[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CELEBRATING RUDY HANLEY'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDWARD R. ROYCE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2014

  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of 
Rudy Hanley. As a former State Senator and Congressman for the last 30 
years, I have met many people along the way who are advocates for one 
cause or another, resources that I come to rely on for advice, 
supporters, and a few that become friends. But there are really very 
few, who become all of those things, and who are trusted confidents, 
respected advisors, and true friends. Rudy Hanley is all of those 
things to me.
  I've known Rudy since my days as a California State Senator. I wasn't 
the Chair of any committees, I wasn't in leadership, but Rudy came to 
talk to me about something that he was passionate about--credit unions, 
and what they could do for their members, who were often low to middle 
income, and who sometimes needed a little extra help.
  One of my favorite Rudy stories is that of his ``Turkey Loan.'' One 
year, Rudy noticed that some of his members were having a hard time 
buying the groceries for their Thanksgiving dinner, because they didn't 
get paid until the following week. So, Rudy offered them a ``Turkey 
Loan,'' where they could come into the credit union, sign a piece of 
paper, and walk out with a hundred dollars in cash to purchase their 
groceries. It wasn't a formal loan, but you know, Rudy told me that 
they never had anyone who didn't pay the loan back. And I think that 
was probably due in large part to the fact that they respected Rudy, 
and appreciated the fact that he respected them, and cared for them.
  I also respect Rudy immensely. He is a man of great integrity, who 
works hard, studies hard, and who has been very successful in life. But 
despite that success, he has never forgotten who he works for--and that 
is his members. And he has continued to go above and beyond his job at 
the credit union, to advocate for them in Sacramento and in Washington, 
DC. He also has been my ``go to guy'' when it comes to policy questions 
that affect credit unions. Not only does he understand the issues 
better than anyone I know, he is honest and I know that he will always 
give it to me straight.
  And so, I am really going to miss having Rudy at the helm of Schools 
First, and as an official advocate for credit unions in DC. But I also 
know that Rudy will always be fighting for credit unions, if even in an 
unofficial capacity.
  And as a friend, I am happy for Rudy and for Catherine, who have 
earned this retirement. And I hope that it means that Marie and I will 
get to see more of them in the years to come.
  God Bless you Rudy! And Congratulations!

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