[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                       TRIBUTE TO JUDY SCHNEIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deep 
gratitude and appreciation to someone who has played an indispensable 
role in Congress for more than four decades--my guide and my great 
friend, Judy Schneider. After a legendary career as a Specialist on 
Congress at the Congressional Research Service--really the specialist 
on Congress--Judy is retiring. Judy will be missed.
  Judy Schneider is a recognized institution on Capitol Hill--not just 
because of her unparalleled knowledge of procedure, but because of her 
belief in how those of us fortunate enough to work here can use those 
procedures to move effective policy solutions. She has never failed to 
recognize the enormous possibilities we have been given to represent 
our constituents and our nation, and she has never failed to help 
anyone--on either side of the aisle--who sought her guidance.
  Like many of my colleagues and their staffs, I have relied on Judy to 
help me navigate Congress--not just how the House and Senate are 
supposed to work according to precedent, but how these bodies actually 
work in today's world. Along with her colleague Michael Koempel, she 
literally wrote the book--The Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and 
Comprehensive Guide to Congress--to help explain the rules under which 
we operate. My staff and I have turned to the Deskbook countless times, 
and we are far from alone. Whether you work on the Hill or simply want 
to understand how Congress operates, you can rely on Judy Schneider's 
writings for clear, concise and accurate information. That includes not 
just the Deskbook but hundreds of reports and guidance documents, 
including one that each of my staffers receives on how to prepare a 
legislative plan.
  But Judy is not just an author. She is available to talk with Members 
of Congress, their staffs, and others to answer questions and share her 
vast expertise. I was fortunate to meet Judy at the new member retreat 
during my first weeks in Congress, and Immediately recognized her many 
talents. It was clear to me that if I wanted to learn how the House 
really works, I needed to know Judy. I am so thankful that Judy agreed 
to serve as my mentor and guide. Whenever my staff or I have a question 
about procedural or legislative options, we turn to not just to Judy's 
books and reports, but to Judy in person. She is not just on our speed-
dial, she is the ``go-to'' person for offices throughout the House and 
Senate.
  Her influence goes beyond the walls of Congress. Judy has been 
generous in sharing her understanding of Congress with a wide range of 
groups off the Hill, speaking to countless associations and 
organizations while also mentoring many individuals--especially women--
who are interested in policymaking careers. Using her trademark 
Socratic style to challenge her countless students, Judy has taught a 
generation of thinkers how to use policy and procedures creatively.
  Judy Schneider has received many awards and accolades--all of which 
are richly deserved. The Judy Schneider Fellowship, created by Women in 
Government in 2015 to recognize Judy's accomplishments, guarantees that 
her impact will continue to be felt. Last year, she won the inaugural 
Democracy Awards Lifetime Achievement award for Congressional staff 
from the Congressional Management Foundation, a truly fitting honor. 
And yet, I believe her greatest reward is knowing that she has 
mentored, trained and inspired so many who have gone on to use her 
lessons to improve people's lives and well-being.
  I thank Judy, I love her and I wish her everything good. I know that 
she will spend time on the Jersey shore, with family and friends, and 
enjoy some well-deserved downtime. But I also hope that, even in 
retirement, she will continue to serve as a resource for all of us who 
have relied on her for her wisdom. I hope to be able to turn to her for 
her counsel and friendship in the future, as I have so frequently over 
the past years.

                          ____________________