[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5751-S5752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ELIZABETH CHING

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a very 
special person who has served the people of Montana for 37 years: 
Elizabeth Ching. Our Liz retired from the U.S. Senate on June 30, 2013. 
Of course, she started her new job the very next day, on July 1. Her 
so-called retirement lasted less than 24-hours. That is the kind of 
work

[[Page S5752]]

ethic that has made Liz famous. When she has a task to accomplish, she 
simply doesn't rest until it is done.
  She is a workhorse and one of the kindest, most dedicated people I 
know.
  Liz was a staff assistant on the Select Committee for Presidential 
Campaigns and the Budget Committee before joining my team in the U.S. 
House of Representatives in 1975. Liz continued her career in the U.S. 
Senate. As one of the first members of my team, Liz has literally 
helped thousands of Montanans over the years.
  She has also worn many hats over the last thirty-seven years proving 
that no job is too small or too large for her to tackle with heart and 
soul.
  In many ways, Liz and I grew up together learning the ropes of 
Congress. Little did we know back in 1975 when I first hired her how 
much we would be able to accomplish for Montanans. She has helped 
support Montana outreach efforts on three farm bills, four highway 
bills, four major rural water project bills, and the Affordable Care 
Act.
  In her early years in my Washington, DC office, she was my office 
manager. In 1995, she moved to Montana to be assistant to the state 
director. Her titles from 1996 through today include grants 
coordinator, State casework director, agriculture issues eastern 
Montana and director of constituent services, and Montana economic 
development director. As our economic development director, Liz has 
played a key role in making our Montana Economic Development Summits a 
success--helping make connections that have resulted in hundreds of 
Montana jobs. More recently, she has been an ambassador to energy-
impacted communities in the Bakken region helping them to understand 
and access the myriad of Federal programs available to absorb the 
pressures of the Bakken oil and gas boom. While we will all miss having 
her on staff, I am thrilled to know that she will have the opportunity 
to continue serving Montanans through her passion for economic 
development.
  Liz has worked on more than 17,000 cases for Montanans on issues such 
as small business, labor, agriculture, veterans, appropriations, 
transportation, housing, postal services, health, environment, energy, 
banking, and economic issues. I have always been thankful to have Liz 
in my corner. I can only imagine how each and every one of those 17,000 
individuals felt knowing that Liz answered the call when they needed 
help.
  In addition to her legislative achievements and impressive 
constituent work, Liz mentored thousands of interns and young staff 
assistants over the years, gently educating them in all facets of 
protocol, policy, and poise.
  Always on the road, working tirelessly on individual casework and 
larger community issues, often I received e-mails and notes from 
Montanans sharing their gratitude for Liz's support and knowledge of 
the issues that matter most to them. One of her greatest talents is 
bringing key people together for discussions and setting the table for 
meaningful teamwork.
  While she is known statewide for her work, Liz is truly a pillar of 
the Billings community. Whether there is a road to build, a bridge to 
fix, a new store opening, or a building burnt down, Liz has always been 
there to uplift those in need or help with the groundbreakings, ribbon-
cuttings, dedications, and donations. I cannot fully express how 
amazing Liz has been as a liaison for our office.
  While I could go on and on about Liz's professional accomplishments, 
I know she is most proud of her wonderful marriage to Kevin Dowling and 
the beautiful family they have raised together. Her amazing family is 
truly a testament to the type of person she is. Liz and Kevin have 
three terrific children: Tierney, Aidan, and Seanan, and one grandson 
Kaiven.
  Everyone privileged to know Liz is touched by her contagious zest for 
life and endless energy. Her colleagues in Washington, DC, and Montana 
have the highest regard and appreciation for her many years of service, 
friendship, and determination to do everything she can for all 
Montanans in need of any kind of assistance.
  I personally owe her a big thank-you. Liz, you are truly one of a 
kind. We are all rooting for you on your new adventures.

                          ____________________