[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 187 (Thursday, November 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING MS. ANITA BOURN 30 YEARS AS A CONGRESSIONAL STAFFER

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of my very 
own, Ms. Anita Faye Bourn, for thirty years of dedicated service as a 
congressional staffer. Anita's career with the U.S. House of 
Representatives began in 1989 when my predecessor, Gene Taylor, won the 
special election. Anita was hired on as a secretary, but quickly found 
her niche through constituent services. When I first took office in 
2010, I had the opportunity to carry over staff from the previous 
administration. Anita was an obvious choice and to this day, has proven 
to be one of my most trusted staffers.
  Anita was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with family, 
faith, and music at her epicenter. She would say her mother, Christine 
Bourn, is the heart and soul of the family. She has two sons, and a 
niece, to whom she is known as ``Tee-Tee''. Anita also claims a host of 
brothers and sisters in Christ through her church family at Shady Grove 
Baptist Church. Anita is a long-time member of the church music 
ministry and is deservedly considered the resident ``rock star''. I can 
attest to this as I have had the privilege of hearing her beautiful 
rendition of ``God Bless America''.
  Anita's musical career officially began at the age of 12, when she 
started playing piano during church services. Since then, Anita has 
served as Director of the inspirational choir, the senior adult choir, 
and the men's chorus, while also directing the annual Easter and 
Christmas programs. One year, she depicted the Christian family in 
Tyler Perry's Madea style, which was undoubtedly an audience favorite. 
More recently, Anita was nominated as the Choir Director of the Year at 
the Gulf Coast Gospel Music Awards. Whether she is serving my 
constituents, or ministering to her community, Anita pours her heart 
into each of her endeavors.
  In a few words, Anita is faith-filled, compassionate, vibrant, and a 
true expert in her field. I could not ask for a better representative 
among my staff. To close, I would like to share one of Anita's favorite 
bible verses, Romans 8:28: ``And we know that all things work together 
for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to 
his purpose''. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to express my 
gratitude to Ms. Anita Bourn for thirty exceptional years.

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