee Chair Dr. Baird for their effort to bring this bill before us today. I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 5866. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my friend from California (Mr. Rohrabacher).

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I will conclude by saying it's a ``we,'' not ``you.'' Mrs. Biggert and Mr. Rohrabacher have been a strong part and, again, a bipartisan effort in an effort to bring forth good legislation. I'm proud of the fact this is the 151st bill and resolution that we have been able to bring forth here in a bipartisan way in the last 4 years. I think that's a record. And I thank you for being a part of that. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3729) to authorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, and for other purposes.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on S. 3729, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in his fiscal 2011 budget request, the President proposed a number of initiatives for NASA in the coming years, many of which I and my colleagues support. However, after extensive hearings and oversight, we reluctantly came to the conclusion that both the current Constellation program and the President's proposed human space flight plan are unexecutable under the current and projected budgets. For too long, the mission hasn't matched the money at NASA, and I am unwilling to let that practice continue. As a result, an alternative approach was needed that would be executable and affordable, and both the House and the Senate authorizing committees have spent the major part of this last year work on a NASA reauthorization bill. The bill before us today represents the results of the Senate's efforts. The House Science and Technology Committee marked up its version in late July, and we have spent the last several months in discussion with the Senate to come up with compromise language that would incorporate the best of both bills. Last week, I released bipartisan compromise language that reflects those discussions, as well as constructive input from colleagues here in the House. I have a number of concerns about the Senate bill which I have enumerated. It has now, though, become clear that there is not time remaining to pass the bill incorporating the compromise language through the House and Senate before the start of the election recess. For the sake of providing a degree of certainty, stability, and clarity to the NASA workforce and the larger space community, I felt it was better to consider a flawed bill than no bill at all as the new fiscal year begins. Thus, despite its flaws, I will vote to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill. However, I see today's floor consideration to be only one more step in crafting a substantial, affordable, and productive future path for NASA. To that end, I plan to continue to advocate to the appropriators for the provisions in the compromise language. I believe that the compromise language provides a solid basis for NASA's future activities. Mr. Speaker, it has been a difficult year for NASA, its workforce and its contractors. We are in tough economic times and sacrifices will have to be made. However, NASA is an investment in our future and in the future of our children. The United States has been a global leader in space exploration and technology and innovation, and our efforts over the remainder of the Congress should be aimed at preserving that leadership position. With that, I encourage the House to pass the suspension. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Houston, Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).