[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SCOTT NISHIOKI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Scott 
Nishioki, who has served as a valued member of my staff for the past 
nine years. Scott joined my staff during the beginning of my first term 
in Congress, and he has made a real difference. This month, Scott will 
be leaving my staff to find other ways to serve our nation beyond the 
walls of Congress. Scott's years of service to the people of Central 
California, spanning from Kern County to Merced County, deserve to be 
commended.
  A Sanger native, Scott grew up in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley 
and graduated from Sanger High School before becoming a Bulldog at 
California State University, Fresno. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 
1976, and shortly thereafter began to pursue a career in public service 
that led him from California to Washington, DC.
  In his 31 years in Washington, Scott has done it all. As an aide to 
Congressman Rick Lehman (D-Fresno), Scott wrote the Truth in Savings 
Act, legislation that protects consumers and encourages healthy 
financial savings. Following his service with Congressman Lehman, Scott 
held a number of important positions within the telecommunications 
industry, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the American Bankers 
Association. As a result of his years of service, Scott understands and 
appreciates the inner workings of this city better than anyone else.
  Scott's true value is his ability to focus on what really matters. 
Spending a lifetime in DC can sometimes leave you blinded by 
partisanship, ambition, or money, but Scott has never forgotten why he 
left his home and moved to Washington in the first place. He moved here 
to solve problems and make a difference for the people of the San 
Joaquin Valley and the nation. And, that is exactly what he has done.
  In addition to his legislative achievements, Scott made a difference 
by mentoring every member of my staff and several others both on and 
off Capitol Hill. For years, Scott has calmly helped my staff navigate 
personal and professional pressures. Together our staff has achieved a 
great deal both as members of Team Costa and in their professional 
lives after their service in my office.
  Michael Doyle, reporter in the Washington bureau of McClatchy 
newspapers, may have said it best: ``Scott hits the trifecta. He's 
smart, candid and funny. I have always been able to trust his insight 
and his judgment. I will miss him; Congress will be a lesser place 
without him.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and pride that I recognize Mr. 
Nishioki today for his many contributions to not only my Congressional 
office, but the entirety of the San Joaquin Valley. He is truly a son 
of the Valley, and the place we both call home is better for his many 
years of service. It has truly been an honor to work with him over the 
years and I wish him the best of luck in his next adventure.

                          ____________________