[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DENNIS P. RILEY

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding 
Rhode Islander and a superb employee of the Senate who is retiring 
after 34 years of Federal service--my friend, my colleague, someone I 
admire immensely, Dennis P. Riley.
  Dennis Riley has worked in my Providence office since I was elected 
to the Senate. But before that, he was a longtime employee of Senator 
Claiborne Pell, my predecessor. Dennis was born in Pawtucket, RI, on 
March 3, 1948, and attended St. Raphael's Academy. He went on to earn a 
bachelor of science in history and political science at the University 
of Wisconsin in 1971.
  He taught history for a brief time in the Pawtucket School System and 
was a graduate student in the Masters in Teaching Program at Rhode 
Island College. In 1972, he became the field coordinator for U.S. 
Senator Claiborne Pell's reelection campaign and formed a bond with 
Senator Pell and public service that lasts to this day.
  Dennis came to serve on the personal staff of Senator Pell, first as 
a staff assistant in Washington, DC, from 1973 to 1978. But in 
recognition of those skills and the commitment he brought to bear as a 
staff member for Senator Pell, Senator Pell chose Dennis to serve as 
his campaign manager for his next successful reelection effort. So 
Dennis returned to Rhode Island and successfully planned and executed 
the Senator's reelection campaign.
  From 1979 to Senator Pell's final day in office, Dennis worked as 
assistant director of the Senator's Rhode Island office. He was a 
trusted employee of Senator Pell, and, more importantly, Dennis remains 
close to the Pell family today.

  As Senator from 1961 to 1997, Senator Claiborne Pell's legacy 
includes establishing Pell grants as well as creating the National 
Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. 
Senator Pell was also noted as a diplomat, and he served with 
distinction as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. Senator 
Pell's legacy is a model for all of us, particularly for myself. Dennis 
Riley is a testament and a part of that tradition of talented and 
conscientious public servants who labor, perhaps in the shadows, but it 
is their work that is decisive in our success on the floor.
  After Senator Pell retired, and the people of Rhode Island gave me 
the chance to continue his good works, Senator Pell spoke so highly of 
Dennis that I asked him to join my staff. It is one of the best 
decisions I have ever made. He brought with him a keen knowledge of the 
workings of the Senate, a history and knowledge of Rhode Island 
politics, good judgment, great wisdom, and great character. In the 
ensuing years, we have become dear friends, and he is a trusted 
adviser.
  During his tenure with my office, Dennis has worked on special 
projects and has assisted hundreds of agencies and organizations as 
they sought Federal assistance and thousands of Rhode Islanders who 
needed help, who needed someone to listen to their stories, and to let 
them know there is a government that cares about them, because Dennis 
Riley is a person who cares deeply, not just about Government but about 
the people we serve.
  In Rhode Island, he has been involved in crafting many public policy 
initiatives, and he has been particularly active as my point person on 
Federal grants and the applications process for the Appropriations 
Committee.
  He has shepherded projects through. He has brought people together 
for the common good. He has made a significant impact on the economic 
vitality of my State. Although Dennis's name will never be lauded in 
the news reports or press releases, his hand is seen in so many efforts 
to make our State an even better place to live, work, and raise our 
families.
  Everyone who knows Dennis sees him as a kind and decent man, with a 
great heart, a great mind--someone we are proud to call a dear friend.
  His compassion and quick Irish wit are legendary. For years, 
transplanted Rhode Islanders in Washington, DC, and politicos in our 
State eagerly awaited, every day, the ``Riley Report''--a carefully 
crafted summary of the day's topical stories, political news, and a 
retelling of the events of the day in Rhode Island. This complete and 
unbiased commentary of the author provided the ``real story,'' very 
often, of what was going on in Rhode Island.
  Well, after his distinguished service to the Senate for 34 years, 
Dennis now will be retiring to his beloved home in Little Compton, RI, 
with his wife--the love of his life--Kathy McLaughlin Riley. Kathy is a 
warm and lovely person, who has devoted her life to educating children. 
She is an elementary teacher at the Elizabeth Baldwin School in 
Pawtucket, and she will soon join Dennis in retirement.
  In their well-deserved retirement, Dennis and Kathy plan to travel 
extensively. They are avid baseball enthusiasts, and they plan to visit 
all the ballparks they have not yet seen. It will be an inspiring and 
interesting trip for both of them.
  He will also be spending time caring for his family, including 
creating more memories with his many nieces and nephews who so treasure 
his company. I wish both Kathy and Dennis much happiness and 
fulfillment in the years ahead.
  Now, on behalf of myself--and also I will take the liberty to speak 
on behalf of my esteemed predecessor, Senator Claiborne Pell--I would 
ask all my colleagues in the Senate, who treasure, as I do, the loyalty 
and the devotion of their staffs, to join me in paying tribute to a 
stellar Senate employee, Dennis Riley.
  Rhode Island has been honored by his service, and the Reed staff will 
fondly remember his time with them. We formed a lasting bond that will 
never be severed, and we treasure that bond.
  As Dennis files the final ``Riley Report,'' I wish him every good 
wish.
  Now, Dennis is Irish, and that means he has a rather somber view of 
the world. He has a saying on his office door that reads: ``There is 
nothing so bad that it can't get worse.'' That is a typically Irish 
sentiment. As we send him off, however, let me offer another sentiment. 
Dennis:

       May the saddest day of your future be no worse
       Than the happiest day of your past.

  Thank you for your friendship, and thank you for your service.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Ohio.

                          ____________________