[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL: ANN M. EPPARD, FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF TO 
                        CONGRESSMAN BUD SHUSTER

                                 ______


                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I want to pay tribute to Ann M. 
Eppard, my chief of staff for over 22 years, who is retiring from 
public service to form her consulting firm in the private sector. Ann's 
reputation as one of the top congressional aides is legendary, among 
both Members and staff. She has earned, and truly deserves, respect 
from those who know her on both sides of aisle. Although Ann will have 
a continued presence on Capitol Hill through her new business, the 
lights will shine a little dimmer because ``Annie'' will not be a key 
staffer who makes things work, who makes people work harder, who dreams 
the dreams, and, quite simply, makes it all fun. When I decided to run 
for Congress in 1972, Ann was one of the principal organizers of my 
first campaign. She worked tirelessly and brilliantly to achieve 
victory, and then she started her long and deeply personal relationship 
with the citizens of the Ninth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. 
A born Pennsylvanian herself, Ann truly loves the people she has served 
during the past 22 years. She knew their concerns, she worried over 
them, and dedicated herself to solving so many of their cases. She was 
relentless in finding solutions to difficult problems. She became so 
proficient in her responsibilities, other congressional staff, and even 
Members, would often seek her advice. Two years ago, the lecturer at a 
Library of Congress seminar stated that Ann Eppard was the most 
effective chief of staff on Capitol Hill. Governor-elect Tom Ridge's 
chief of staff said it well in a November 19, 1994, Harrisburg Patriot 
article: ``Ann's influence is fairly significant, certainly within this 
delegation. You knew you could accept as absolute truth what she 
said.'' In time, Ann became the role model for administrative 
assistants and chiefs of staff. One of the first women to rise to Chief 
of Staff, Ann became an expert in the transportation matters that 
became my highest priority in Congress. She worked closely with the 
Public Works & Transportation Committee on issues affecting not only 
central Pennsylvania, but the Nation. Ann would meet with presidents 
and CEO's of major transportation industries to work on technical and 
complex problems. She would then devote the same time and energies to 
her friends in our local unions. Both parties respect her judgment and 
wisdom. It is widely known that Ann is a straight-shooter who is always 
willing to lend a helping hand to those who need it. In fact, one of 
Ann's greatest virtues is her extreme generosity of spirit. She will 
always bend over backwards to help. She is a loyal and steadfast 
friend. Fortunately, Ann will continue to serve as my advisor on issues 
affecting my District, and we will still see her smile and hear her 
uproarious laughter in the halls, and for that we are most grateful.

                          ____________________