[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE OFFICERS AND THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF 
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE REACHED 25 YEARS OF SERVICE 
TO THE HOUSE AND THE RECIPIENTS OF THE HOUSE EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARD 
      AND THE OFFICERS' AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S TEAM PLAYER AWARD

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 2019

  Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, Ranking Member Rodney Davis and I wish to 
recognize today a special group of dedicated and exceptional employees 
of the Officers (Clerk of the House, Sergeant at Arms, and Chief 
Administrative Officer) and of the Inspector General of the U.S. House 
of Representatives, and congratulate those who have reached the 
milestone of 25 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives, 
as well as the recipients of the House Employee Excellence Award and 
the Officers' and Inspector General's Team Player Award.
  The House's most important asset is its remarkable and steadfast 
employees, whose work is essential to keeping the operations and 
services of the House running efficiently and effectively. The 
employees we acknowledge today are distinguished by their hard work, 
dedication, professionalism, and teamwork; support of House Members, 
their staffs and constituents, and for their daily contributions to the 
overall operations of the House. These employees, whose work is often 
performed behind the scenes, possess an extensive range of 
responsibilities and skills that support the legislative process, 
ensure the security of this great institution, maintain our technology 
and service infrastructure, and contribute to more efficient and 
productive House support operations. These devoted employees have 
accomplished many important things across a diverse range of 
activities, and the House of Representatives, its Members, staff, and 
the American public is better served because of them.
  We recognize and honor the individuals named below for 25 years of 
loyal service to the House. Collectively, the employees listed below 
represent 200 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Teresa Austin, Office of the Clerk; Donald Berger, Office of the 
Chief Administrative Officer; Susan Cole, Office of the Clerk; Andrew 
Elias, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Joe Novotny, Office 
of the Clerk; Melissia Oulahyane, Office of the Chief Administrative 
Officer; Michael Thames, Office of the Sergeant at Arms; Kenneth 
Wenzel, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
  We also recognize and congratulate the House employees receiving the 
House Employee Excellence Award. This is a merit-based award, given to 
one employee from each of the House Officers' and Inspector General's 
organizations. Selected employees exhibited outstanding overall job 
performance and displayed a willingness to go above and beyond the 
requirements of their job for their organization throughout the last 
year. We honor the individuals named below for receiving this 
prestigious award.
  Jyothi Katikanani, Office of the Clerk; Susan Kozubski, Office of 
Inspector General; Ryan Moran, Office of the Chief Administrative 
Officer; Brandon Spriggs, Office of the Sergeant at Arms.
  And finally, we recognize and congratulate the House employees being 
presented the Team Player Award. This award recognizes the value the 
House Officers and Inspector General place on working collaboratively 
across all House organizations to strengthen and protect the 
institution of the U.S. House of Representatives. On a rotating basis, 
the Officers and Inspector General take turns nominating a member of 
another organization's staff who has exhibited the characteristics of a 
Team Player. These awardees have demonstrated a collaborative attitude, 
commitment to achieving team objectives, respect and support of their 
teammates, and dedication to the betterment of House operations. We 
honor the individuals named below for receiving this distinguished 
award.
  Omar Awan, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer; Kevin 
McCumber, Office of the Clerk; Saad Patel, Office of Inspector General; 
Emily Scanlon, Office of the Sergeant at Arms.
  On behalf of the entire House community, I want to once again 
congratulate, acknowledge, and thank these employees for their 
professionalism and commitment to the U.S. House of Representatives as 
a whole, and in particular to their respective House Officer, the 
Inspector General, and collaboratively across these organizations. 
Their long hours, hard work, diverse skills, and team spirit are 
invaluable, and their years of unwavering service and dedication to the 
House set an example for their colleagues and raises the bar for the 
employees who will follow in their footsteps. I applaud all our 
honorees, and I am proud to stand before you and our great nation on 
their behalf to recognize the importance of their public service.

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