[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO WILL SMITH

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest gratitude 
that I rise on this bittersweet occasion to recognize Will Smith, who 
is leaving Capitol Hill after more than two decades of distinguished 
service.
  Will has been my right hand in the halls of Congress for nearly two 
decades, and I cannot imagine a more thoughtful advisor, a more capable 
strategist, or a more loyal friend. A native of Beattyville, Kentucky, 
Will began his career on Capitol Hill in 1994, working for now-Majority 
Leader Mitch McConnell. In 1998, he brought his talents to my personal 
office, where he eventually became Chief of Staff in 2002.
  Over his 12 years in my personal office, the people of Kentucky could 
not have asked for a better advocate or a more capable public servant. 
Will's upbringing in his small eastern Kentucky hometown and his 
Appalachian roots have always been reflected in his work, and his 
legacy will be felt throughout the region for decades to come. He has 
championed numerous projects that benefitted the people of Kentucky's 
Fifth Congressional District from flood protection, to water and sewer 
expansion, to transportation improvements, and the like. He was 
instrumental in standing up Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, an organization 
focused on environmental clean-up, as well as our nation's pre-eminent 
regional anti-drug organization, Operation UNITE, that has become a 
model for nationwide replication. And holding true to Kentucky 
tradition, Will has always loyally cheered on the UK Wildcats from the 
Nation's capital. He has never forgotten where he came from or the 
people he came to serve.
  This remained true when I assumed the Chairmanship of the House 
Committee on Appropriations in 2011. Will stayed by my side--first as 
Deputy Staff Director for the Committee and then in 2013, was promoted 
to Clerk and Staff Director. During his tenure, he helped shepherd 70 
bills to passage--bills that saved the American taxpayers more than 
$126 billion.
  His steady demeanor and strong leadership have been an asset to the 
Committee--particularly during some of the most trying times of the 
past six years. Even in the face of shutdowns, Will led with tact, 
professionalism, and thoughtfulness, working tirelessly to find a 
solution and get the job done. He is truly beloved by his colleagues 
and those congressional staff who have been fortunate enough to call 
him their boss and mentor.
  As we all know, these congressional staff work long hours, and often 
sacrifice weekends and holidays in order to keep this esteemed 
institution running smoothly. This inevitably takes a toll on personal 
commitments, and we also owe a debt of gratitude to Will's lovely wife, 
Kim, and his cherished children, Morgan and Matthew.
  Will is not going far away. But his absence will nonetheless be felt 
deeply throughout this institution. Will, on behalf of the 
Appropriations Committee and this Congress, I thank you for your 
service to our country. I wish you all the best in the future. 
Godspeed.

                          ____________________