[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING BRET MANLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bret Manley and 
thank him for his years of dedicated service.
  Born and raised in San Dimas, California, Bret went on to attend the 
University of California, Berkeley Walter A. Haas School of Business. 
At the University, he served as the President of the Berkeley College 
Republicans, was a member of Phi Delta Theta, Order of Omega, the 
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Associated Students of 
the University of California. Bret began his career in public service 
as an intern in Representative Gary Miller's office, where he was hired 
shortly after. Always a hard worker, Bret quickly rose through the 
ranks, becoming a legislative assistant and then a financial services 
policy advisor for Representative Miller. Prior to leaving 
Representative Miller's office, Bret was recognized as one of Capitol 
Hill's 50 Most Beautiful in 2010.
  For the last six years, Bret has been a guiding figure in my office 
as Legislative Director. He has helped introduce 43 individual pieces 
of legislation, five of which were ushered into law. Thanks to Bret, 
you can now ride with your pet on AMTRAK and the federal government can 
more easily sell excess properties, relieving American taxpayers of 
government waste. He was instrumental in orchestrating the first 
Congressional hearing at the Old Post Office, which led to a long term 
lease of the building, eventually becoming the Trump International 
Hotel.
  A champion of conservative values, he's also led the fight to keep 
the California High Speed Rail project transparent and accountable, 
while also managing a diverse portfolio of issues including financial 
services, immigration, economics, and transportation and 
infrastructure. He has worked tirelessly in his role as my chief 
advisor during my tenure as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on 
Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. He was instrumental with 
policy formulations and the eventual passage of the Passenger Rail 
Reform and Investment Act, Positive Train Control, and the Protecting 
our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act, among many 
others. In addition, Bret also served as manager and coach at the 
biennial Congressional Football Game for Charity.
  Although it is clear Bret doesn't mind the grueling pace of Capitol 
Hill, he can often be found on the golf course or singing lead vocals 
and playing guitar for his band, Full Fifth, self-described as ``the 
most fun you'll have in public.'' In addition to work and his seemingly 
endless list of hobbies, Bret is also a Lieutenant in the US Navy 
Reserves and has proudly served our country for the last six years.
  His departure signifies a great change within my office. As my chief 
policy advisor, Bret was integral to all aspects of our day-to-day 
operations, from managing the legislative team to coordinating with the 
communications staff. Although we will miss him greatly, Team Denham 
wishes him the best in his next endeavor and I look forward to working 
with him in his new role at the Association of American Railroads, 
where he will continue his work in transportation.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in applauding Bret Manley for his 
unrelenting service and recognizing his great achievements during his 
time here in the House of Representatives.

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