[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CATHY TRAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, this month Capitol Hill saw the departure 
of constitutional aficionado and political guru Cathy Travis--who 
recently retired after serving the House for 25 years, the last 18 as 
my communications director and senior advisor.
  Cathy's dedication to and interest in public service has led her from 
Jonesboro, AR, to the corridors of the Capitol. Politics always 
fascinated her, and after graduation from Arkansas State University she 
went to work for former Congressman Bill Alexander (D-AR) as a press 
assistant. She then served in various capacities for the House Floor 
staff. After serving in the Chief Deputy Majority Whip's office for 6 
months, she came to work for me.
  Words cannot begin to describe what Cathy has meant to me, my staff, 
and the people of the 27th district of Texas. For 18 years, I have 
relied on Cathy for her professionalism, work ethic, and friendship. 
She has been a wonderful and effective spokeswoman for the issues of 
south Texas, and reporters always expressed their gratitude for her 
guidance and assistance.
  Whether through her infectious laugh or her candid advice, Cathy 
always left a resounding impression on those she met and worked with. 
Members, staff, and reporters always took time out of their busy 
schedules to catch up with her and share some friendly chisme. During 
her last few weeks in my office, numerous people stopped to wish her 
best of luck and congratulate her on her retirement.
  Cathy will now dedicate her energy to writing and marketing her 
books. Her first book, Constitution Translated for Kids, has received 
numerous accolades and will soon be published in Spanish. In the book, 
the original text of the Constitution is paired side-by-side with a 
kid-friendly interpretation to pique interest and stimulate further 
discussion of American liberties.
  Though I bid Cathy a sad farewell from my office, it will certainly 
not be a goodbye. I look forward to seeing her around the Capitol when 
she comes up to catch up with old friends.
  Cathy remains a trusted member of my family, and I will always seek 
her counsel on matters political and personal. I wish her the best of 
luck during the new phase of her life.

                          ____________________