[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO LAURA DOVE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I was surprised earlier today when I was 
told by David Schiappa and Gary Myrick that somebody I care about a 
great deal is going to leave the Senate. I am so surprised. I served 
here when her dad was the Parliamentarian and I thought so much of him. 
He was a very courageous man. He jeopardized his position here in the 
Senate doing what he thought was right. He looked at the law. It didn't 
matter to him if it were a Republican asking for a decision or a 
Democrat, he did what he thought was right. I have so much admiration 
for Bob Dove.
  Then I have gotten to know his daughter Laura, whom we all care about 
a great deal. She is somebody I can joke with or be serious with. She 
understands what my obligation is here as the majority leader and she 
doesn't hold it against me. She knows I am trying to do what I think is 
right.
  She has been dedicated to making the Senate a better place during her 
10 years as the assistant Republican secretary. This is her last week 
with us so, for me, since we are going to go out of session, this is 
her last day with us. She is an example of how this operation works.
  Mr. President, I read through this stack of stuff very quickly. Could 
I have arranged all that myself? No. It is the Laura Doves of the 
Senate who allow us to get our work done. She was a page, just like 
these young boys and girls here, as a teenager. She may work for the 
other party but, as far as I am concerned, I never hesitated to ask her 
a question when somebody on this side wasn't available and she never 
hesitated to tell me what she thought or give me the information I was 
seeking. Her work is essential and she has done it with dedication.
  Laura, I really have appreciated our relationship. Please give my 
warm regards to your very fine father. I have heard a little about what 
you are going to do in the next little bit. I hope as you have that 
motor home and come to Las Vegas, hopefully this summer, you will come 
to Searchlight, because that will be a place you have never been--I am 
sure of that. What could I do with you there, though? I could show you 
my home.
  Anyway, I am so grateful to you for being the nice person you are.

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