[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 56 (Thursday, March 25, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S1810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JOE HACK

  Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, every Senator depends on their staff to 
provide them with information and advice on the issues. Every Senator 
knows the importance of having good staff who can respond to the 
questions and concerns their constituents may have in dealing with the 
Federal bureaucracy. And every Senator believes that their staff 
members are the most prepared, the most conscientious, and the most 
caring people in the U.S. Senate.
  I know that my staff is. I have been fortunate with the people who 
have joined my team to work for the great State of Nebraska. I have 
been extremely fortunate that Joe Hack has been a member of Team 
Fischer since my very first day as a U.S. Senator.
  Joe officially joined my team as my communications director on that 
first day. He was not new to the Senate; he had first arrived here as 
an 18-year-old intern. On our first day in 2013, he immediately got to 
work with his new boss in getting out press releases, reaching out to 
State and national media, and helping me continue my practice of 
writing a weekly column for media back home.
  Joe never missed a beat. He helped guide me through the traditions 
and inner workings of the Senate and through the tunnels of the Russell 
Building.
  After 2 years, Joe Hack became my chief of staff, the youngest chief 
in the Senate at that time. Joe set the tone I wanted for my office: Be 
professional, take your job seriously, be honest, get along with your 
colleagues, always respond to constituents, gather all the information 
we need on an issue and then get more, and work hard. Joe's closing to 
every email and every staff meeting was always, ``Work harder.'' And he 
set the example for all of these.
  Joe was involved in every major piece of legislation we have 
accomplished, from passing the first-ever paid family leave law to the 
FAST Act, our Internet of Things work, broadband, infrastructure, and 
agriculture issues. He guided the Omaha VA clinic from inception to 
completion, and he will see the Lincoln VA clinic open and the Offutt 
Air Force Base runway completely rebuilt. He knew the importance of 
securing funding for Nebraska highway and water projects and for the 
continued growth of our university system. He was part of every 
success.
  Joe knows Nebraska, and Nebraskans know Joe. He knew instinctively 
that the people of our State are why we do this work. We represent 
them. Joe has attended statehood dinners in our Capitol Rotunda, driven 
a combine in Grand Island, had meals at Ole's Big Game Bar, and gone to 
Husker tailgates and games. He loves browsing at Cabela's and a good 
meal at Rosita's. He knows which Nebraska hotels have the best gym, 
where every Runza drive-thru is located in the State, and where to find 
the best steaks. He has shared BBQ at our ranch with family, neighbors 
and the U.S. Secretary of Ag. He is also addicted to Colby Ridge 
popcorn balls. He buys them in bulk, and he doesn't share.
  He has attended countless Nebraska breakfasts and constituent 
meetings in Washington. He has worked hard for the people of Nebraska.
  Joe has traveled the vastness of our State, understanding its 
diversity and standing in awe while viewing our skies, sunrises and 
sunsets, our clouds, and the majesty of our night stars. He fell in 
love with ``The Good Life''. A New Jersey guy became a Nebraskan.
  Joe has been by my side since my very first day in the Senate, and 
now, he is moving on to new opportunities. He has been a mentor to 
many, my trusted policy and political adviser, and a leader whose 
admonition to ``work harder'' became our office mantra. Joe has 
smoothed the waters and ruffled feathers.
  Joe Hack is a friend. He is family. I wish him only the best as he 
meets new challenges and faces new adventures in his life.
  Thank you, Joe.

                          ____________________