[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 166 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2149-E2150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF CHRISTOPHER RACKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 15, 2010

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Christopher Rackens for his contributions to the Sixth District of 
Tennessee while serving on my Washington, DC staff. As any member of 
Congress knows, our legislative achievements and successful constituent 
services programs 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.

[[Page E2150]]

  Chris Rackens joined my office during the final week of House 
consideration of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a bill 
that sparked public interest exceeding anything I have seen during my 
time in Congress. It was a week of unprecedented call volumes that 
sometimes crashed the House phone system. Although he had just joined 
us days before, Chris helped to staff the office over the weekend to 
provide updates to constituents in Middle Tennessee who were following 
the debate. It was an exciting and challenging time for even the most 
veteran staffers. Unfazed, Chris jumped right into his staff assistant 
duties with professionalism under pressure, a great attitude, and a 
pride in his small-town upbringing that endeared him right away to his 
colleagues in Washington and Tennessee.
  Chris was always eager to tackle any task, which served him well as 
he was promoted from staff assistant to legislative aide. Chris has 
covered legislation in the areas of education and government reform, 
answering constituent concerns and assisting Tennessee universities and 
state entities that needed assistance working with federal agencies. In 
addition, he also took on the role of systems administrator for the 
office, an often thankless and time consuming job.
  During the last months, Chris has shown real leadership in the move 
from our Rayburn office to transition space in preparation for closing 
my Washington and Tennessee offices. He has handled many of the major 
logistical challenges of helping the staff relocate, all while staying 
on top of a full load of correspondence and legislative work. Our 
office transition would not have been as successful without him.
  Madam Speaker, Chris Rackens has done great work in the service of 
the Sixth District of Tennessee. He has tremendous charisma and an 
unfalteringly good attitude that has led him to believe no task is too 
big or too small to undertake. I know I will continue to hear good 
things from and about Chris, and I wish him all the best in the future.

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