[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MORGAN CASHWELL

  Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I want to take a moment to recognize a 
dear friend and devoted advocate for Maine, my legislative director, 
Morgan Cashwell. She proudly served my office and the people of Maine 
for more than 8 years. Years filled with sleepless nights of vote-a-
ramas, preparation for committee hearings, and long negotiations. She 
has been an extraordinary leader, an effective policymaker, and a 
wonderful colleague and mentor to so many.
  There is never an ``easy'' time to work in Congress, but certainly, 
there have been few times more challenging or unpredictable than during 
the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking over as legislative director amid 
regularly shifting public health guidance, Morgan was able to maintain 
a successful and efficient legislative team, all while keeping morale 
high and putting Maine people first. This leadership--rooted in 
kindness--has made her beloved by everyone in the office and all those 
who are lucky enough to know her.
  You never want staff who will just tell you what you want to hear; 
that was never Morgan. In fact, Morgan embodies the Maine spirit of 
``calling `em like you see `em'' and providing her honest advice in 
even the toughest situations. I valued her counsel and knew it was 
always guided by an unshakable moral compass and a true compassion for 
others.
  Not only is Morgan among the best staffers I have had the privilege 
of working with; you could not find a more effective legislative 
director in Congress. During her time working for Maine, it is not an 
exaggeration to say that Morgan's steady hand has helped shape some our 
most important recent bills. Her impact can be found across 
generational investments in the great outdoors, the country's most 
significant piece of climate legislation, and a historic expansion of 
broadband infrastructure.
  To cite just one example of many: When Maine's vital and iconic 
lobster industry came under threat last year, Morgan led the successful 
effort to defend the livelihood of thousands of men and women who 
responsibly work the water against an otherwise certain economic death 
sentence. Thanks to her fierce advocacy, the Maine delegation was able 
to include protection for our State's lobstering communities in the 
2023 omnibus appropriations legislation, a last-minute addition that 
might not have happened without her dedication, selfless nature, and 
tireless determination to do what was right.
  While I am truly sad to see her go, I wish Morgan all the best as she 
enters this next chapter of her career and profoundly thank her and her 
supportive family: husband Keith and her children Rory and Reese.
  Morgan, I will be forever grateful for your service. Maine, my staff, 
and the entire country are all better for it.

                          ____________________