[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 139 (Wednesday, December 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S12051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN LITTLE

  Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to an 
outstanding staffer who has worked for me for the past 7 years. John 
Little came to my office as a legislative correspondent in August of 
1997 after working on my first Senate campaign. He was a young lawyer 
who had just graduated from Cumberland School of Law in Alabama and was 
looking for a job in politics. I doubt at the time that he knew where 
this road would take him. He continued to work his way up the ladder in 
my office--becoming a research assistant, legislative counsel, and 
deputy legislative director. Then last year I asked him to take on the 
responsibility of being my legislative director. I'm pretty sure he 
didn't know what he was getting into when he said yes.
  Since that time, I have had the privilege to work closely with John 
and see up close what many people notice when they first meet him. John 
is one of those people who epitomizes Teddy Roosevelt's adage ``speak 
softly and carry a big stick.'' In fact, a quotation hangs in his 
office that says ``a closed mouth gathers no feet.'' While he is often 
quietly working in the background, John has consistently demonstrated 
his desire to serve the people of Alabama through hard work and 
determination. He has served me well throughout his tenure in my office 
and has earned my respect, along with that of his colleagues, Members 
of Congress, and countless constituents. I have watched him grow from a 
young staffer into a strong leader with a sound foundation in policy 
and the knowledge of the inner workings of Congress.
  John has come a long way since his first days on the Hill. I've 
witnessed many of the accomplishments of his life, both personal and 
professional. I've seen him learn the ways of Alabama politics, pass 
the bar exam, staff his first Senate hearing, and meet and marry his 
wife. In fact, I have to take some credit for his marriage. John met 
his future wife, Mary Catherine, while he was working for me and she 
was working for Senator Lott. Our offices were next to each other at 
that time, which led to more than one romance and marriage, including 
that of John and Mary Catherine.
  John has worked hard and effectively on a number of important issues. 
He has contributed significantly to much legislation. His work on the 
No Child Left Behind Act and on the reauthorization of the Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act, just a few weeks ago, was most 
noteworthy. John met with education officials, teachers, parents of 
disabled children, and lawyers to fully understand this important act 
and how to improve it. At the end he was ably assisted by my 
legislative assistant, Prim Formby, but I know he was very proud to see 
this important bill become law. He received great praise, and his work 
was favorably mentioned by Senator Gregg and Senator Kennedy.
  Throughout all of these achievements and life experiences, John 
maintained his humility and strong work ethic and never waivered in his 
loyalty to me, my office, or the State. While I have shared in John's 
accomplishments to this point, his most recent achievement is 
bittersweet for me. John has accepted the Chief of Staff position with 
Senator-elect Mel Martinez. This is a tremendous opportunity for John 
and a testament to his skill and knowledge as one of the finest staff 
members in the Senate. While I am sad to see him go, I am confident 
that he will serve Senator Martinez in the same outstanding manner he 
has demonstrated over the past 7 years. From being elected president of 
his high school fraternity to serving as my legislative director, John 
has shown the strength of character and depth of knowledge which sets 
him apart as a truly great staffer. Phillip Brooks once said, 
``character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in 
the small ones.'' I have seen John's character in the small and great 
moments, and I know that he is ready to face this next challenge. John 
will be missed. I thank him for his service and wish him all the best 
in his new endeavor.

                          ____________________