[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1255-E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOANNE WHITE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives is 
losing a treasure. After more than 41 years of service, Joanne White, 
or Miss Joanne as she is affectionately known, is taking her well-
earned retirement. She has never been elected, she has never introduced 
a bill and she has never cast a vote on the House floor but she has 
meant more to this institution than many of us lucky enough to be 
called members.
   It is no secret that so much of what successful Members are able to 
accomplish is because of dedicated staff. Staff keeps the trains 
moving, they sweat the details, and they are the experts on so many of 
the issues of the day. In her 41 years here, Miss Joanne has done more, 
seen more, and forgotten more than I ever will. Her experience and 
institutional knowledge is irreplaceable.
   I am fortunate enough to have known Miss Joanne during my time as 
chairman of the House Ethics Committee, where she has served the past 
twenty five years. As a new chairman, I was the beneficiary of her 
accumulated wisdom and the recipient of her sage counsel. Miss Joanne 
is unique because of her dedication to this institution and her 
bipartisan service to 13 different Committee chairmen.
   While she is retiring today, she is leaving indelible marks behind. 
The Ethics Committee reflects her warm and gracious demeanor. And, 
there are two generations of staffers who she taught not how to work 
for Congress, but how to serve in Congress. Finally, like my 
predecessors, I am grateful to have had Miss Joanne by my side as I 
navigated the challenges of chairing the Ethics Committee. She taught 
me lessons that I will not forget either.
   I am indebted to her. Her colleagues are indebted to her. The House 
of Representatives is indebted to her. As she retires, I wish her 
happiness and joy as she spends time with her family and friends. Thank 
you, Joanne, for your service.

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