[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 27, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO DAN AHOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 27, 2010

  Mr. HINCHEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
longtime staff member and dear friend, Daniel J. Ahouse, as he parts 
from his distinguished service in the Congress and embarks upon a new 
venture. For nearly 15 years, Dan has held several positions of 
responsibility in my office, most importantly as my chief of staff. Dan 
has served with an unrivaled commitment to the people of the 26th and 
now 22nd Congressional District of New York. Although he will be 
profoundly missed, in my office and in the communities I represent, we 
will continue to enjoy the benefits of his successful accomplishments.
  Dan Ahouse originally hailed from Boiceville, a hamlet in the Town of 
Olive, in Ulster County, New York. He attended Hamilton College where 
he studied government and, as he had in high school, quarterbacked the 
football team. Dan began serving in my office as an intern in 1995 and, 
after quickly establishing himself as a hard worker and a team player, 
he was promoted to staff assistant, scheduler, legislative assistant, 
district representative, district director and finally chief of staff.
  As with any good quarterback, Dan demonstrated his talent for calling 
plays and creating opportunities off the field. He is never deterred by 
a challenge. The great accomplishments we've recently made to establish 
New York as a hub for solar energy research and development would not 
have been achieved at the same level were it not for Dan Ahouse's hard 
work and determination. He has always been anchored by a sense of 
optimism and his belief that with hard work even the most difficult 
obstacles can be overcome.
  Dan's level-headed judgment and strong leadership have been 
critically important, and his loyalty has been unfailing. But, as is 
often the case, his public service has come at the price of many 
personal sacrifices, including postponing his honeymoon in order to 
focus on the needs of the congressional operation and, more recently, 
spending a great deal of time away from his wife, Christina, and three 
lovely daughters, Madison, Abigail, and Julia, in order to manage my 
Washington and district offices.
  All the while, Dan created an environment for staff and colleagues, 
in Washington and in the district, conducive to fresh ideas and 
productivity. A strong figure in his own community and an integral part 
of my team, from intern to chief of staff, Dan Ahouse will be sorely 
missed. I owe Dan my own personal heartfelt thanks, especially for his 
friendship, support, and counsel over the many years. I wish him a 
well-deserved, happy, and healthy new beginning.

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