[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    A TRIBUTE TO DEDICATED CONGRESSIONAL STAFF: PATRICIA F. RISSLER

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, every once in a while, Members of Congress 
are provided special services by Congressional staff who exemplify what 
public service in our Nation is at its highest levels. I've known many 
fine staffers during my tenure in the House, but a few special ones 
deserve a gold star from this former educator. On the Education and 
Labor Committee, Members have been privileged to serve with staff in 
this category from both sides of the aisle. On the minority side, 
Dottie Strunk is a good example of a staffer who served with 
distinction for over two decades while Jack Jennings of the majority 
staff, who will retire at the end of this Congress, is as fine an 
example of this form of service as one will find.
  Equally, Pat Rissler has served the institution of Congress with 
distinction since 1963--that's over three decades on Capitol Hill. She 
has served with Rep. Bill Ford since 1973, most recently as his full 
Education and Labor Committee Staff Director.
  Roll Call noted Pat amongst an elite group of ``Hill Climbers'' in a 
1993 story. When asked if she had plans for another 30 years, Pat said, 
``Oh God, no. My husband would divorce me.''
  Yet, as Members know all too well, that is the sacrifice that many 
make in Congress as they serve their country and the public. Late 
nights and long hours are the norm, and other personal priorities often 
get pushed aside.
  Pat Rissler, however, has undertaken her responsibilities with a 
thorough sense of perspective, balance and fairness. No doubt she 
reflects the strong ideology of her boss, Bill Ford, yet every minority 
staffer who has encountered her will attest to the value of her word as 
well as her straight-forward and candid style. I cannot remember a 
single instance of staff complaining that they were ``stabbed in the 
back'' by Pat Rissler. In an institution where many play politics as a 
game, rather than a business, this is a tremendous credit to Pat's 
character.
  As with Dottie Strunk a few years ago and now Jack Jennings, I 
personally will miss the opportunities to work with exceptional staff 
like Pat Rissler. I wish her well in her future endeavors and thank her 
for the special service she provided to Members and fellow staff alike.

                          ____________________