[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 166 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF EMILY PHELPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 15, 2010

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Emily Phelps for her contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional 
District. As any member of Congress knows, our legislative achievements 
and successful constituent services program would not be possible 
without a cadre of great staff working behind the scenes. They work 
long hours--often for little pay or recognition--and their service is 
simply invaluable to those of us who serve in this esteemed chamber. 
Throughout my 26 years in Congress, I have been fortunate to have many 
bright, able staff members with an interest in serving their country by 
working in this body. Today, I'd like to single out those who are 
serving my constituents as my tenure comes to a close.
   Emily Phelps has served as my communications director throughout 
this last year of my term. Even though I announced a year ago that I 
was retiring, my staff and I have not slowed down one bit since then. 
My legislative efforts have continued, and Emily has done a tremendous 
job of ensuring my constituents know how new laws will affect their 
families and their communities.
  Emily has put in long hours and hard work to manage outreach on 
Congress' actions on health care reform, the controversy surrounding 
failing brakes in some Toyota models, and my efforts to ban imports of 
foreign-generated nuclear waste. After floods ravaged Tennessee this 
spring, Emily provided up-to-the-minute reports about disaster 
assistance through my website and outreach to local media. While the 
Science and Technology Committee's communications director was out on 
maternity leave, Emily split her time, assisting with hearing, managing 
a press conference related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and 
preparing for House consideration of the America COMPETES Act.
  Madam Speaker, Emily has a bright, continued future ahead of her in 
communications. She is thoughtful, offers good ideas and insight, 
maintains ease and comfort with reporters, and, as all good staff does, 
advocates an alternative opinion rather than just agreeing with the 
status quo.
   My staff and I have enjoyed getting to know Emily and having her in 
the office. Her easygoing nature, with a touch of endearing quirkiness, 
is a pleasant counter to the clamor of Congress. Emily, I thank you for 
helping me accomplish so much this year, and I wish you all the best.

                          ____________________