[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1301-E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE SERVICE OF MURAT GOKCIGDEM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2022

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
longtime Chief of Staff, Mr. Murat Gokcigdem. He is leaving the Hill 
this month after 29 years of service to the House of Representatives.
  Prior to coming to my office, Mr. Gokcigdem attended West Virginia 
University in Charleston, earning his bachelor's and his master's 
degree in International Public Policy. He then began his career as a 
Hill staffer working for Congressmen Jim Moody and Tom Barrett. He 
worked his way from Special Assistant to Legislative Director before 
joining my staff. He has since served in my Washington, DC office for 
over 21 years. He began as my Legislative Director in 2001 and quickly 
demonstrated a deep understanding of the legislative process and inner 
workings of Capitol Hill. His success in that role led me to promote 
him to Chief of Staff, where he has long advised me on all 
communications, legislative, and administrative issues and managed my 
DC and district office staff.
  Murat has been a constant companion for those 21 years, probably more 
so than he ever imagined. I would not have made it this long in this 
job without his counsel. I call him at all hours of the day and night, 
make seemingly impossible requests, and rely on him in part for every 
aspect of my Congressional operation.
  Murat has also served as a resource for Legislative Directors, Chiefs 
of Staff, and schedulers from all over the Hill, particularly for those 
serving the Congressional Black Caucus and the Texas delegation. They 
know that if they have a question, Murat has an answer.
  Murat's presence in my office has greatly improved my capacity to 
serve the constituents of TX-30 and supported the professional 
development of those who have worked for me.
  I want to thank him and his family, his wife Elin and his children 
Ela and Elif, for his service, his counsel, and most importantly, his 
friendship over the years.

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