[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SHANNON GOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments 
and distinguished public service of Shannon Good, my Legislative 
Director and former Deputy Chief of Staff. Shannon is a trusted advisor 
and friend. It saddens me to announce that she is leaving my office to 
pursue her own endeavors. Her tenure has been defined not only by a 
standard of professionalism that distinguishes exceptional legislative 
directors, but by a deep and abiding commitment to fairness, high 
ethical standards and the best interests of the 1st Congressional 
District of Colorado and this Nation.
  Shannon is a Denver native and graduated from East High School and 
later graduated from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. 
Shannon has been active in politics for years, volunteering on various 
local and national campaigns, including mine. Prior to joining my 
staff, she worked in the Washington, DC office of Governmental 
Relations for Salomon Brothers where she tracked legislation for Wall 
Street analysts.
  Effective and committed legislative staff is essential to democratic 
governance. Few people recognize the magnitude and consequence of their 
contributions--- particularly of those intrepid staff members who 
actually manage the legislative work we do. Shannon's keen intellect, 
judgment and common sense have been invaluable to me in dealing not 
only with the issues all of us face, but in guiding my legislative 
agenda for the past nine years. She has contributed in no small measure 
to much of the legislation that best serves this Nation. Her work on 
legislation protecting our Nation's safety net hospitals, simplifying 
the enrollment process and expanding presumptive eligibility for 
children in Medicaid, expanding energy efficiency requirements to 
improve our Nation's energy policy, expanding FDA and USDA authority to 
ensure food safety and her invaluable work on the ``Stem Cell Research 
Enhancement Act'' are but a few of her most noteworthy contributions. 
Shannon has been my point person for moving significant national 
legislation through committee and the House. Numerous other staff 
members from many offices have come to rely upon her for information 
and guidance on a variety of issues. Shannon is one of the staff 
experts in the House on women's reproductive health. Any time an issue 
related to reproductive health has arisen, whether in major legislation 
or buried in a motion to recommit or an amendment, many in Washington 
have sought out Shannon's counsel. Furthermore, Shannon Good has 
excelled in recognizing and cultivating the talents and skills of my 
legislative team, both past and present, and she commands their respect 
and admiration. My District Office staff admire not only her 
exceptional capabilities, but her directness and understanding of the 
issues and challenges local offices face.
  Shannon is a valued member of my staff and her competence, 
discernment and measure will be greatly missed. She has been an abiding 
source of wisdom and prudent counsel. She has done the people's work 
without pretension and burnished a reputation for decency and 
professionalism. Shannon is a public servant in the finest sense and 
her contributions are rich in consequence. My office and indeed, the 
United States House of Representatives, are losing a valued resource 
and friend. Please join me in commending Shannon Good, a distinguished 
public servant and legislative professional. Her character, leadership 
and dedication have done much to build a better future for all of us.

                          ____________________