[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 142 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DAVID HAUPTMANN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, when I announced back in February that 
I would be wrapping up my time as Republican leader, I assured our 
colleagues that I wouldn't be bowing out of worthwhile fights anytime 
soon, and, of course, I meant that. But it is never too early to tell 
the folks you work with that you appreciate them. There is no such 
thing as saying ``thank you'' too often. So this is as good a time as 
any to brag a bit about the team I have been so fortunate to have in my 
Capitol office.
  Today, I would like to focus on a number of my talented 
communications staff, beginning with the longest serving member of our 
team, senior research adviser David Hauptmann. David himself has joked 
once or twice that he came with the furniture in the Leader's office, 
but I would rather not give up the credit for making such a great 
personnel decision myself.
  In a line of work where turnover and burnout aren't uncommon, David's 
longevity is truly remarkable. But, like me, he relishes a worthy 
fight. We have seen plenty of them over the years together, and there 
always seems to be another one just around the corner.
  By my count, David has been on hand for the last six Supreme Court 
nomination fights. Time and again, with tenacious focus, he has sifted 
through archives, combed media coverage, and lent deep institutional 
knowledge that equips my entire team for success. More than once, his 
research quite literally changed the course of confirmations.
  But as much as I would like to believe this principled public servant 
has stuck around all this time out of personal loyalty, it is clear to 
anyone who knows David that what animates his work the most is a deep 
devotion to the Senate as an institution. Every last-minute project, 
every weekend session spent away from his lovely wife Allison--all in 
defense of what makes the Senate the Senate. I know he agrees it has 
been worth every second.
  So, David, thank you so much.

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