[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 45 (Thursday, March 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HELEN KELLY--A FAITHFUL PUBLIC SERVANT

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I have been a member of this body for nearly 
thirty-eight years. During this time, I have come to treasure the 
traditions of this institution and the unique place it holds in our 
system of government. Through the Senate I have worked with men and 
women who possess some of our country's finest and ablest minds, and 
with them, I have witnessed and been part of history.
  While this history will attest to the importance of my fellow members 
of the Senate, often what goes unnoticed is the behind-the-scenes work 
of our staffs. I feel confident in saying that there is not a member of 
this body who could represent his or her constituents in this day and 
age without the diligent, hard work of Senate staffers. And it is to 
pay tribute to one of these dedicated staffers that I speak on the 
Senate floor today.
  Twenty years ago, on March 8, 1976, Helen B. Kelly came to work in my 
office as a receptionist. She came with Hill experience, having 
previously worked for Congressman Broyhill from Virginia. This 
knowledge, combined with her natural interest and compassion for 
people, was quickly noted, and Helen was promoted to the position of 
caseworker.
  In my office, as in other Congressional offices, there is no greater 
matter of importance than constituent services. As we all know, sifting 
through the federal bureaucracy can be a daunting and often 
exasperating experience. Well, Helen has mastered the art of cutting 
through Washington's red tape. Whether it be working out a visa problem 
for a constituent's family member or giving guidance to a military 
academy nominee, Helen has shown the dedication and perseverance to get 
the job done.
  I want to say thanks and congratulations to Helen Kelly on behalf of 
my fellow West Virginians and the Senate. This is a demanding but 
rewarding profession. Were it not for people like Helen who breathe 
life and vitality into it, I believe the Senate would not be the 
premier legislative body that we treasure today.

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