[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S875-S876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JULIE ADAMS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, on a completely different matter, this 
week, the institution of the Senate is losing a talented leader who has 
spent 6 years as one of our top officials.
  The Secretary of the Senate is a truly unique position in American 
Government. She or he is essentially the chief administrative officer 
of the institution itself. Back in the 18th century, that meant keeping 
the minutes and records and making sure people had ink for their 
quills. Today, it means managing a sprawling array of offices packed 
with career professionals, everything from parliamentary procedure to 
payroll, to public records, to the Senate Library and the page school 
and much more. The Secretary also fulfills key institutional functions. 
She or he signs every act that we pass. They carry formal messages to 
other branches of our government.
  It takes major smarts, guts, integrity, and people skills just to 
survive in this mammoth job, let alone to actually thrive in it, but 
for the last 6 years, Julie Adams hasn't just survived, she hasn't just 
personally thrived; she has strengthened the entire institution of the 
Senate.
  I first met Julie back in 2003 when we hired her to help out our 
press team. I was just starting my time as Republican whip. Julie was 
new to Washington, but she wasn't new to policy or to politics, and she 
knocked everyone's socks off right from the start. She combined 
diligence and professionalism with a heart of gold. She mastered her 
day job, volunteered for tasks above and beyond, and became the whole 
office's favorite teammate.
  Of course, nobody is perfect; for example, Julie is not a Kentuckian. 
She is a proud daughter of Iowa. But trust me, she has become an 
honorary citizen of the Commonwealth many times over.
  A few years later, she was stolen away to do important work for First 
Lady Laura Bush, but in 2009, we brought her back to coordinate 
operations and administration across both my personal office and my 
leadership office. She brought great judgment, a quick mind, stellar 
instincts, and a meticulous eye to a big job and made us all a whole 
lot better. From short-term crises to long-term relationships, Julie 
can do it all.
  While perpetually juggling 10 tasks for herself, she always found 
ways to look after everyone else. She made sure each of her colleagues, 
down to the most junior, got the attention and the resources they 
needed. Everyone was included. Everyone mattered. She made sure of it.
  Her talent and skills made Julie an easy choice for Secretary of the 
Senate after we took the majority in 2014. Now, there is always the 
potential for sensitivity when a new leader, appointed by a Senate 
leader of one party, comes in to oversee huge numbers of dedicated, 
long-serving, nonpartisan specialists. Not surprisingly,

[[Page S876]]

Julie rapidly won the admiration, affection, and trust of the men and 
women under the Secretary's umbrella. She has championed the 
professionals who make this place go. She empowered them. She stuck up 
for them and made sure they were properly insulated from political 
pressure.
  Everyone knows Julie puts this institution and its rules first. Staff 
trust her. Senators on both sides trust her. Leaders across other 
branches of government trust her. She plays everything down the middle 
with total integrity.
  And amid all of this, she maintained the generous spirit that 
everyone admires. Whether she is delivering official Senate 
correspondence to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the 
Secretary of State or checking in with a Senate employee on a birthday 
or during a tough personal time, everyone gets the same friendly 
``hello'' and sincere kindness from Julie Adams.
  Alas, it is customary to have a new Secretary of the Senate when 
there is a change in party control. Tomorrow is Julie's last day. I am 
really, really sorry to say good-bye to such a key player.
  So on behalf of the whole Senate, I want to thank Julie's proud 
parents, Dr. Harold and Leah Adams; her siblings, John and Jessica; and 
her beloved canine companion Maggie for sharing this great friend and 
essential colleague with us for many years.
  Julie, you made your family proud, you made me proud, and, most 
importantly, you have been a great credit to this institution. Thank 
you, sincerely, for your service.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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