Recognizing Brenda Connolly on Her Retirement

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and appreciation that I rise today to honor Brenda Connolly, who is retiring after serving 35 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ms. Connolly has been a member of my team since I was first elected to the House of Representatives. She is a trusted advisor and a centering force throughout the unpredictability of Washington. If you have met Brenda, then you know her retirement means more than just losing a staff member--it is the loss of an incredibly funny, talented and caring person who left a profound impact on everyone she has come across.

I was recently asked if there was anything I would change about Brenda's time in our office, and without hesitation I simply responded `nothing.'

Before coming to Washington, D.C., Brenda grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan. She then graduated from the University of Michigan--Go Blue-- where she met her husband Doug with whom she has two children, Nicholas and Caitlin. Brenda has been such a keystone of my team despite our superficial differences, because we understand one another. We both attended the University of Michigan, we value time with our families above all else, our children always come first, and we have the same sense of humor.

Our team shared many of Brenda's firsts while she worked with me: her first manicure, her first Kahlua, and her first viewing of The Office. Brenda was also there for one of my most significant firsts: my first day in Congress. Brenda taught me more about Capitol Hill than she probably realizes. She put my job in perspective, made sure I was on time for the important things, and helped me understand how to let the small things slide. Brenda was always proactive about what we needed, always raising potential concerns before I thought of them. Brenda has an incredible talent for making meaningful people-to-people connections; and in her 35 years on Capitol Hill, I can only imagine the countless connections she has made through the years.

I know we will dearly miss Brenda's nature paintings, holiday sweaters, and unrepeatable metaphors. From her first day on February 7, 1985, Brenda understood that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I wish her a wonderful and fulfilling retirement with many years of happiness.

On behalf of all the people she has made laugh, served, and worked with, I thank Brenda for her many years of service to New York and the United States of America. Brenda will be deeply missed.

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