[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 58 (Thursday, May 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY QUEJA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Shirley Queja, a 
dear friend and undeniably one the most dependable, dedicated and 
trustworthy individuals on Capitol Hill. After twenty-seven years of 
service to three members of Congress, she is retiring. As her friends, 
family and peers gather to celebrate Shirley's wonderful career, I ask 
all of my colleagues to join me in honoring one of the Capitol's finest 
professional. staff members.
  The child of Millie and Sabas Dumlao and an older sister to four 
brothers, Shirley grew up in the small town of Wahiawa on the island of 
Oahu. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and came to 
Washington in 1978 to work for the late Senator Spark Matsunaga. 
Shirley served as the Senator's longtime assistant from 1978 until his 
passing in 1990.
  In 1990, my husband Bob was looking for a new Executive Assistant. 
That was when Neil Dhillon, his Chief of Staff, came across Shirley's 
resume. After speaking to Shirley, Neil was immediately drawn to her, 
not by her impressive professional experience, but instead, he was 
drawn to her passion for this institution, the history of this chamber 
and the process of law making. As their initial conversation ended, 
Neil was so intrigued with Shirley that he immediately rushed over to 
the Senate side to speak with her in person.
  As one who also was enamored with Congress and its steep traditions, 
I can see why Bob was impressed by these same qualities. Since that 
first meeting, she has served at the side of Bob, and later, myself as 
a trusted confidant and assistant.
  Bob was always proud of the caliber of his staff, and Shirley was 
their foundation for her fifteen years as Bob's Executive Assistant. No 
matter the crisis or the challenge of the request, Shirley was always 
there for her co-workers with steady-hand solutions. Bob always noticed 
her central role in holding staff together and he loved how her quiet 
leadership allowed her co-workers--his staff--to reach their full 
potential.
  Shirley possesses a dedication to her job and her co-workers that is 
unmatched by most. She often worked deep into the night, on weekends 
and routinely came in over the holidays. At times she placed her job 
before her family and it was clear that Bob and I could always count on 
Shirley. A trusted confidant to many, she was always prepared and left 
nothing to chance. Over time it was easy to see why so many of the 
people who worked with her hold Shirley in such high regard.
  When I think of Shirley many things immediately come to mind. As many 
of you know, she might just have the biggest heart of anyone in this 
town. She was always perfectly poised, even on the most hectic of days 
and under the most trying of circumstances. For fifteen years she was 
the hub of the wheel that kept the Matsui office strong.
  Shirley Queja is the mother of two beautiful and intelligent 
daughters, Noelani and Haunani. Both get their artistic talents and 
love for the Hawaiian culture from their parents. Haunani attends the 
University of Hawaii and Noelani attends the University of Maryland.
  She is the devoted wife to Irving, her husband of twenty-three years. 
They are both undoubtedly looking forward to her retirement. Irv too 
worked for Senator Matsunaga and now works with the Senate Sergeant at 
Arms. In his spare time he plays guitar and sings with the Aloha Boys, 
a local Hawaiian musical group. Both Shirley and Irv plan to remain 
active with the Halau O'Aulani, a Hawaiian cultural school in Maryland.
  Shirley, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything you 
have done for the Matsui family. I am sure you never planned to stay in 
Washington so long, but we are all so glad that you have. All of us 
wish you a joyful and long retirement. Brian, Amy, Anna and I keep a 
special place for you in our hearts.
  Mr. Speaker, Members of Congress search far and wide for staff 
members like Shirley, but if we are honest with ourselves, we will 
admit that she is an original. I am honored to pay tribute to Shirley 
Queja as she ends her twenty-seven years of distinguished service on 
Capitol Hill. Her contributions to my office and this body are immense 
and her personal friendship has been immeasurable. I ask all my 
colleagues to join with me in celebrating the career of this consummate 
professional and extraordinary person.

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