[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              JOYCE GATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a very good friend of 
mine for her years of service to me and my staff both here in 
Washington and back at home in Ohio. Friday will be my chief of staff 
Joyce Gates' final day in that position, and my staff and I will sorely 
miss having her as part of our office team.
  Joyce initially joined our team in 1995, as the coalitions director 
for the House Republican Conference. For four years, she served our 
caucus well by strengthening our relationships with a wide variety of 
groups here on Capitol Hill. Then, nearly two years ago, she returned 
to the fold to take the reins as my chief of staff. In that position, 
Joyce helped guide us through the very intense months during which we 
helped craft the No Child Left Behind education reform bill, and she 
was at the helm to assist our staff during the difficult months after 
September 11th and the anthrax attacks that followed.
  In addition to the strong leadership she has provided to my staff, 
Joyce has been a terrific friend to all of us. She is always willing to 
listen, to share her professional and personal opinions, and to lift 
spirits during an especially long or difficult day.
  Mr. Speaker, though Joyce has decided to retire from my office in an 
official capacity, she will continue to be a part of our team in the 
months and years to come. And despite giving up the title of ``chief of 
staff,'' she will always be one of my very best friends. I wish Joyce, 
her husband Bruce, and her family nothing but the best in the future.

                          ____________________