[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES W. COON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2012

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to recognize 
James W. Coon, who is retiring after 25 years of distinguished service 
to the United States House of Representatives.
  As the Staff Director of the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure, Jim's leadership, knowledge and counsel have been 
invaluable to me and other Members of the Committee and this body. Over 
the years, he has helped guide important pieces of legislation through 
Congress and to the President for signature, including a major surface 
transportation bill that will reform and improve our Nation's highway 
and bridge programs, a long-stalled and critical aviation reform bill, 
legislation to authorize the programs of the United States Coast Guard, 
a bill to improve federal pipeline safety programs, and a measure to 
protect U.S. sovereignty from a European Union attempt to unlawfully 
tax our domestic air carriers and operators.
  Jim regularly and expertly navigated a difficult political atmosphere 
and helped ensure, through his untiring efforts and excellent 
leadership, that good, sound legislation was passed for the benefit of 
the American people. His in-depth understanding of the legislative 
process and ability to work with those of all political stripes are 
unique and respected here in the Congress.
  Before I asked Jim to become the Committee's Republican Staff 
Director in 2006, he also advised me and other Members of the Committee 
in his capacity as the Subcommittee on Aviation Majority Staff 
Director.
  In addition, Jim served as a Professional Staff member on the 
Subcommittee on Aviation from 1995 to 1998. Prior to his work on the 
Transportation Committee, he served as the Legislative Director to 
Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) from 1989 to 1994, and he was a 
Legislative Assistant to Representative Robert F. (Bob) Smith (R-OR) 
from 1983 to 1989. Jim's illustrious career also includes experience in 
the private sector where he held positions as director of government 
affairs for both The Boeing Company and the Air Transport Association, 
where he helped develop legislation to stabilize the airline industry 
following the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
  His service to his Country goes beyond the halls of Congress and 
includes 12 years as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and 
the Virginia Army National Guard where he attained the rank of Captain.
  But of all Jim's accomplishments, I know he would tell you that he is 
most proud of his family--his beautiful wife Sara and their three 
children, Harrison, Caroline, and David. Jim and I often spoke about 
our families and the importance of faith, family, and Country, which 
were values instilled in him by his parents, David and Maureen.
  In January, Jim will be ending a remarkable career here in the House 
and will be joining the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) 
as Executive Vice President. Jim has an even brighter future ahead of 
him, and I know he will be just as successful as he has been here in 
the people's House. He can be proud of his achievements and the 
commitment he has shown to public service. Above all, he has been a 
true and loyal friend and I will miss him very much.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all of our colleagues to join me in 
thanking Jim Coon for his 25 years of service to the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure, the Congress, and the Nation.

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