[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 123 (Monday, July 22, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4959-S4960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to Judy Schneider

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, I rise to recognize and thank an 
extraordinary public servant, one who has contributed greatly to the 
U.S. Senate.
  Next week, my constituent Judy Schneider will retire after a long and 
very distinguished career serving the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of 
Representatives, and the Congressional Research Service, where she has 
earned a reputation as one of the Nation's top experts on the workings 
of the Congress. She has joined us in the Gallery today, so I hope all 
my colleagues will make sure we pay attention and play by the rules.
  When I was a new Member of Congress, a Member of the House of 
Representatives, one of my very first meetings was with Judy Schneider. 
I was proud Judy was my constituent in Maryland's Eighth Congressional 
District, and I was glad to have the benefit of her advice. Since then, 
I have sought her counsel many times during my years in the House and 
the Senate.
  Judy's service at the Congressional Research Service has been nothing 
short of extraordinary. Over the past four decades, she has educated 
hundreds of Members of Congress and their staff on congressional 
operations and procedures. As the author of numerous articles and the 
coauthor of the ``Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and 
Comprehensive Guide to Congress,'' Judy's expertise on the intricacies 
of congressional structures and procedures is unmatched. Judy is known 
equally well for the positive personal impact she has had on each of 
her students. From giving lectures to countless conferences, to her 
``Direct Connect to Congress'' series, Judy's impact has been far-
reaching. Through her dynamic, informative, and humorous style, she has 
been described as having a life-changing impact on her students.
  For her remarkable work, Judy Schneider has received a number of 
well-deserved and prestigious awards. She received the 1988 PLEN Mentor 
Award for her work educating and training women in public policy, a 
fellowship in the 108th Congress through the Stennis Center for Public 
Service Leadership, and the Distinguished Member Award from Women in 
Government Relations. In 2015, Women in Government Relations created 
the Judy Schneider Fellowship in recognition of her efforts to educate 
women about congressional procedure and policy. Judy has mentored 
thousands of women, and this fellowship will ensure that her legacy is 
felt by many more.
  Last year, Judy received the Lifetime Achievement in Democracy Award 
from the Congressional Management Foundation in recognition of her 
outstanding impact and important work in Congress. This award truly 
exemplifies the role Judy Schneider has played for so many of us. Her 
mission has always been clear. Because of her deep love for this 
institution and for our country, she has used her unique talents to try 
to help make our democracy work better. She has trained generations of 
staff and Members, including a number of staff who later became Members 
of Congress themselves.
  She represents the very best of public service. She exemplifies the 
spirit of service in a way few have, bringing the legislative process 
to life with humor and passion. Her presentations--packed with 
information and insight and delivered with wit and humor--were designed 
to train Members of Congress and their staff so we as a body function 
better and, consequently, so our democracy functions better. If some of 
us are finding that the Senate is not functioning particularly well at 
the moment, we can't say we weren't taught better. As they say, you can 
lead a Senator to ``Riddick's Senate Procedure,'' but you can't make 
him or her read.

[[Page S4960]]

  Some have been heard to say they have found Judy to be just a little 
bit intimidating. What is intimidating about Judy is the depth of her 
knowledge of this institution, her pursuit of excellence in her work, 
the exacting standards she practiced and demanded of others, and her 
unyielding commitment to quality. Most importantly, her deep love and 
concern for the U.S. Congress is reflected in all she does.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the transformative 
impact Judy Schneider has had on this body and in thanking her for her 
career at CRS, her dedication to public service, and the lifetime of 
work that has truly made a difference in the lives and careers of 
Members of Congress. I know that while we will miss her daily presence 
in these halls, Judy Schneider's commitment to Congress will continue 
to inspire us to serve this institution and the people we represent to 
the best of our abilities. I know that would be the highest tribute to 
Judy we could pay.
  Since Judy Schneider is a stickler for procedure, I now suggest the 
absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Boozman). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.