[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING NELL PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Nell Payne 
for her more than 16 years of service to our nation as the Director of 
Government Relations at the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian 
Institution that we all love and admire just wouldn't be the same had 
it not been for all of the hard work that Nell has put in.
  Nell began her formal education with a Bachelor of Art in French 
Language and Literature from the University of Iowa and graduated in 
1978. After finishing her Bachelor Degree, she went on to pursue a 
Doctor of Law (J.D.) from George Washington University, which she 
finished in 1982.
  Nell began her professional career working as the Staff Attorney, 
Counsel, and then Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Budget Committee 
from May 1982--September 1987. Nell then spent October 1987--January 
1990 as the Director of Government Affairs for Turner Broadcasting 
System, Inc. As Nell continued in her career she went on to become a 
Special Assistant to the President, Legislative Affairs for the White 
House from February 1990 through December 1991. After Nell had served 
alongside the President, she was able to move to Paris, France and 
serve as a Corporate Relations Manager for the American University of 
Paris. From 1994-2000 Nell served as Counsel for Verner Liipfert 
Bernhard McPherson & Hand. Furthermore, Nell went on to serve as 
Director, Office of Government Relations for the Smithsonian 
Institution from August 2000-present.
  There are three kinds of people in this world: those who make things 
happen; those who sit around and watch things happen; and finally those 
who sit and wonder what just happened. Time and time again Nell has 
proven that she is of the first category of people who go out and 
strive to make the world a better place and I am honored to be able to 
recognize her for that greatness here today.
  As I previously mentioned, throughout Nell's career she has continued 
to shine and serve the American people graciously. I cannot express my 
gratitude enough for all that Nell has accomplished for the Smithsonian 
Institution over the past 16 years or how grateful the American people 
should be for her diligence and excellence as the Director of 
Government Relations at the Smithsonian Institution. Once again, I 
would like to sincerely thank Nell for her vigor in service to the 
American people as the Director of Government Relations at the 
Smithsonian Institution.
  God bless you Nell. I salute you.

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