[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E233-E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 30 YEAR SERVICE OF BRENDA WRIGHT TO THE HOUSE ARMED 
                           SERVICES COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Brenda Wright, 
a long-time House Armed Services Committee Employee, on her retirement 
after 30 years of exemplary and professional service.
  Throughout her tenure on the committee, Ms. Wright has been a 
selfless and dedicated employee and public servant. After serving for 
six years at the Interstate Commerce Commission, Brenda joined the 
House Armed Services Committee on February 14, 1977. Initially,

[[Page E234]]

she provided administrative support for the Sea Power subcommittee 
chaired by Charles E. Bennett and was promoted to her current position 
as Professional Staff Member on the full committee in 1988.
  During the past 30 years, Ms. Wright has served seven committee 
chairmen, including myself, and has witnessed many pivotal moments in 
U.S. Congressional and military history. The House Armed Services 
Committee has been fortunate to benefit from the contributions of those 
who, like Brenda, not only have a great deal of experience, but who 
also appreciate and understand the history and the workings of this 
committee. Brenda joined the Congressional community at a time when our 
military faced the challenges of the aftermath of the Vietnam War, and 
since then, her efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform have 
been consistent and unwavering. Recently, she recalled that one of the 
highlights of her tenure was the opportunity to personally witness the 
commissioning of the USS Cincinnati Los Angeles-class submarine and to 
stand among the service members who serve our nation so capably.
  Madam Speaker, public perception of Congress frequently seems to be 
based on the personalities and characters of a few powerful figures. 
However, as one who shares Brenda's long tenure on the Hill, I know 
that Congress relies on the dedicated staff who steadfastly complete 
their work in the shadow of the dome and in the shadow of the 
limelight. Brenda Wright has gained a well-earned reputation as a 
dependable, loyal, and capable staff member whose absence will be felt 
by all who have had the privilege of working with her.
  On behalf of all of the members of the House Armed Services Committee 
and her colleagues on the HASC staff, I congratulate Brenda on her 
upcoming retirement and thank her for her exemplary public service. 
With deep appreciation, we extend sincere best wishes to Brenda, her 
sons Robert and Lavan and their families for continued health and 
happiness.

                          ____________________