[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MEGAN BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2020

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Megan Bell, my Chief of Staff, as she moves on from my Washington 
office after nearly 13 years of service. During her time on Capitol 
Hill, she has been a trusted advisor, an appropriations watchdog for 
this great Nation, and most importantly--a tireless advocate for the 
people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
   Megan grew up the only daughter of a middle-class, blue-collar 
Irish-Catholic family. Those ``up-early'' and ``hard-at-it'' values 
have shown up every day to the Rayburn Building.
   Knowing the issues that matter most in my home district, she has 
been a consummate advocate on everything from combatting prescription 
drug abuse and preserving and protecting the Mill Springs Battlefield, 
to giving a voice to individuals at risk of losing vital benefits and 
boosting opportunities in our coalfields. In fact, she helped create a 
pilot grant program to provide an influx of federal dollars directly to 
our coal communities for economic development as they continue to 
rebuild in the wake of the War on Coal, which she precisely described 
as ``strangulation by regulation.'' Likewise, her tough, dogged 
oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped protect the 
business and community interests of our rural region, and the entire 
Lake Cumberland area during the unprecedented repairs of Wolf Creek 
Dam.
   She contributed to the remarkable success of the National Rx Drug 
Abuse and Heroin Summit, working alongside my district director Karen 
Kelly, to rally the White House and leaders from every stake-holder 
agency to help lead a holistic movement that is now the largest 
gathering of federal, state and community leaders focused on life-
saving efforts to fight the national opioid crisis. The entire 
prescription drug abuse and opioid fight wasn't just another issue for 
Megan, but one she passionately invested countless hours to study and 
understand at every level. She knows the opioid fight, the convictions 
of my heart, and the challenges in our communities, backwards and 
forwards. As a result of her expertise and expansive network, we called 
on other federal leaders to stand up to ``Big Pharma'' corruption, and 
enacted effective policy and legislative changes, like Prescription 
Drug Monitoring Programs, starting the Congressional Caucus on 
Prescription Drug Abuse, and so many other efforts that will continue 
to impact the opioid epidemic for many years to come.
   Navigating legislative ropes, surviving long hours, and becoming a 
glorified policy wonk inside these historic hallways, requires much 
more than a juris doctorate, which she impressively earned while 
working full-time in my office. In her time on my team, Megan has 
rightfully earned recognition far beyond Washington for her astute 
knowledge of multiple issues and has truly risen amongst her peers as a 
result of her sheer moxie, her engaging personality, and always 
maintaining a refreshing voice of reason.
   Our staff is much like family and every departure is bittersweet. As 
we offer well-wishes and work to fill the void of such a talented 
leader, I wish Megan the very best in the next chapter of her 
successful life and look forward to witnessing the accomplishments that 
are sure to come in the future.

                          ____________________