[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 101 (Monday, June 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             RECOGNIZING BRENDA CONNOLLY ON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2020

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and appreciation 
that I rise today to honor Brenda Connolly, who is retiring after 
serving 35 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Ms. Connolly has been a member of my team since I was first elected 
to the House of Representatives. She is a trusted advisor and a 
centering force throughout the unpredictability of Washington. If you 
have met Brenda, then you know her retirement means more than just 
losing a staff member--it is the loss of an incredibly funny, talented 
and caring person who left a profound impact on everyone she has come 
across.
  I was recently asked if there was anything I would change about 
Brenda's time in our office, and without hesitation I simply responded 
`nothing.'
  Before coming to Washington, D.C., Brenda grew up in Battle Creek, 
Michigan. She then graduated from the University of Michigan--Go Blue--
where she met her husband Doug with whom she has two children, Nicholas 
and Caitlin. Brenda has been such a keystone of my team despite our 
superficial differences, because we understand one another. We both 
attended the University of Michigan, we value time with our families 
above all else, our children always come first, and we have the same 
sense of humor.
  Our team shared many of Brenda's firsts while she worked with me: her 
first manicure, her first Kahlua, and her first viewing of The Office. 
Brenda was also there for one of my most significant firsts: my first 
day in Congress. Brenda taught me more about Capitol Hill than she 
probably realizes. She put my job in perspective, made sure I was on 
time for the important things, and helped me understand how to let the 
small things slide. Brenda was always proactive about what we needed, 
always raising potential concerns before I thought of them. Brenda has 
an incredible talent for making meaningful people-to-people 
connections; and in her 35 years on Capitol Hill, I can only imagine 
the countless connections she has made through the years.
  I know we will dearly miss Brenda's nature paintings, holiday 
sweaters, and unrepeatable metaphors. From her first day on February 7, 
1985, Brenda understood that the needs of the many outweigh the needs 
of the few. I wish her a wonderful and fulfilling retirement with many 
years of happiness.
  On behalf of all the people she has made laugh, served, and worked 
with, I thank Brenda for her many years of service to New York and the 
United States of America. Brenda will be deeply missed.

                          ____________________