[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING MICHELLE DONCHES FOR 31 YEARS OF CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE

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                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2022

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a crucial 
member of my staff, Mrs. Michelle M. Donches. Michelle has dedicated 
herself for 31 years as a congressional staffer. I'm thankful that she 
has been with me for almost 12 years, since my first day in Congress on 
January 3, 2011.
  Michelle's career with the U.S. House of Representatives began in 
1991 when the Office of the Clerk hired her to work as a Benefits Clerk 
in the Finance Office. Michelle was promoted to the Payroll Department, 
where she worked until 1999. Michelle transitioned from Payroll to her 
current position as a shared staffer, handling the office finances for 
multiple Members of Congress. Throughout her career, she has worked for 
28 different Member offices and currently works for 9 Members.
  Michelle grew up in Bethlehem, PA. After she graduated from college, 
she married her best friend, Steve, and started working on the Hill 
just weeks later as Steve began law school. Now, Steve is a practicing 
attorney in Loudoun County, VA. Michelle and Steve have two exceptional 
children. Her daughter, Taylor, graduated from the University of 
Virginia in May as a Civil/Environmental engineer. Taylor currently 
works for Kimley-Horn in Reston, VA. Her son, Stevie, is a freshman at 
the University of South Carolina.
  Michelle's work ethic and expertise have been a true asset to my 
staff. I'm thankful for her tenure as a part of Team Palazzo, and I 
know all the Member offices who have worked, currently work, and those 
that will work with her are so lucky. Madam Speaker, I express my 
gratitude to Michelle for 31 exceptional years.

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