[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING RYAN FITZPATRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of my 
Congressional Staff who have served with me over the past six years 
while I have been in office. A Member of Congress' most important 
responsibility is to provide exceptional constituent services and my 
team is second to none in providing the best assistance to all in our 
District. My Washington, DC office is also tasked with researching, 
processing, analyzing, and making recommendations on an infinite number 
of reports, policies, and legislation. I could not ask for a more 
talented or dedicated team, and I take great pride in the work that 
each staff member has done not only on my behalf, but also on behalf of 
the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina and the United 
States.
  My team has shown a strong sense of dedication to meeting the needs 
of our constituency. I owe a debt of gratitude to each one of them for 
the support and friendship which they have shown me while I have served 
in Congress.
  Ryan Fitzpatrick served as a member of my team from 2006 to March 
2011. After helping lead me to victory during my first campaign, Ryan 
quickly ascended the ranks in my Washington office and became one of my 
most trusted and hardest working legislative assistants.
  During his time in my office, Ryan played an integral role in shaping 
my legislative portfolio and in helping me achieve many of my proudest 
legislative accomplishments. Ryan's knowledge of Western North 
Carolina, combined with his determination and in-depth understanding of 
energy, environmental, and conservation issues, proved critical in 
securing the North Shore Road settlement agreement and negotiating key 
provisions in the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009.
  Ryan should be proud of the service he has provided to our District 
and country. It has been an honor to serve with him and as I retire 
from office I wish him the very best in the future. Western North 
Carolina is a better place because of his efforts and I will cherish 
the memories of serving with Ryan and the team by my side.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and 
thanking Ryan Fitzpatrick for his hard work on behalf of all of Western 
North Carolina and to wish him continued success in his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________