[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 164 (Friday, October 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING CHIEF OF STAFF ELLIOTT GUFFIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2023

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor the public 
service of a long-time member of my team, George Elliott Guffin IV, and 
wish him success as he enters the next stage of his career.
  A native of Jackson, Mississippi, Elliott is a proud graduate of the 
University of Mississippi--a fact he will share with you within five 
minutes of meeting him. Elliott began his congressional service in the 
United States Senate in the office of Senator Roger Wicker prior to 
joining my staff in May 2016 and beginning a long tenure of service to 
the people of North Carolina's 8th, and later 9th, Congressional 
District.
  As a young staff assistant, Elliott excelled at many things. His 
sunny disposition, eagerness to learn, and dedication to public service 
are the main reasons why I didn't fire him that time he forgot and 
stranded a scheduled tour group at the White House. However, my faith 
in Elliott was rewarded as he grew to be a trusted advisor, mentor to 
others, an exceptional leader, and a valued part of the team.
  Advancing as a legislative correspondent, legislative aide, 
legislative assistant, senior legislative assistant, legislative 
director, deputy chief of staff, and chief of staff, Elliott never 
wavered in his commitment to serving our constituents. Over the years, 
he helped me secure legislation to push for the paving of roads for the 
Green Gap community in the Uwharrie National Forest--a process that 
will soon come to fruition. In addition, Elliott helped me secure 
multiple pieces of legislation to address the needs of our farmers, 
expand rural broadband access for North Carolinians, and increase 
support for our region's troops, military families, and veterans.
  I am especially proud of the work Elliott accomplished in defense of 
the Second Amendment, drafting legislation with me to harden and secure 
schools and pushing for concealed carry reciprocity.
  Over the years, Elliott has established himself as a trusted leader 
and friend to his colleagues. He was the backbone of our office--always 
willing to do whatever was needed to help the team. I have been 
impressed by the attention Elliott gave to his managerial role by 
setting aside time to work with each member of our staff in order to 
help them develop into great congressional staffers. Through his 
dedicated leadership, Elliott has taken what has always been a great 
team and built an exceptional one by understanding the values and 
motivations of his peers.
  Of all his tremendous achievements for North Carolina and the 
country, I am most proud of the man I've had the privilege to watch him 
grow into. I always tell my staff that over all things, family is 
first. Elliott has taken this to heart since day one, even ensuring I 
made it to my son's soccer game as we drove from the opposite end of 
North Carolina. I've been able to see the same values watching him get 
married and start his own family, starting with his lovely wife, Ariel, 
and their beloved dog, Moose.
  Elliott Guffin made a difference. He made a difference to me and to 
his colleagues. He made a difference in the lives of my constituents. 
He made a difference to this institution. And he made a difference to 
the United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join me today in congratulating 
Elliott Guffin for more than seven years of incredible service to the 
House of Representatives and to the people of North Carolina, and 
wishing he, Ariel, and Moose the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________