[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BEN NICHOLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Ben Nicholson, who left the Appropriations Committee staff in October 
after more than 12 years of distinguished service. Ben started his 
career serving our Nation in 1992 when he joined the U.S. Coast Guard, 
serving for 10 years before joining the Appropriations Committee staff 
in 2002. Since that time, Ben has worked on various subcommittees, and 
for several chairmen, ultimately becoming the Clerk and Staff Director 
of the Homeland Security Subcommittee in 2011.
   As the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I have had the 
honor and pleasure of working closely with Ben. He is professional, he 
is reliable, he is dedicated, and he gets the job done, regardless of 
the circumstances. Ben is a born leader and a Patriot. He holds himself 
accountable to a code of the highest standards. He efficiently manages 
his staff, not by micromanaging but by setting an example and 
empowering them to make informed recommendations. He is affable, 
thoughtful, determined to make a difference, and calm under pressure.
   As we all know, congressional staff work long hours, and often 
sacrifice weekends and holidays in order to keep this esteemed 
institution running. This inevitably takes a toll on personal 
commitments, and nothing means more to Ben than his supportive and 
loving family. In his new employment, Ben will hopefully have more time 
to spend with his lovely wife, Anna, and their son, Tim. I have said 
before, and I will say again, the Appropriations Committee has the best 
staff on Capitol Hill. And Ben Nicholson is the epitome of that 
statement.
   Congress, the House, the Appropriations Committee, and I will surely 
miss Ben's contributions and leadership; but we thank him for his 
service and dedication and we wish him well now and in the future.

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