[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 21, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9771-S9772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     
     
                             REMEMBERING JUDY REARDON
     
       Mrs. SHAHEEN. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to Judy 
     Reardon and recognize a long life devoted to serving the Granite State.
       Everyone involved in public service in New Hampshire knows the name 
     Judy Reardon. When Presidential candidates or journalists on the 
     national level wanted an expert perspective in the Granite State, they 
     reached out to Judy. When prospective candidates for statewide office 
     needed advice from someone who ran--and won--several campaigns, they 
     turned to Judy. When candidates were locked in a tough election fight 
     and needed counsel to get them through Election Day, they called Judy. 
     When government officials needed guidance on how best to use the tools 
     of government to serve their constituents, they sought Judy. When local 
     advocates needed advice on how best to champion their issues, they 
     looked to Judy. And Judy always answered with suggestions and 
     encouragement that were forward-thinking, incredibly astute, uncommonly 
     direct, unfailingly honest, and oftentimes very funny.
       I am one of the many people who counted on Judy's sage advice, and we 
     enjoyed a fiercely loyal friendship. Few people have had an impact on 
     my life--personally and professionally--as much as Judy Reardon. From 
     the New Hampshire State Senate to the Governor's office and the U.S. 
     Senate, Judy filled numerous roles on my team: counsel, legislative 
     director, and senior adviser. But her different staff titles over the 
     years can never truly capture her importance to me or the significance 
     of her work. She was my confidante and always the smartest person in 
     the room. Judy was by my side when we expanded kindergarten for New 
     Hampshire children. She helped me protect women's reproductive rights 
     in New Hampshire. She was with me when we fervently defended the 
     Affordable Care Act for years in the U.S. Senate. She was with me 
     through every tough reelection. Judy devoted her life to public 
     service--specifically, to bettering the lives of Granite Staters.
       Sadly, Judy passed away last week after a long period of illness. 
     Over the past few days, her many friends and former colleagues have 
     released statements expressing the magnitude of her loss. It has been a 
     tough week as we grieve a giant in public service. Yet our tears 
     quickly turn to laughter and smiles as we recall fun memories with Judy 
     and remember her fire, her unique sense of humor, her relentless 
     spirit, and her commitment to her craft. I've heard so many stories 
     about her mentorship of members of my staff and young activists who 
     wanted to learn from her, work beside her and match--as best they 
     could--her passion for making a difference. To these people, Judy 
     developed a reputation for being--in their words--``scary'' and 
     ``intimidating.'' When they presented their work or an idea to Judy, 
     they knew it would be scrutinized by a brilliant mind who would share 
     her thoughts in a candid way. Still everyone knew that her words were 
     meant to challenge them to reach their full potential, to strengthen 
     their arguments, and to refine their points-of-view. Everyone felt 
     better about a path forward after talking with Judy.
       I have known Judy since 1986, and it is difficult to imagine a future 
     without her. I will miss her counsel before big decisions and 
     consequential votes. I will miss her voice in meetings. I will miss her 
     loyalty to me and the shared causes to which we devoted so much time 
     and attention. She accomplished so much in public service, yet her 
     story will continue to be written by the countless young staffers and 
     activists she inspired over the years to follow her example. On behalf 
     of the people of the Granite State, I ask my colleagues and all 
     Americans to join me in recognizing Judy Reardon and keeping her 
     family--her beloved sister Patricia
     
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     Cornell, her brother-in-law Rik Cornell, and her devoted cat Huey--in 
     our thoughts and prayers.
     
                               ____________________