[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 186 (Thursday, December 11, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10940-S10941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO TUCKER SHUMACK

  Ms. SNOWE. Madam President, I rise today to recognize Tucker 
Shumack's dedicated service to the Senate Committee on Small Business 
and Entrepreneurship over the past 3 years. An integral part of the 
committee staff, Tucker always performed his duties with the livelihood 
and success of small business owners in mind.
  Tucker began his Capitol Hill service in the office of Senator Paul 
Coverdell from his home State of Georgia. After attending law school, 
Tucker returned to Washington to work for the Congressman, and later 
Senator Johnny Isakson, also from Georgia. When he came to the Small 
Business Committee in the fall of 2005, Tucker was well-grounded in the 
ways of Capitol Hill. From day 1, Tucker was proactive in efforts to 
mitigate the often unfair tax structure that small business owners 
face. Tucker's insights on these subjects have proven immensely 
critical to me over the years.
  Tucker has had many legislative successes helping me forge 
commonsense bills that appeal to Members on both sides of the aisle. 
Just last year, Tucker was invaluable in helping me develop provisions 
to extend the Work opportunity tax credit, to expand small business 
expensing and enhance the refundable child tax credit. These vital 
extensions give more people a chance at gainful employment and allow 
thousands of small businesses to succeed and thrive.
  Whether it was extending the new markets tax credit, advocating for a 
fairer and simpler Tax Code, or confronting the mess known as the 
alternative minimum tax, Tucker consistently brought colleagues 
together to find reasonable and sound solutions to the myriad tax 
problems facing Americans. His ability to forge lasting relationships 
has made him a key player on Capitol Hill, and his diligence and 
perseverance have made him a trustworthy ally. My legislative 
priorities have been well served because of Tucker's talents and 
expertise.
  Always the Southern gentleman, Tucker is easy to get along with 
because of his charm, grace, and wit--the latter of which Tucker is 
most famous

[[Page S10941]]

for. His ability to make others laugh cannot be overstated! He has 
certainly had a lasting impact on those with whom he has worked over 
the years, and his cordial demeanor and welcoming smile will be missed 
in the Halls of the Capitol complex.
  On a personal note, Tucker and his wife Kristine recently welcomed 
their first child, Tucker, Jr., into the world in August. I am sure 
that Tucker will be a great father, and look forward to hearing about 
the Shumack family's adventures throughout the years.
  Tucker's departure from the Small Business Committee is a true loss. 
I owe Tucker a debt of gratitude for his phenomenal work on behalf of 
the American people. I am confidant that he will quickly become a well-
liked and respected member of his new office. I speak for my entire 
staff when I wish Tucker well in his new job, and in all his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________