[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF LOUIS FINKEL TO THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON 
                         SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
service of a valued staff member of the Committee on Science and 
Technology, my Chief of Staff, Louis Finkel. While Louis still has 
decisions to make about his future, I've already made my choice. He may 
remain with the Committee or with the House, but after next week, I no 
longer will and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him for his 
service.
  Louis worked for me in my personal office from 1996 to 2001 in 
several positions, including Legislative Director. He also worked in 
the office of former Representative Peter Deutsch (D-FL) and in the 
private sector, representing the interests of educational institutions, 
non-profits, and technology and energy companies.
  Louis was one of the first hires I made when we took over the 
majority. I have always said I wanted this to be the Committee of 
``good ideas and consensus;'' and Louis was key to implementing that 
pledge, with his balance of Hill and private sector experience. He was 
responsible for steering our committee agenda and organizing our 
efforts to reach out to folks interested in the business of the 
committee. He performed that exceedingly well, and when my long-time 
Chief of Staff retired, there was no one but Louis I could think of to 
fill the role. He was able to provide a seamless transition and we 
didn't miss a beat. It helped that he came into the Chief of Staff role 
with a deep knowledge of the Committee's work, as well as the respect 
of Members, staff, and the outside community.
  The Chief of Staff is a challenging job: you need to not only be able 
to see the big picture, but also the details. Louis has the ability to 
row but also to steer. He has mastered the policy, politics and 
management aspects of the job.
  Louis has said that there may be people that are smarter than his is, 
but there are few that are willing to work harder than he is. That 
drive and preparation has paid off, and I have been the beneficiary.
  When he's not overachieving at work, he may be doing it in the 
kitchen, where he loves to impress family and friends with his command 
of the culinary arts.
  Louis, I thank you for all your counsel and tireless efforts, and I 
thank Stacey, Max, and Caleb for their support. I will certainly miss 
working with you day to day.

                          ____________________