[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 69 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NEIL BRADLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 17, 2004

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the members of 
the Republican Study Committee (RSC) to express our sincere gratitude 
and best wishes to Neil Bradley. Neil, who has served as Executive 
Director of the RSC since January 2000, was recently asked by the House 
Majority Whip to serve as his Policy Director. As the members and staff 
of the RSC prepare to wish Neil well in his new position, we wanted to 
take a moment to reflect upon his outstanding service to our 
organization and to thank him for it.
  For those who may be unaware, the Republican Study Committee is a 
group of Republicans organized for the purpose of advancing a 
conservative economic and social agenda in the House of 
Representatives. The group is dedicated to a limited government, a 
strong national defense, the protection of individual and property 
rights, and the preservation of traditional family values. Although 
these values are shared in the abstract by a majority of my colleagues, 
it is necessary that we measure what is produced through the deal-
making and political give-and-take that permeates this institution 
against the ideals we were elected to uphold. The RSC plays an 
invaluable role in seeking to ensure that all legislation that moves 
through this body reflects and respects these fundamental values.
  Over the past four and a half years, the RSC's efforts have been 
tremendously improved because of the service of Neil Bradley as the 
group's Executive Director. Neil is a committed and principled 
conservative. He is a tireless and effective advocate for the RSC's 
objectives. And, as anyone who has worked with or against him will 
readily acknowledge, Neil is a master of House procedure, especially 
the federal budget process. Mr. Speaker, Neil has served the RSC with 
integrity and distinction. We will miss him greatly, but are glad that 
he will be working for our shared values in a position of influence 
within the House Leadership.
  As his friends and colleagues know, Neil's emails always conclude 
with some quotation from a famous conservative political thinker or 
office holder that is relevant to the policy fight of the day. Many of 
the quotes come from Neil's political hero, former President Ronald 
Reagan. I thought it would be fitting to close with some words from the 
great leader.
  In 1989, in his farewell address to the Nation, Reagan said the 
following to the officials and staff that served in his Administration:

       [A]s I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the 
     men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women 
     across America who for 8 years did the work that brought 
     America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking 
     time. We made a difference.

  Mr. Speaker, Neil Bradley has spent 4 and a half years working 
passionately for the Republican Study Committee, for the House of 
Representatives, and for America. He was not just marking time. He made 
a difference.
  On behalf of the RSC, I thank him for his service and wish him well 
in his new endeavor.

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