[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            KING ON THE HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 1, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the 
House a story about one of my most accomplished constituents from 
Colorado. Thirteen year old Kyle King of Limon, Colorado stopped by our 
Congressional office in Washington, D.C., last week. It was my last 
appointment before returning home to Colorado for a few days of town 
meetings on the eastern plains.
  Kyle was accompanied by his parents Deb and Greg. Limon Jr. 
Highschool recessed for spring break giving Kyle and his folks a 
perfect chance to visit the nation's capital.
  By the time we met up, the Kings had already seen the most prominent 
sites, shrines and monuments to our country's history. But the real 
reason they came to Washington was to see Kyle's big sister Amanda.
  Amanda's been in Washington now for nine months. She's sixteen years 
old, has never before been so far away from home, and she'scertainly 
never been away for such a long time.
  A couple years back, Amanda made up her mind that she wanted to be a 
Congressional Page--not an ordinary sort of ambition, especially for a 
youngster growing up on the high plains. But to Deb and Greg, Amanda 
has never been anything short of extraordinary. They encouraged her to 
apply.
  The Page Program is extremely competitive. Several thousand high 
schoolers from across America apply for the honor of serving on the 
floor of the United States House of Representatives.
  The first requirement for consideration is to secure sponsorship by a 
Member of Congress. I receive dozens of applications per year out of 
Colorado's Fourth Congressional District. For the full-time position, I 
may sponsor only one, which only means the applicant I choose will then 
be considered by the Speaker of the House.
  Since time away from home entails a disrupted academic calendar, only 
the best and brightest are accepted. Successful applicants enter an 
alternative education program built around a busy and unpredictable 
work schedule. Pages are housed in college-style dormitories one block 
from the Capitol building.
  There are 435 Members of Congress. This year, only 66 Pages were 
selected.
  Being a new Member of Congress, I was told any applicant from my 
district was a long shot. I lobbied hard for Amanda King anyway, 
betting the strength of her resume would compensate for my lack of 
seniority.

  Naturally, I was as excited as Amanda upon receiving the news she had 
been accepted into the Page Program.
  Amanda is too modest about the significance and importance of her 
position. It's much more than a nice recognition for a country girl 
done well.
  She is an ambassador for Colorado and specifically for the City of 
Limon. It's a role she fulfills exceptionally well. Her peers joke that 
they can't get her to stop talking about life out West.
  A few months back, I visited Limon Elementary School to talk to 
students about my job as a Congressman. My presentation covered the 
usual topics of taxes, education, agriculture and so on. But the first 
question from Principal Valerie Bass was, ``How often do you get to see 
Amanda King? How's she doing?''
  Similarly, last month, I spoke at a dinner in Hugo, Colorado, 
commemorating Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Again, the people in the hall 
asked for an update on Amanda. I was proud to provide it.
  Amanda is clearly one of the House's favorite Pages. She's one of the 
most reliable. In addition to fetching documents, and relaying 
messages, Pages make the actual floor work run smoothly. They greet 
many of the tourists and visitors at the Capitol, and they must know 
the intricacies of House procedures in order to do their jobs. Amanda 
knows the process better than most senior Members.
  During moments of down time, I sometimes rehearse portions of my 
speeches before walking onto the floor and I seek out Amanda for her 
opinion. Her advice has always been useful and I'm convinced that her 
grammatical suggestions have made me more persuasive.
  Most of all, Amanda's enthusiasm for America is infectious. She is 
optimistic about the nation's future and her role in shaping it. I've 
spoken with her about her personal goals and dreams, and I know she 
views herself within a patriotic context.
  Last week's meeting in the office with the King family was one of the 
most inspiring I've had so far as a Congressman. It shifted my 
perspective somewhat.
  Usually I think my success in Congress is measured by my 
effectiveness with legislation and budgeting the public's funds. And 
although I'm encouraged to have accomplished more than most of my 
colleagues on behalf of the people I represent, it became even more 
clear that one of the most rewarding things I've been able to do is 
sponsor Amanda King as a Congressional Page.
  The eyes of Amanda's parents revealed the love and affection they 
hold for her. Though they miss her terribly they are thrilled by her 
accomplishments. Furthermore, their time on Capitol Hill with their 
daughter confirmed she's doing quite well.
  Kyle learned much watching his sister serve her country. Deb's and 
Greg's pride is certainly well placed.

                          ____________________