[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF MIKE LYNCH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a valued staff 
member--Mike Lynch--who retired this month from the House Science 
Committee. As one of our Committee Counsels, Mike's legal and 
parliamentary expertise touched many offices and issue areas during his 
tenure.
  He was a dedicated and long-serving House staffer. Prior to joining 
the Committee, Mike served in the U. S. House of Representatives from 
1977-1994 in several counsel positions. Most notably, he was the Staff 
Director and Chief Counsel to the Subcommittee on Accounts of the 
Committee on House Administration from 1985-1993. In each position, 
Mike honed his legislative skills to become a respected and much sought 
after Committee Counsel.
  As the Science Committee Democrats' principal liaison with the 
Parliamentarian, Rules Committee and Leadership on parliamentary and 
legislative process issues, Mike's role was an important one. His 
mastery of the rules and procedures of the House and his advice to 
Members and staff on legal and legislative issues before the Committee 
were vital. No one worked harder than Mike did to protect the 
prerogatives of Members, the Committee and the Congress.
  He loved this institution and that love was evident in his work each 
and every day. Without fail, his careful analysis of legal issues and 
sound judgment in rendering opinions and advice resulted in astute 
answers for the Committee. He also took great pride in mentoring junior 
Committee counsels and in explaining the intricacies of Committee 
procedure.
  Mike will be missed by many, but we all understand that his 
retirement now clears his calendar for his other great passions in 
life--travel and sports, particularly rooting for Notre Dame and the 
New York Yankees.
  The Science Committee's Members and staff wish him well as he moves 
on to new endeavors and a relaxing retirement. Thank you, Mike, for 
your many years of dedicated and loyal service.

                          ____________________