[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 26, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S148-S149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHAD METZLER

  Mr. KING. Mr. President, if you ask 100 Americans what qualities they 
want in a public servant, I would bet there are a few common words that 
would come up. Smart. Dedicated. Bipartisan. Honest. Trustworthy. 
Humble. Simply put, they will describe Chad Metzler--my legislative 
director for the past 8 years and one of the finest public servants I 
have ever met. That is why today I rise with a heavy heart to wish Chad 
well as he prepares to embark on a new adventure .
  Each of us in this body understands that the Senate's work is not 
entrusted solely to Senators. Our names may be on the door, but we 
can't claim successes on our own. Our staffs play a critical role in 
our efforts to navigate the complex challenges facing the Nation and 
serve the American people. That is why hiring the right people is one 
of the most important decisions any Senator makes. If a Senator is 
lucky, they will find staffers who have extensive experience and 
knowledge of the legislative process; who aren't afraid to challenge 
their boss's preconceived notions in the pursuit of better policy; who 
are kind, level-headed public servants; who are generous colleagues; 
who understand the importance of the faith placed in us by the American 
people and work ever day to live up to this enormous responsibility. If 
a Senator is lucky, they will find staffers who check a few of those 
boxes. If they find someone who can do all of the above, they have hit 
the jackpot. When Chad Metzler joined my team as legislative director 
in 2013, I and the people of Maine hit the jackpot because he is all of 
those things and more.
  Over the past 8 years, I have had the privilege to have Chad lead my 
legislative team. Sadly, good fortune only lasts for so long. As Chad 
transitions into a new, exciting opportunity, I am confident that he 
will continue to make vital contributions to the American people in his 
new role, but before he leaves us, I want to take a moment to reflect 
on all his contributions to the Senate and the country.
  From my early days in the Senate, Chad's experience was invaluable. 
Prior to joining my office, he spent 17 years working for Senator Herb 
Kohl, from his home State of Wisconsin. Throughout that tenure, Chad 
spearheaded a number of important, varied responsibilities--from 
serving as the Senator's legislative director, to holding the position 
of staff director on the Senate Special Committee on Aging, to

[[Page S149]]

managing Senator Kohl's portfolio on the Appropriations Committee. That 
combination of skills made Chad a rare breed--an experienced Senate 
staffer who possessed both a generalist's understanding of the big 
picture and a specialist's ability to get into the weeds of thorny 
policy issues.
  Chad's background was invaluable in helping to bring me up to speed 
on the Senate's parliamentary procedures and the body's unique, 
frustrating quirks. As a former Governor, I faced the unenviable task 
of shifting from the executive role to being just 1 of 100. As an 
Independent used to relying on bipartisan coalitions, the Senate's 
often rigid partisanship presented its own challenges. Chad responded 
with creative thinking and dogged persistence, and the results were 
quickly apparent.
  Just a few short months after I came to Washington, Chad helped me 
lead a bipartisan compromise on student loan rates that is projected to 
save taxpayers $715 million over the next 10 years and an estimated $30 
billion for students over the following 4 years. That legislation set 
the tone for our office--a focus on rolling up our sleeves, bipartisan 
work, coalition building, and commonsense solutions to the problems 
that plague the American people.
  In the years that followed, Chad and his legislative team helped to 
build on that mission through level-headed, analytical thinking. Among 
other successes, we have worked across the aisle to pass legislation 
that confronts the opioid epidemic sweeping our communities; improves 
America's insufficient cyber defenses; helps more working families 
access childcare; and addresses the $12 billion maintenance backlog at 
America's national parks. Each of these legislative successes came 
about through hard work and bipartisan discussions. More importantly, 
each made life better for our constituents.
  Obviously, Chad is a talented legislative craftsman, but somehow, he 
was an even better leader and person. For the past 8 years, Chad has 
guided my legislative team with a steady hand, helping dozens of young 
public servants in my office grow and thrive. He treats everyone he 
meets with respect and kindness, never once talking down to someone 
with less experience or a different perspective. Just as important, his 
sense of humor has remained intact through a quarter century of Senate 
service, ensuring that even in the midst of serious work, we don't take 
ourselves too seriously.
  When I was Governor, I said I always was looking for staff who 
demonstrate both competence and kindness. You can have some with one 
trait, some with the other, a few with neither, but when you find folks 
with both, you invite them onboard immediately. Chad doesn't just have 
those qualities; he personifies them.
  As you can gather from my remarks, Chad is an irreplaceable part of 
my team, and the Senate is poorer for losing him. But, as Chad always 
does, I feel the need to take a step back and analyze the entire 
situation. In doing so, I find a few key reasons for gratitude.
  I am grateful that even though Chad is moving on, he leaves behind a 
team that is well-educated in the Metzler School of Public Service. His 
years of mentorship have crafted our team into one of the sharpest, 
most dedicated staffs on Capitol Hill, and I know his influence and 
example will be felt in our office for years to come.
  I am grateful that although our body is losing a dedicated public 
servant, the country is not. In the days ahead, Chad will begin a new 
opportunity that will put his skills to good use. This new role will 
allow him to continue fighting for pragmatic, principled solutions that 
move our country forward. Now more than ever, we need folks like him 
working on tough problems.
  Finally, I am grateful that even though Chad will no longer be on my 
staff, he will forever remain a trusted adviser and friend. Chad's 
intellect, professionalism, and warmth are rare attributes; to possess 
all of these qualities, while still remaining humble and even-keeled, 
is even rarer. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know him and 
look forward to continuing that association.
  Mr. President, I have a simple philosophy of leadership that has 
guided me throughout my life: Hire good people, and take credit for 
what they do. When I hired Chad Metzler, I made one of the smartest 
leadership decisions of my life--bringing on the ideal partner to break 
bipartisan logjams and make life better for the people of Maine. I am 
saddened to say goodbye to my adviser and friend today, but I know that 
his best is yet to come. I can't wait to see what is next.

                          ____________________