[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ON THE RETIREMENT OF DAVE LAUGHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
service of a valued staff member of the House Committee on Science and 
Technology, David Laughter, on his retirement.
  Dave has served as Financial Administrator for the Committee since 
2001. He has been on the Hill since 1994, working for the House 
Committee on Ways and Means and Congressman Dan Burton of Indiana. 
Before coming to the Hill, he served as the Deputy Administrator for 
Management and Policy Support for the United States Department of 
Agriculture, USD; Rural Electrification Administration, REA; and as the 
Vice President/General Manager for an OEM manufacturer supplying large 
sheet metal stamping dies and special machinery to domestic and 
transplant auto assembly plants in North America.
  Dave received his B.A. in Economics from Hillsdale College in 
Michigan. He is from Dayton, and, as a native Ohioan, he has a special 
place in his heart for the Bengals, the Reds, and Skyline Chili.
  Madam Speaker, Dave is the first person new employees meet on their 
first day, and the last person they see when they are leaving on their 
last day. Dave handles all the Committee staff benefits and payroll, he 
maintains our budget to ensure we're on track, and he makes sure that 
all our bills get paid. Dave has provided a steady hand on the 
Committee's financial tiller for these past 8 years, and I want him to 
know how much I appreciate his hard work.
  I know Dave has wrestled with this decision, and while I don't expect 
him to turn into a ``Nature Boy,'' I'm sure he's looking forward to 
having a little more time to pursue his other hobbies and interests.
  I know that all of the Science and Technology Committee's members and 
staff wish him well. He'll have more time to spend with his lovely 
wife, Marsha, his children, Carrie, David, and Brittany, his 
grandchildren Peter and Meredith, and his other family and friends. We 
hope Dave enjoys a relaxing retirement filled with fishing, grilling, 
and listening to classic rock.
  Dave, thank you again for your years of service.

                          ____________________