[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING BARBARA REYNOLDS FOR HER YEARS OF SERVICE ON CAPITOL HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today to pay 
tribute to a long-time member of my staff who is retiring this 
December. Barbara Reynolds has worked for me as my scheduler and 
executive assistant since I was elected in 1994. Barbara's career on 
Capitol Hill preceded mine by 13 years. This experience, along with her 
talent and willingness to accommodate the busy schedule of a 
Congressman, was invaluable.
  Before coming to work on the Hill, Barbara had been a stay-at-home 
mom, taking care of her two children. She had never really given much 
thought to getting involved in the political world, but in 1979, at the 
suggestion of her father-in-law, she handed a resume to a friend at the 
Republican Policy Committee and, in about a week, landed a job with 
then-Representative Carlos Moorehead from California. This, however, 
was not her only job at the time. Barbara often spent her weekends as a 
professional model--many say she looked just like Jackie Kennedy 
Onassis. Her modeling took her all over the world as well as provided 
her with many commercial advertising opportunities. As a result of 
this, some current House maintenance workers who were around at the 
time still refer to Barbara as ``Jackie'' when they see her in the 
halls.
  In 1985 Barbara began working for then-Representative and eventual 
Presidential candidate Jack Kemp. In addition to working in his 
personal office she also worked on his campaign in New Hampshire.
  After working with Jack Kemp, Barbara moved on to work for my Florida 
colleague, Representative Cliff Stearns in 1988. Barbara spent 6 years 
working for Representative Stearns where she established her Florida 
roots.
  In 1995 Barbara came to work for me and has worked in my Washington 
office since my first day in office. I am incredibly grateful for her 
loyalty to me and my staff. It will be nearly impossible to replace her 
uplifting spirit. Her presence in my office added a touch of class and 
style, which are sometimes hard to find in the world of politics.
  I, along with her coworkers and others outside my office whose lives 
she has touched, will miss her presence on Capitol Hill. Barbara 
Reynolds's retirement is well earned. She plans to pursue her hobby of 
boating on the Chesapeake with her husband, Bob, as well as continue to 
be a loving mother and grandmother to her two grown children and to her 
grandchildren. We all wish her many blessings and much happiness in the 
years to come.
  Thank you Barbara, for your service to my office, the people Florida, 
and the many others with whom you have worked on Capitol Hill.

                          ____________________