[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 102 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE SERVICE OF MELISSA F. JAMES ON THE OCCASION OF HER 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK D. LUCAS

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 11, 2021

  Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to 
recognize Melissa F. James, who is retiring from the House of 
Representatives after 26 years of exemplary service.
  Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1994, Melissa 
relocated to Washington, D.C., to begin her career with the Honorable 
Tom Coburn, newly elected from her hometown in Oklahoma. Melissa's hard 
work, problem-solving skills, and cando attitude quickly made her a 
valued member of Congressman Coburn's staff. After starting as a staff 
assistant, Melissa eventually was promoted to be Congressman Coburn's 
scheduler, a position she held until Mr. Coburn retired from the House 
in 2001.
  Melissa remained in the House, next serving for 10 years as the 
scheduler and office manager to Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas. In 
2011, after Mr. Tiahrt's departure from Congress, Melissa joined the 
office of Congressman Randy Neugebauer of Texas. In her time with Mr. 
Neugebauer, Melissa frequently displayed a deft touch with difficult 
questions from both other staff and constituents. Indeed, it is 
difficult to imagine a finer office representative than Melissa, who 
embodies the true spirit of public service. Melissa proved herself to 
be an irreplaceable member of every team on which she served, as 
demonstrated by the fact that she never left a Member's staff until the 
Member left the House.
  After Congressman Neugebauer's retirement from the House in 2017, 
Melissa joined the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as its 
administrative director. Melissa took on new tasks and responsibilities 
with aplomb and immediately became an indispensable part of the OGC 
team. It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but 
among them, she has taken a lead role with regard to all aspects of 
office management and administration, including with the office budget 
and computer systems. During her time with OGC, Melissa demonstrated 
herself to be dedicated to serving Members, Officers, and employees of 
the House, remarkably trustworthy and utterly fearless when faced with 
novel, sensitive, and difficult matters. Melissa's unwavering resolve 
and commitment to the House and OGC was always evident, as was her 
ability to find a solution to seemingly any problem.
  Beyond her incredible dedication to her work, Melissa has been a kind 
and thoughtful coworker to all, treating everyone from the Members to 
the mail-carriers with the utmost respect and kindness. As scores of 
current and former colleagues can attest, Melissa is a true joy to work 
with, and is someone who makes the workday better for everyone with 
whom she comes into contact. It is no exaggeration to say that she has 
become family to many over her years on the Hill. Melissa is always 
eager to share her passion and contagious enthusiasm for golf--and 
really any sport in which an alum of her cherished OSU Cowboys (Go 
Pokes) plays--so much so that anyone who knows her soon becomes a fan 
as well. Melissa's cheerful and welcoming presence on the Hill will be 
sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her.
  It will be hard to imagine the House without Melissa. Every day for 
the past 26 years, Melissa has served the House with unmatched 
dedication and tenacity. Regardless of the task before her, Melissa 
will always find a way to accomplish it--a quality that will continue 
to serve her well in her future endeavors. On behalf of the Office of 
General Counsel and the entire House community, I thank Melissa for her 
decades of service and wish for her a joyous and relaxing retirement 
among her many friends and family in Oklahoma.

                          ____________________