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




         HONORING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF GRAHAM SCHNAARS

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 Graham 
Schnaars 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.
  Graham comes to Capitol Hill from the field of engineering. He earned 
a BS from the University of Virginia and a Master's in Structural 
Engineering from Lehigh University. After working on structural 
engineering projects from Louisiana to Alaska, and fitting in time to 
complete a cross-country bike trip to raise awareness for Habitat for 
Humanity, Graham followed his interest in public policy to Washington, 
DC.
  He began his Hill career with an internship at the House Committee on 
Science and Technology, which played well to his engineering background 
and research skills. A native Tennessean himself, Graham volunteered to 
help my personal office staff handle the overwhelming volume of calls 
that came in during the health care debate this spring. When the staff 
put in extra time over the weekend to keep constituents up-to-date, 
Graham surprised us by showing up and volunteering his services. He 
surprised us even more by staying with us until the final vote was 
tallied near midnight.
  With his dedicated work ethic, firsthand knowledge of Middle 
Tennessee and stellar research skills, Graham's was the first name 
mentioned when a position opened on the legislative staff. As my 
legislative aide for agriculture, housing and Interior Department 
issues, Graham has been a valuable resource to me and to constituents 
with concerns in these areas. He has managed a difficult correspondence 
load and facilitated meetings with local interest groups on complex 
issues.
  In addition to being a snappy dresser, Graham has been a great member 
of the team. He has a wry sense of humor, a wonderful attitude and an 
eagerness to pitch in as needed. At times when the office has been 
understaffed during the final months of my term, he held down the fort 
for senior legislative staff--and brought in his now-famous spinach and 
artichoke dip to help us through.
  Madam Speaker, Graham has done stellar work for Middle Tennessee. He 
has a bright future ahead of him as a policy wonk, and I wish him all 
the best.

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