[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING PHYLLIS SMITH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that service is 
the rent that we pay for living in a free and democratic society.
  Such has been the life and the legacy of Ms. Phyllis Smith, regional 
commissioner of Social Security for Region 5, who is retiring after 45 
years of service with the agency.
  Commissioner Smith has worked with thousands of individual clients, 
and her supervisory and leadership roles have placed her in positions 
to positively impact the lives of thousands of others.
  Commissioner Smith started work for Social Security in 1978 as a 
title 16 claims representative in the Chicago East Field Office. She 
stated that her initial plan was to work with SSA until she could 
decide what her long-term work plans were. She stated and has written 
that, ``When I saw firsthand the impact of SSA on people's lives, the 
fact that we are the country's financial safety net, and my 
hardworking, dedicated, compassionate coworkers, I was hooked,'' and 
she was. As a matter of fact, she moved through the ranks to become the 
regional commissioner.
  If you can imagine working 45 years for one agency, you come in 
contact with many clients, and she also had a great impact on improving 
and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of individuals.
  Commissioner, you have done exceptionally well. You have done your 
job--more than your job. You have given unselfishly of yourself for the 
benefit of others.
  I commend you for your outstanding career, and as you leave, I ask 
that you take with you an Irish prayer. It says: May the sun shine 
warmly upon your face. May the wind always be at your back. And until 
we meet again, may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hands.
  Congratulations. It is time. You have done well.

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