Recognizing Linda Culver's Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize my long-time employee, Linda Culver, as she prepares to retire at the end of June.

I've often said that a really good staff makes a decent Member of Congress--and throughout my time in office, I've been fortunate to have outstanding individuals like Linda by my side.

Linda began working in my Twin Falls office on the very first day we opened our doors. From that day forward, she has been a steady, dedicated presence--not only for me and my team but for the people of Idaho.

Many people do not recognize what congressional offices can do for them, but with Linda's presence in Idaho, she worked tirelessly to help Idahoans where she could and serve their needs. Linda trained under one of the best caseworkers in Idaho and not only carried on that legacy but enhanced it. She never cut corners when it came to constituent service.

As my Casework Director, she instilled the same standard across my team. One of the things I'm most proud of during my time in Congress is the high level of service we've provided to Idahoans--and Linda played a key role in making that happen. Federal government agencies are often difficult and complex to navigate. However, Linda's ability to cut through the red tape made her an invaluable resource and help to many.

Linda's public service did not stop at casework. She created mobile district office hours so Idahoans--especially those living in small, rural areas--could meet with my staff, ask questions, and find out how we can help when problems arise.

She also created an event known as the ``Funders Fair,'' a one-stop shop where federal agencies and organizations came together to help Idahoans learn about and apply for available grants.

Additionally, Linda has remained actively involved with Idaho's military and veterans. She took it upon herself to create Service Academy Days for the entire Idaho Delegation--an event for Idaho's high school students to learn about our Nation's military academies. This tradition has lasted for nearly 30 years. She also put together the Veterans History Project, a Library of Congress project that collects, preserves and makes accessible firsthand the recollections of veterans who served during World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

From helping tens of thousands of Idahoans navigate complex federal issues to personally attending meetings and events across the district to supporting veterans, Linda has been far more than an asset--she has been family. As she enters retirement, Linda will enjoy some well- deserved time with her husband, their dogs Koda and Tessa, and their children and grandchildren.

I will miss Linda, the rest of my staff will miss Linda, and so will the Idahoans that she so faithfully served for the last two decades.

Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere gratitude to Linda's husband, Brent, for sharing his amazing wife with Team Simpson for all these years. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and honoring Linda Culver for her decades of outstanding public service to the people of Idaho and this great Nation.

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