[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 25 (Thursday, February 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING ROB COGORNO ON HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF 
                            REPRESENTATIVES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2008

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rob 
Cogorno, who will soon be leaving his Congressional career here in the 
House of Representatives for new opportunities off of Capitol Hill.
  Rob's formal title is Floor Director for the Majority Leader, but he 
is truly a servant of this institution. Rob has worked for several 
Members of Congress over his 25-year Capitol Hill career, but the 
reality is that he has truly served both this institution and the 
ideals that make it what it is.
  As a former Congressional staffer, I recognize the value of our 
staff. We would not be who we are and our country would not be where it 
is without, in part, our dedicated, smart and hardworking staff. 
Throughout his career in the House, Rob has served both the individual 
Members of Congress he worked for and all the Members of Congress of 
this institution.
  Rob is a strategist. He's a master of the procedures that make the 
House run. He knows what makes the Democratic Caucus tick. He knows how 
the various groups that make up our Caucus think. He did more than make 
the trains run on time or make sure that we, as Members of Congress, 
had an outlet for our various requests. He gave us his unvarnished 
opinion, in his calm, easy-going, unflappable way, and at times, he was 
on the receiving end of some very ``spirited'' rants and complaints 
from Members of Congress and their staff. But he always behaved 
professionally and always worked for what he thought was right.
  Rob's knowledge and experience will not be easily filled. But more 
importantly, there will not be another Rob Cogorno in this institution. 
Yes, there will be other staffers who will fill his role, but Rob 
cannot be replaced.
  The House is losing one of its own--someone who loves and respects 
this institution; someone who not only believes in the ideals that make 
up the Democratic party but also believes in fairness for all who make 
up this body; and someone who has worked every single day to make our 
country and this world a better place.
  Rob--you will be missed, but you won't be forgotten. I appreciate 
what you've done for this institution and for the Nation, and I thank 
you for your hard work and dedication. Good luck in the next phase of 
your professional life.

                          ____________________