[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF SHELLY O'NEILL STONEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding 
contributions and dedication of my Deputy Chief of Staff, Shelly 
O'Neill Stoneman, as she leaves my office to work in the Office of 
Legislative Affairs for President Barack Obama. Shelly served on my 
staff for more than 5 years, and during that time she advised me 
expertly on issues of defense and foreign policy. Shelly continuously 
demonstrated extraordinary intellect, grace under pressure, and the 
highest ethical and professional standards. Shelly's vast sphere of 
knowledge and her friendship will genuinely be missed in my office.
  Shelly was born in Newport Beach, California, and later moved to 
Orlando, Florida where she attended Dr. Phillips High School. She 
attended Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated with a 
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She has also earned a Master of 
Arts in National Security Studies from the United States Naval War 
College, as well as a Master of Arts in International Relations from 
the University of Oklahoma's Program in Europe.
  Prior to joining my office, Shelly worked as an intern in the White 
House Office of Legislative Affairs in 1997 during the Clinton 
Administration. This is the same office which Shelly will now be 
joining as a staffer within the Obama Administration. In 1999, Shelly 
joined the United States Senate Governmental Affairs Committee's 
Subcommittee on International Security, Proliferation, and Federal 
Services under Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), and later worked as a 
research consultant for the Small Arms Survey, evaluating the arms 
export control systems of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern European 
countries. Her previous experience has served her well and helped make 
her an extraordinarily effective member of my staff, and I know those 
same capabilities will serve her well in the White House.
  While serving long hours as the brilliant Deputy Chief of Staff for 
my office, Shelly directed my legislative agenda and staffed me on the 
House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on State and Foreign 
Operations, as well as the Subcommittee on Defense. In addition to her 
work within my office, Shelly founded the Democratic Legislative 
Directors Study Group, a wonderful support and networking system for 
Democratic senior staff on Capitol Hill.
  Madam Speaker, over the past 5 years, my office has come to know 
Shelly O'Neill Stoneman well and we will remember her as a 
conscientious and dedicated colleague, a gifted writer, and a loyal 
friend to her fellow coworkers. Shelly is a passionate advocate for the 
protection of human rights and international aid, and has used her 
well-honed skills as a policy-maker to help ensure that these vital 
aspects of United States foreign policy are maintained. Throughout her 
tenure with my office, Shelly provided me with thoughtful and accurate 
counsel, which has allowed me to better serve the people of New 
Jersey's Ninth District. She is now, and forever, an honorary ``Jersey 
Girl'', and has my deep respect and appreciation for all of the 
contributions she has made to my office and the work she has done. 
While I will miss her dearly, I wish Shelly the very best and know that 
she has a bright future ahead of her. The White House is lucky to have 
her.

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