[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 87 (Friday, May 19, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING BURAK M. GUVENSOYLAR

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2017

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special 
member of my staff, Burak Guvensoylar, who lost his courageous battle 
with cancer this past weekend.
  Burak was a valued member of the Judiciary Committee team and worked 
on a variety of issues, including digital privacy and intellectual 
property. His vast knowledge and grasp of the issues impacting the 
technology community was a tremendous asset to the Committee. Most 
recently, Burak's work included the development of the Committee's 
Innovation and Competitiveness Agenda, and his steadfast work and 
tenacious attitude were not only essential to making this initiative a 
success, but were also a testament to his character. In fact, while he 
was undergoing intensive cancer treatments, he was actively working and 
sending follow up emails from his hospital bed. And just days before 
Burak passed away he met with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai to discuss a 
number of Judiciary Committee priorities. For Burak, nothing could 
prevent him from an opportunity to discuss and advance the policies he 
was so passionate about.
  Burak was a true technology policy enthusiast. Prior to joining the 
staff of the Judiciary Committee, Burak served as a Legislative Advisor 
for Congressman Randy Forbes. While working for Congressman Forbes, 
Burak handled the diverse range of issues that fall under the 
jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee but it was always evident that 
technology policy was his first love. He co-founded the Congressional 
Tech Staff Association and served as an Executive Officer responsible 
for the professional development program. Prior to his career on 
Capitol Hill, Burak worked at TechAmerica and CompTIA focusing on 
international trade policy.
  Burak has many friends here in the halls of Congress, on both sides 
of the aisle. I know all of you will join me in extending our deepest 
sympathies to his mother Filiz Guvensoylar, his sister Aylin Forbes, 
his girlfriend Ashley Newsome, and all of his loved ones. Burak will be 
deeply missed.

                          ____________________