[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 190 (Friday, December 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S7319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JENNIFER GARNER

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate and honor the 
service of Jennifer ``Jen'' Garner, my northeastern Wisconsin regional 
representative. Soon, Jen will retire from the U.S. Senate after a 
lengthy career serving the people of Wisconsin and our Nation.
  Jen's well-deserved retirement comes after 46 years of working in the 
political sphere in some form or another. She graduated from Northern 
Michigan University with a BS in public administration and hit the 
ground running. She has worked on political campaigns large and small, 
for and with local union members and leaders, in community and 
statewide organizations, local government, and finally on our Senate 
team. Her more than 40-year commitment to public service is evidenced 
by her strong connections to labor and manufacturing communities in the 
region that she serves.
  I first met Jen many years ago when I was seeking a seat in the U.S. 
House of Representatives and she was working with AFSCME. She will 
regularly share that I ``knocked her socks off'' in our initial 
meeting. But really, I was the one impressed with Jen's strategic 
approach and tenacity. And I never forgot that during our many 
interactions throughout my time in the House. When the opportunity came 
for her to join our staff, it was an easy decision for both of us.
  During her time on our staff, Jen has continually developed and 
strengthened relationships across her service area. Jen serves the 
people of Wisconsin in 11 counties--Marinette, Oconto, Waupaca, 
Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, 
and Door--on my behalf. When we travel around together, Jen is an 
instant ambassador and magnet at gatherings large and small. She is 
recognized and welcomed warmly in every room, and I know the reaction 
to her work is authentic and appreciated.
  My staff fondly refers to Jen as the unofficial ``Dean'' of our 
outreach team. Jen knows all the intricacies on how best to interact 
with various groups, organizations, and stakeholders. She is a wealth 
of knowledge and is always available to share context, history, and 
recommendations on the best way to engage. She is always ready for a 
gut-check or to share an excellent scene-setting story and knows that 
details and history matter when it comes to relationship building and 
serving constituents. She is also game for a challenge, usually brought 
on by our team's insistence on the adoption of new technologies and 
systems.
  As Jen begins this new chapter of her life, I know she will not stray 
far from engagement in her local community and causes dear to her 
heart. I am delighted that she will be able to spend more time with her 
family and friends, especially her grandchildren, who are the lights of 
her life. My staff and I will miss Jen's camaraderie, friendship, and 
leadership through action. We wish her all the best in her retirement, 
and I am pleased to officially designate her as dean emerita of our 
outreach team.
  Jen, thank you for your service to the people of Wisconsin and our 
Nation.

                          ____________________