[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO VIVIAN TESSIERI ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                    U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Democratic 
Members and staff of the House Science Committee to recognize a long-
time member of the Committee staff--Vivian Tessieri.
  Vivian will be leaving the Science Committee early next month after 
nearly 30 years of devoted service. She is one of the longest serving 
staff members in the history of the Committee and she will be greatly 
missed.
  Vivian was hired by the Committee on Science in 1977, shortly after 
legislation passed to significantly expand committee staffs. At that 
time, the Science Committee had 7 subcommittees and the minority staff 
(then Republican) grew from 4 to its present size.
  I'm told that the rapidly growing staff needed someone to bring order 
to the chaos, and Vivian--then a young staff assistant with a number of 
years experience at the General Accounting Office--fit the bill.
  Vivian's job has not been easy. Her first assignment was on an 
extremely busy subcommittee. Vivian jumped right in and brought 
unprecedented discipline to the operation.
  Staff who worked with her assured me that Vivian's years on the 
Energy Subcommittee were some of its most productive--laying the 
foundation of energy policy still adhered to today. Vivian excelled at 
her job and was quickly promoted. When the Full Committee's legislative 
clerk retired in the early 1980s, Vivian was the obvious choice for 
that position.
  She brought her enthusiasm for organization, common sense to ask 
questions, and savvy communications ability to the position and it has 
never been the same.
  Generations of members and staff assume that Committee events 
automatically run smoothly and flawlessly, but the fact is that Vivian 
has been the force behind the Committee's administrative success.
  Even in the midst of her daily workload--endless archiving, copying 
and maintenance of Committee records--Vivian has always found time to 
take a personal interest in staff members' legislative issues and keep 
them informed of related topics moving forward outside of the Science 
Committee's jurisdiction. She has a keen eye and depth of historical 
Committee knowledge that is unparalleled.
  Only one other Committee employee has worked for the Republicans, 
then the Democrats, then the Republicans once again. This is a 
testament to Vivian's unparalleled professionalism and devotion to her 
job.
  Those who have worked alongside Vivian through the years say that to 
describe Vivian is to combine a high level of competence with an 
unfailingly helpful, professional and friendly manner. She has been a 
delight to work with, always dependable and conscientious in her work, 
while maintaining her serenity and good cheer under pressure.
  Vivian loves this institution. Her commitment to her work is a 
testament to her genuine desire to see members, Committees and staffs 
succeed for the constituents they serve.
  People like Vivian do not come along very often and many times we 
don't realize their true value until they have gone. Regrettably that 
time has come. Vivian, we wish you nothing but success and happiness as 
you take your immense talents to the private sector.

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