Thanking Keith Stern for His Service to the House of Representatives
Floor Speech
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Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues in honoring Keith Stern and expressing gratitude for his service to this Congress and to our country.
In between working for former Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard and then for Speaker Pelosi and Democratic Whip Clark, he worked with me first as a legislative assistant and then as my top person on the Rules Committee.
Keith has an incredible knowledge of the legislative process. He knows how to get stuff over the finish line. He has made a real difference.
As my colleagues know, ending hunger has been a top priority of mine. In 2022, the Biden administration convened a White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. It was only the second time a White House convened such a conference. The first one was held in 1969. Keith actually wrote the first bill back in 2010 directing the White House to bring together experts to craft a national plan to end hunger.
I have learned an awful lot from Keith, and he has helped me achieve countless policies to help people here at home and around the world. I will always be grateful.
A lot of Members of Congress and a lot of staff have also benefited from Keith's guidance, and I have talked to countless Members and staffers who say that he has served as a mentor to them, teaching them about procedure and how to use the legislative process to do good.
There are people who began as interns on the Hill who never thought of making a career here but who did because of Keith.
Keith is not only a great member of this congressional community; more importantly, he is a good person. He is decent, he is caring, and he respects this institution.
I acknowledge his incredible family. I acknowledge his wife, Cara; and his incredible kids, Sandy and Colleen. They have all sacrificed a lot so that Keith can serve his country.
I appreciate his many years of friendship. My wife, Lisa; and my kids, Molly and Patrick, adore him. They like him better than me.
Keith, I am proud to know you. I feel privileged to be your friend, and I am confident you will do great things in the future.
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