Thanking Keith Stern for His Service to the House of Representatives

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank our distinguished whip for yielding and for her beautiful statement about a great person who has honored us with his work and his patriotism in this body.

It is my privilege to join my colleagues on the floor of the House as we celebrate a true public servant and a trusted aide to so many of us, Keith Stern.

Keith first came to Congress in 1997 to work for Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard. He comes from Los Angeles, so we are very proud of him as a Californian--even though he is a Dodger fan, but that is a different story.

Over the next three decades, he went on to hold many top jobs in the House, always working for the people. For Jim McGovern, he was at the center of policy development on the powerful Rules Committee. As floor director of operations for me as Speaker of the House, he provided expertise for Democrats' major legislative achievements. For Whip Clark, he has provided counsel on major issues facing the House. He has been tactically, strategically, philosophically, and in every way a major asset.

Working for more than 7 years in my office, he was simply invaluable. Throughout his tenure, Keith has offered indispensable expertise in House procedure. Coming from the Rules Committee, his vast institutional knowledge made Keith a trusted strategic resource in legislating.

In every role, his service has been marked by insight, integrity, dependability, and unending devotion to this House of Representatives, even in the most trying of times.

My staff in the Office of the Speaker were the finest group of public servants in the House. I always brag about them, the greatest staff ever assembled in the history of the House of Representatives. Keith was a shining example of that brilliance, dedication, and patriotism.

Congratulations, Keith, on a job well done. Thank you for your leadership, which has made a difference in the lives of so many people. Best wishes to you, and gratitude for sharing you with us to Cara; your two beautiful children, Sandy and Colleen; your parents, your mom, your stepmom, and your dad, who are here with us in the gallery, as you embark on this new chapter.

Thank you, Keith Stern, for your patriotism and your service, and best wishes to you as you go forward.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source