[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E51]]
      THANKING LONG-TIME STAFFER DAVID RANSOM FOR HIS SERVICE AND 
           CONGRATULATING HIM ON HIS MOVE TO A MAJOR LAW FIRM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, today, I want to thank one of my former 
staffers, David Ransom, who recently left the Majority Leader's Office 
to join one of our Nation's premier law firms, for his 9 years of 
service as my principal speechwriter, as a key member of my 
communications team, and as a senior advisor who always offered strong 
recommendations based on solid reasoning.
  There are few people who have served on my staff who know my position 
on issues better than David does.
  At a going-away luncheon for David, I told the assembled staff that I 
needed them to step up as David had, and to give me their best advice 
and counsel--even if that meant that on occasion they might be 
disagreeing with me or other staff. As a good lawyer, David clearly 
appreciates the importance of making a compelling argument. But he also 
recognizes the necessity of anticipating and considering opposing 
points of view and policy positions.
  This approach not only has made David a valued member of my staff, 
but also has enabled me to better serve my constituents in Maryland's 
Fifth Congressional District, this great institution and our Nation.
  During his more than 9 years on my staff, David demonstrated that he 
is a team player and problem solver who has exceptional analytical, 
writing, and communication skills. Over that period, he drafted 
everything from short statements, to countless Floor statements, to 
major speeches, to substantive policy documents, to advocacy materials 
for members of the Democratic Caucus.
  While I am certainly sad to lose a trusted, valued member of my 
staff, I am very pleased that David has joined such a great law firm--
McDermott Will & Emery, one of the top law firms in America. There's no 
question that his insight into the congressional leadership and the 
Members who serve here will be of great value to McDermott Will & 
Emery's clients.
  I wish David and his family--his wife, Lori, and two children--all 
the best in the future, and again thank him for his efforts on my 
behalf.

                          ____________________