[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO ROB COGORNO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, in 1993, I was privileged to be appointed 
to the Appropriations Committee. I brought to the assignment my ideas 
and priorities and a determination to use the power of the purse to 
change lives for the better.
  To be effective I needed much more. I needed Rob Cogorno.
  Rob joined our staff bringing with him years of experience working on 
issues that had my strongest interest. It was a blessed partnership 
from the first day.
  Rob came with remarkable qualities. He knew the issues thoroughly. He 
was tireless. He knew the answer or how to find it.
  But to focus only on Rob's mastery of the process would be an 
injustice. He is effective because he is compassionate and sincere as 
well as smart.
  He cares about people. Low income heating assistance was not just a 
program, it was thousands of cold seniors. National Cancer Institute 
funding was not just about scientists and research grants, it was 
millions of people suffering from diseases that he believed could be 
helped. The Ryan White AIDS funding legislation was about millions of 
Americans and about people he knew personally who needed a cure and 
needed hope.
  His commitment earned him the respect of his colleagues and members. 
He is a warm person. He takes the time to make you laugh, share a piece 
of gossip, lift your spirits. Over the years he has held important 
positions working for the Democratic House Leadership and most recently 
for the Majority Leader.
  I am grateful to Rob for his leadership, passion, and partnership 
over the years. I wish you well. I treasure our friendship.
  Buona Fortuna!

                          ____________________