[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 166 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SERVICE AND DEDICATION OF ERIC FINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            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 
Eric Fins for his contributions to Tennessee's Sixth Congressional 
District. 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.
  Eric attended American University and graduated Cum Laude in 2008. 
Following a successful internship with his hometown representative, 
Congressman Jim McGovern, Eric joined my office as a staff assistant. 
He maintained a friendly front office and handled every task set in 
front of him, including the daunting job of ticket distribution for the 
overwhelming number of constituents who wanted to attend President 
Obama's inauguration. Eric's hard work earned him a promotion to the 
role of Legislative Correspondent and then Legislative Assistant.
  As a Legislative Correspondent, Eric managed a heavy volume of 
constituent concerns on a number of issues, ensuring all received 
prompt and thorough responses. As a Legislative Assistant, Eric brought 
a thoughtful approach and an impressive depth of knowledge on a broad 
range of issues, from immigration to defense to homeland security to 
financial services. Eric shepherded House passage of the Combat 
Methamphetamine Enhancement Act, which was signed into law this fall. 
Meth production continues to be a serious problem in my district, and 
many Tennesseans will see benefits from Eric's hard work.
  Eric should also be commended for his work with my internship 
program. His patience and good attitude made him such a good fit for 
the job of intern coordinator that he returned to it even after taking 
on a full legislative portfolio. By recruiting, training and mentoring 
an excellent group of interns, Eric did a service both to my staff and 
to the young people he worked with.
  Madam Speaker, it has been a pleasure working with Eric. His 
dedication and great sense of humor have made him an integral part of 
the team in Washington and endeared him to his coworkers in Tennessee. 
We consider him an honorary Tennessean and wish him all the best in his 
future endeavors.

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