[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            COMMENDING PAT RISSLER ON A DISTINGUISHED CAREER

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS C. SAWYER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. SAWYER. Mr Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude and 
appreciation to Pat Rissler, Staff Director of the House Education and 
Labor Committee, who will be leaving the Hill at the end of this year 
after a distinguished 30 year career.
  For much of her career Pat has been the ``eyes and ears'' of Bill 
Ford who chaired both the Post Office and Civil Service Committee and 
the Education and Labor Committee. Actually, that is how Pat describes 
herself and her job. As most of us who know Pat well, that is a 
considerable understatement.
  Pat has applied her steady hand and incisive political instincts, in 
two committees, to enactment of some of the most social legislation of 
the past three decades. That includes the Higher Education Act, the 
Civil Rights Act of 1990, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the 
Workplace Fairness Act and most recently the most far-reaching reform 
of America's aid programs to elementary and secondary schools since its 
enactment in 1965.
  Most of these proposals, and a host of others that I have not 
mentioned, were the results of complex and difficult negotiations. Pat 
was always there, setting priorities, making the tough judgment calls 
and dispensing humor and good will to everyone. She is, in my view, the 
exemplar of grace under pressure.
  I don't know how many people can claim with a straight face to do 
what Pat has done over the last 30 years, and that is, devote her 
professional life to advancing the rights and opportunities of the 
people of this Nation and making life more pleasant for the people 
around her.
  I will miss her, everyone that has worked with her will miss her; but 
this institution will really miss her.
  Mr. Speacker, thank you for providing me with this opportunity to 
join Pat Rissler's legion of admirers and to wish her good luck in her 
future endeavors.

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