[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6182-S6183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL KENNEDY

  Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I wish to take a moment to pay tribute to 
my former chief of staff, Michael Kennedy. In my 38 years as a Senator, 
I have

[[Page S6183]]

seen many talented staffers come and go, but few have left such a 
lasting impression as Michael. He is someone for whom I have a deep 
appreciation and much respect. That is why it was so difficult for me 
when I learned Michael would be leaving my office to pursue an 
opportunity in the private sector. I had come to rely so much on his 
counsel, his leadership, and his savvy. It was very difficult and hard 
to let him go. I know I speak for everyone on my staff when I say 
Michael will be sorely missed.

  Before Michael came to my office, he was living in Salt Lake City and 
working at Utah State University as the vice president for Federal and 
State relations. Under his leadership, that university developed its 
first professional program, secured critical line-item funding, 
enhanced its footprint and resource portfolio, and became a key player 
in facilitating the merger of two Utah schools.
  Michael was also the point man for all matters related to Capitol 
Hill and the Utah State legislature. His reputation for hard work and 
integrity helped him craft strong relationships throughout the State. 
He knew the landscape, customs, and culture of Utah better than almost 
anyone. His experience and his reputation proved invaluable to me.
  I know these tributes sound like eulogies with the way we talk about 
people as if they had already passed on. Considering how hard Michael 
worked, I am surprised this isn't his eulogy. His energy and work ethic 
always amazed me, as did his sense of style. Perhaps the only thing 
sharper than Michael's mind was his wardrobe. Few people can pull off a 
navy suit with pink lining and silver cufflinks, but Michael did so 
with ease. Of course, you might not know Michael was such a sharply 
dressed staffer because his boss usually stole the fashion spotlight, 
and after Washingtonian magazine named me the best-dressed man in 
Congress, I can only hope that some of my style rubbed off on him. 
However, if people knew how little I paid for my clothing, I think they 
might want to take back that honor.
  Michael took a pay cut when he joined my staff nearly 4 years ago, 
and he always joked that his next job would be as an unpaid summer 
intern. I like to think Michael's financial sacrifice was emblematic of 
his desire to serve the State of Utah and improve this great country 
through the Senate. His willingness to serve was most evident in the 
way he always put the needs of constituents and staff above his own.
  Michael's dedication to my staff was only surpassed by his dedication 
to his family, and I truly believe he owes his success to the constant 
support of his wife Natalie--an absolutely beautiful woman whom I have 
been blessed to know. Natalie and her family have been friends of mine 
since she was young. Natalie grew up as a friend of my children, so 
naturally I felt protective and wanted the best for her.
  When she announced her engagement to Michael, Elaine and I were 
delighted. Still, I was surprised that someone as impressive as Natalie 
would agree to Michael's engagement proposal. I guess to his long list 
of talents and accomplishments, we could add marrying out of his 
league.
  I was very grateful that Natalie knew very well the rigors and 
intensity of serving on a Senate staff, having worked previously with 
Senator Bob Bennett. Not only was she an invaluable support to Michael, 
she was also there to help me in any way she could. She was wonderful.
  While Michael was serving as my chief of staff, Natalie gave birth to 
their daughter Emily--or as I like to call her ``Sweet Pea.'' Shortly 
after her birth, Michael's family gathered in my Capitol office and 
gave Sweet Pea a father's blessing, as is the tradition in our faith. 
It was a sacred experience for Elaine and me to join Michael and 
Natalie and both their families for that special occasion.
  Michael's family wasn't the only one to grow in the time he was with 
me. During those few years, we had 12 new babies and 4 spouses added to 
the families of our staff. Whenever there was a birth or marriage, 
Michael went out of his way to make sure they were taken care of. He 
fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie, friendship, and family 
friendliness that was critical for my office's ability to serve the 
people of Utah. People always knew he was genuinely concerned for them 
and their needs as they tried to adjust to the wonderful changes of a 
growing family.
  Nevertheless, I know there were plenty of times when Michael would 
rather have been with Natalie than with me. One particular instance 
comes to mind. During the end of the 112th Congress, Michael and I rang 
in the new year together during an extended voting session. Michael 
bought a bottle of blue Powerade from the downstairs vending machine 
here at the Capitol, and we counted down the seconds on my Senate 
clock. I knew he wanted to be with his family, but I was grateful for 
his sacrifice in staying with me.
  This intense dedication was the norm for Michael Kennedy. Every night 
that I left the Senate, Michael would be there to wish me a safe drive 
home and continue his work for me late into the night. Whenever I 
traveled, he was always by my side and ready to help. Together we spent 
a lot of time on the road, visiting each of Utah's 29 counties. We 
drove from meeting to meeting across beautiful western landscapes and 
had many memorable conversations. Though road trips can often be long 
and tedious, Michael's sharp intellect and good humor made him one of 
the greatest traveling companions I have ever had.

  I have been extremely fortunate when it comes to my staff. I have had 
the privilege of serving with some of the most gifted and devoted 
people our Nation has to offer. Each of them has brought something 
unique and important to their service, but I have to say that even 
among the select fraternity of talented Senate staffers, Michael 
Kennedy belongs in an elite class.
  I have no doubt Michael will enjoy enormous success in his new 
position. Success has been the defining characteristic of every 
endeavor he has undertaken. I have had many chiefs of staff over my 38 
years in the Senate, but none has ever been better than Michael.
  While the selfish part of me wishes he could have stayed in the 
Senate just a bit longer, I have to say that I wish Michael, Natalie, 
and darling Sweet Pea the very best going forward.
  I don't say these things haphazardly. This young man is truly one of 
the finest people I have known in all of my experience in the Senate of 
the United States. He was dedicated, he was consecrated to his work, 
and he did everything he possibly could to help my staff and me do a 
better job in the Senate.
  Michael is a true friend, and he will always be somebody whose 
friendship I revere. As I said, his wife is a wonderful friend as well, 
and Sweet Pea--I call her ``Pea'' now--is one of the cutest, most 
darling young girls that I have ever seen.
  With that, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut.
  Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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