[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 73 (Friday, May 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E540-E541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF APRIL BLANKENSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 3, 2019

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my 
colleagues, Representatives Peter A. DeFazio, Virginia Foxx, Juan 
Vargas, Van Taylor, Adam Kinzinger, John R. Moolenaar, Rodney Davis, 
and Ted S. Yoho, DVM, in honor of the life of April Blankenship, 
beloved and integral staff member to this Body. April faithfully served 
as a shared financial administrator to Committees and personal offices; 
Leadership,

[[Page E541]]

rank and file, and freshman; and both Republicans and Democrats for 
almost 20 years before her passing at age 49 on April 15, 2019. Her 
diligence, work ethic, and candor were an asset to every office that 
was fortunate enough to work with her, and were only matched by her 
kindness toward all those with whom she interacted.
  April was a faithful steward of taxpayer dollars, trusted advisor, 
detailed accountant, and wise counselor. As she wheeled her briefcase 
through the buildings every week, she brought warmth, humor, and a 
ready smile. Thanks to her sound advice and strong relationships, our 
offices have maintained compliance with the complex rules governing 
financial administration. To the institution, April was integral to the 
everyday operation and overall smooth functioning of the legislative 
body. To Members, April was both responsive and honest in her 
assessments, ensuring that their needs were met swiftly and reliably. 
To countless staff, April was the first and last point of contact on 
Capitol Hill--from instructing those just starting their careers to 
save appropriately and conduct themselves in a manner that would best 
represent those they serve to advising individuals leaving the Hill on 
retirement and compliance. She continued to function as a sounding 
board for staff as they progressed in their careers and served in other 
capacities. That she was asked to serve so many varying districts and 
Committees is a testament to her character--April was a public servant 
in the truest sense of the word.
  Recollections of her role in our offices would be incomplete without 
acknowledging her husband Tim and their three sons--Dakota, Hunter, and 
Tucker. The boys were frequent, welcome additions during her office 
visits. We send our deepest condolences to her family for their loss.
  It is with great sadness, but also with great gratitude that we honor 
the life of April Blankenship. It was a pleasure to have had the 
opportunity to know her and an honor to serve alongside her.

                          ____________________