[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JULIE ADAMS

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, one of my predecessors in the Senate 
from Kentucky was a guy named Happy Chandler. He had a legendary career 
that continued back in the Commonwealth as a two-time Governor, and he 
was actually the baseball commissioner for a while. He was known for 
what I found to be a wise observation: You can start too late but never 
too soon.
  That sums up how I feel about the task I began this time last week: 
publicly thanking the talented people who serve with me in the 
Republican leader's office. It is not because I am going anywhere 
anytime soon. It is not because there is any shortage of important work 
still to be done. I have just had the great, good fortune of leaning on 
an outstanding staff, and it is never too soon to thank them for their 
devoted service over many years.
  The group I would like to single out for particular praise this 
afternoon includes some of the longest serving members of my team and 
some of its newest arrivals, some of the most familiar faces around the 
Capitol and some of the behind-the-scenes heroes who actually keep us 
going. Every one of them is essential to the work that we do for 
Kentucky and for the Nation.
  I will begin with someone whose first stint on my team predates my 
time as Republican leader.
  Today, the former Secretary of the Senate, Julie Adams, is a senior 
leader with administrative responsibilities that touch every corner of 
this institution, but I will claim credit for first bringing this proud 
Iowan to the Senate as my deputy communications director.
  When Julie left my team the first time, she wisely picked an 
opportunity I would have a rough time objecting to, and that was 
working for First Lady Laura Bush at the White House. Well, ever since 
she got back, I have done everything I could to keep Julie's numerous 
talents right here in the Senate. From complex personnel policy to 
ancient institutional protocol, Julie hasn't met a Senate challenge she 
couldn't handle with tact and grace. Appointing Julie as Secretary 
under the last Republican majority was literally a no-brainer. From 
this desk, I had a front row seat to Julie's professional excellence, 
but I wasn't the only one.
  As I understand it, Julie's daily appearances on the Senate floor 
were appointment viewing for her parents Harold and Leah. They tuned in 
from back home, and they have good reason to be proud of their truly 
exceptional public servant.
  So, Julie, thank you so much.

                          ____________________