[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 65 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1952-S1953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO KATELYN CONNER BUNNING

  Mr. McCONNELL. Now, Madam President, on one final matter, over the 
years, a lot of talented Kentuckians have joined my team at the start 
of their careers. I have gotten to watch them hone their skills and 
grow into real leaders.
  Unfortunately, the privilege of working with ultratalented young 
people also means you often see a real all-star fly the nest, and today 
I have to offer a reluctant goodbye.
  Katelyn Conner Bunning was from Louisville. She joined my personal 
office almost 11 years ago. She has done just about every job there is, 
from answering phones to mastering policy issues.
  For the last 4 years, I have relied on her extensively as my 
legislative director. Katelyn has been a key adviser to me, a role 
model to junior staffers, a key link between my leadership office and 
my Kentucky-focused staff. Who better to help me deliver for the 
Commonwealth than the daughter of a former Mr. Kentucky Basketball?
  Along the way, some of the trickiest issues facing the Bluegrass have 
landed on Katelyn's desk: securing retired miners' pensions and 
healthcare, revitalizing abandoned coalfields, strengthening Kentucky 
schools and helping students succeed, delivering certainty for Kentucky 
farmers while opening new doors for industrial hemp, even protecting 
kids' health by raising the minimum tobacco purchase age to 21.

[[Page S1953]]

  Last year, I asked Katelyn to take charge of improving safety and 
medication standards in the thoroughbred racing industry. Even as a 
national publication was calling to end this sport altogether, Katelyn 
assembled owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, and fans to preserve 
Kentucky's signature industry.
  This is a long list of accomplishments. Yet it is only a short 
summary of Katelyn's impact on my team and our Commonwealth. She has 
set very high standards. She has helped everyone achieve them.
  We are certainly going to miss her around here, but I am sure her 
husband Eric and their new daughter Alice are looking forward to seeing 
a bit more of her every day.
  So, Katelyn, thank you for your ability, for your friendship. I wish 
you and your family all the best.

                          ____________________