[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING MAME REILEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime Virginia 
resident and dear friend, Ms. Mame Reiley, whose decades-long service 
to the Democratic Party and local non-profit institutions has had such 
a positive impact on people's lives both locally and nationally.
  In 1989, Mame was the one who convinced me to run for Congress. 
Because of her legendary ability to make people see the art of the 
possible, and my confidence in her timing and instincts, we took on a 
tough race, beating the odds. She served as my Chief of Staff for the 
next six years, ably guiding me to some major policy successes and a 
coveted seat on the Appropriations Committee in only my second term.
  Mame fell in love with politics as a youngster, cheering Jack Kennedy 
on to his historic Presidential election and playing a significant role 
in college for his brother Ted's run. In the years following, she has 
become a force within the Party, chairing the Women's Caucus for the 
DNC, and having played a major role in the career of virtually every 
major Virginia Democrat from Doug Wilder to Tim Kaine. Among her many 
positions she's held over the years: running inaugural activities for 
Governor Mark Warner, serving as political director of his PAC, One 
Virginia, serving as senior advisor to Governor Tim Kaine, and 
directing my brother Brian's gubernatorial run.
  Mame's skill, knowhow, and hard work led Governor Warner to appoint 
her to the Board of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 
(MWAA) in 2002. While on the MWAA Board, she quickly gained the respect 
of her peers, rising to the position of Chairman of the Board, and the 
Board's prestigious Dulles Corridor Committee. Her efforts helped pave 
the way for Rail to Dulles, the largest expansion of the Metro rail 
system since it was created.
  Commitment to public service and the Democratic Party has been the 
theme of her life's work. Mame's involvement with the DNC and other 
influential local organizations continues to this day. In 1992, she was 
elected to the DNC from Virginia. Since that time, she has risen to 
Chair the Women's Caucus and serves on the DNC's Executive Committee 
and its highly influential Rules and Bylaws Committee. She is also a 
member of the Economic Club of Washington and the Federal City Council 
Executive Committee. In her spare time, Mame has continued to operate 
the Reiley Group, a well-known public relations and event planning 
firm.
  Mame has garnered the respect of countless individuals and admirers. 
She is a force to be reckoned with, her honesty and advice frequently 
sought-out, and if you're in a foxhole, she's the person you want next 
to you, protecting your back and bringing levity to even the toughest 
situation.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of my long time 
friend and mentor, Mame Reiley.

                          ____________________