[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 186 (Tuesday, January 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             STAFF FAREWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 3, 2017

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, for the last time, to 
express my gratitude for the honor of serving in the United States 
House of Representatives. To the people of Pennsylvania's 8th 
Congressional district, I am indebted for the confidence, trust and 
support you've shown me throughout my tenure as your representative. 
Six years ago, I pledged to uphold a self-imposed term limit. And 
today, Mr. Speaker, my time serving in this distinguished body is 
drawing to a close. Careers in Congress end in various ways, but I 
decided to follow the road less travelled--retirement--and will take 
leave of this chamber with a sense of service and accomplishment and 
pride in this esteemed body.
  I want to thank those who have shared in this moment with me: my 
family and friends, my dedicated staff and colleagues. In particular, I 
would like to thank my wife and children for their support, 
appreciation and understanding of public service.
  I have been blessed with a hardworking and committed staff, both past 
and present, in my personal office and on the Financial Services 
Committee. I am truly grateful for their faithful service, good work, 
and perseverance.
  My staff in Washington represented the best of Bucks and Montgomery 
counties. They served as ambassadors to our nation's capital. They 
aided me in crafting legislation, driven by the issues affecting our 
constituents. They led the effort in Congress on medical device reform 
and advocated daily for thousands of women throughout the county who 
have been harmed by certain dangerous medical devices. They worked on 
legislation designed to combat the illicit financing of terrorist and 
criminal groups, and promoted international peace and liberty as 
proponents of a free Ukraine.
  And I would not have been returned to office to continue serving were 
it not for the exemplary constituent service and outreach provided by 
my Bucks County district staff. Constituents often thanked me for the 
attention and assistance they received from my staff. Whether it's 
solving a Social Security or Medicare issue, or serving one of the 
50,000 veterans in our district, or responding to every constituent who 
contacted their congressman, my staff was there. They embraced a shared 
commitment to servant leadership, ensuring that our citizens' concerns 
were relayed to the appropriate federal agency and followed.
  I know a congressional representative cannot do outstanding work on 
behalf of his constituents without a great staff. And my staff was 
knowledgeable and hard-working, often working nights and weekends to 
help me be a better representative. Whether attending an Eagle Scout 
Court of Honor, visiting a small business, or meeting with constituents 
in far-flung areas of our district, my staff was there. Mr. Speaker, I 
want to include each and every one of their names, so that the names of 
these servant leaders can be enshrined in the history of the United 
States House of Representatives.
  My sincere thanks go to:
  Those who have served as my Chief of Staff: Patrick Lyden, Athan 
Koutsiouroumbas, Kyle Whatley and Paul Ritacco. Their skill and insight 
have been invaluable to me and to the collective benefit of my 
constituents.
  My two Deputy Chiefs: Justin Rusk for his steady leadership over 
legislative matters and initiatives in Washington, D.C., as well as for 
his service in our nation's armed forces; and Stacey Mulholland for her 
dedication to Pennsylvania and my District and her insight as a 
passionate municipal supervisor.
  My dedicated Director of Constituent Services, Kelly McGinty, for her 
careful attention and assistance to those constituents seeking redress 
from the federal government and her extraordinary management of the 
constituent advocates working for the benefit of our citizens. Special 
thanks to our advocates: Jennifer Miller nee Nawalinski, Gina Seiler, 
Jim Pomeroy, Al Sigafoos, Eric Eklund, Jennifer McClure, and Mallory 
Menta.
  My outreach and communications team for their proactive engagement 
with the diverse communities of our district, ensuring that every voice 
is heard. Many thanks for the faithful service of Joseph Hogan IV, Sam 
Bolstein, Patricia Wandling, Aaron Clark, Patrick Long, Matthew 
LaPalombara, and Mike Dillion.
  My legislative staff for their meticulous attention to detail on the 
bills before the House and for crafting legislation to improve the 
lives of all in our nation. I am thankful for the reliable efforts of 
Chris Matarangas, Anna Marie DiMascia, Anthony Nisivoccia, Mark 
McDonald, Katie Brown, Casey Verrichia, and Alex Petrucci.