[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 116 (Tuesday, September 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE SPEAKER DONNA SYTEK

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute to Donna Sytek as she retires as Speaker of the New Hampshire 
House of Representatives. Donna's dedication to public service is 
remarkable, and she has done much in her twelve terms in the House to 
make life better for the people of our great state.
  Throughout her nearly quarter century as a member of the House, Donna 
has worked tirelessly on issues about which she feels passionate: 
crime, juvenile justice reform and education. She has shepherded 
numerous bills into law, including legislation that established the 
Department of Corrections, legislation that guarantees truth in 
sentencing; and an anti-stalking law. She also authored two amendments 
to the New Hampshire Constitution, including one to limit abuse of the 
insanity defense in 1984 and another to earmark sweepstakes revenues to 
education in 1990. Donna has held many leadership positions during her 
distinguished career as well. She has been active for many years in the 
National Conference of State Legislatures and currently sits on their 
executive committee. She is also a former chairwoman of the New 
Hampshire Republican Party and a past president of the National 
Republican Legislators association.
  Donna's position in the state legislature has allowed her to travel 
the world to promote New Hampshire. She has visited Germany, England, 
Taiwan, Latvia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Israel to learn about their 
cultures and economies while helping them learn a little more about our 
great state.
  Donna and her husband John have been fixtures in their hometown of 
Salem since they moved there almost 30 years ago. They devote their 
time and energy to many local organizations including the Salem Boys 
and Girls Club and the Salem Visiting Nurse Association.
  Donna's dedication to her community and the legislature are 
exemplary, and her accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. The editors 
of New Hampshire Editors Magazine named her ``the most powerful woman 
in New Hampshire'' in 1997.
  Once again, I would like to thank Speaker Sytek for her tremendous 
service to the people of New Hampshire and wish her good health and 
happiness in her retirement. I am proud to call her my friend, and I am 
honored to represent her in the United States Senate.

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