[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E600-E601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL K. BAKER'S DEDICATION TO THE HOUSE AND THE 
                      COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2018

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. 
Michael K. Baker, the Chief Clerk of the Committee on Ways and Means 
Committee, who recently left the Committee staff after seven years of 
dedicated service.
  Michael began his Congressional career as an intern under then Ways 
and Means Chairman Dave Camp. Michael shortly joined the Ways and Means 
Committee staff and served as Clerk over the past seven years under 
Chairman Camp, Chairman Paul Ryan, and myself.
  During his time with the Committee, Michael has overseen too many 
hearings to count and markups involving transformational tax, trade, 
and health care legislation. But at the end of markups that often 
stretched long into the night, after the crowds had gone home, you 
could find Michael back at his desk faithfully entering votes and 
statements into the record. His dedication to the legislative process 
and commitment to serving the American people is an essential part of 
the Committee's work. We simply could not have done all we have been 
able to achieve in recent years without his dedication and hard work.
  Some markups, especially those stretching late into the night and 
involving dozens of amendment votes, would be particularly challenging 
for someone in Michael's position. But he was always undeterred. At 
those moments he would turn to those close to him to remind them--with 
a half-serious, half-joking smile--``We do not have to do this. We get 
to do this.'' I truly believe the lives of all Americans are better 
because of Michael's service at the Committee.
  I know I speak for all Members and staff of the Committee on Ways and 
Means when I

[[Page E601]]

say we greatly appreciate all of Michael's dedicated effort. We thank 
Michael for a job well done and we wish him every success in his bright 
future.

                          ____________________