[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LORRAINE PERONA

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise to express my deep gratitude to 
my long-time office manager, Lorraine Perona, who, after more than 27 
years of outstanding and dedicated service to the U.S. Senate, is 
retiring on June 30, 2004.
  When I first took office as a U.S. Senator from the State of 
Connecticut on January 3, 1989, Lorraine was one of a small group of 
staff members I had assembled to assist me as I began my service. I was 
fortunate to have a person of Lorraine's extensive knowledge and years 
of Senate staff experience to set up my office. She did a wonderful job 
and has kept my office running for more than 15 years, as office 
manager and financial director; and she has done so with style and 
grace. She has been an influential leader in my office, and her 
contributions have been many. Many staff and interns have passed 
through the doors of my office over the years. All have benefitted from 
Lorraine's caring guidance, common sense, and expertise.
  Lorraine studied international relations at American University and 
subsequently worked at Dartmouth College in charge of foreign study 
programs. Through a contact there, she learned of an opening in the 
office of Senator John Durkin, Democrat from New Hampshire, and thus 
began her Senate career in March 1977. Following her work in Senator 
Durkin's office, Lorraine built her career in the Senate setting up 
offices for newly elected Members, including Senator Carl Levin, 
Democrat from Michigan, in 1979, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Democrat 
from New Jersey, in 1982, and, of course, myself in 1989. Lorraine is 
an expert at creating attractive, functional and comfortable work 
spaces, not an easy task given our limited space and resources. She is 
respected and beloved among her office manager colleagues and 
throughout the Senate community, where she has made many friends.
  For the past few years, Lorraine has been faced with many serious 
health problems. She has faced these personal challenges with great 
courage. Despite her suffering and hardship, she has continued to do 
her utmost in service to me and the citizens of Connecticut. Lorraine 
has been an inspiration to us all.
  I know it is difficult for Lorraine to leave my office and her 
extended Senate family; she often speaks of the Senate as ``home.'' It 
is difficult for us, as well, for we will miss her kindness, warmth, 
and wise counsel. But hers is a retirement well earned, and Lorraine 
can be very proud of her public service and contributions to the work 
of the Senate. As she completes her Government career, I wish Lorraine 
good health and every happiness. I know she has a great deal to look 
forward to with her husband, Bernie Rooney, and lovely daughter, 
Shannon, and I wish them all the best.
  I extend to Lorraine Perona my personal thanks and congratulations 
for more than 27 years of exemplary service to the U.S. Senate.

                          ____________________