[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING STEPHEN SIAO, DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Green) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valued 
member of my team and a true American patriot, Mr. Stephen Siao.
  Stephen has been my chief of staff since I first entered the House of 
Representatives in 2019. From day one, Stephen built and nurtured a 
high-functioning office dedicated to serving the people of Tennessee's 
Seventh Congressional District.
  Over the course of three terms, Stephen consistently exceeded 
expectations and faithfully fulfilled his oath to the Constitution. 
Whether it meant staying up late to help a stranded constituent secure 
a passport or ensuring our servicemembers at Fort Campbell have the 
safest barracks, Stephen's dedication to public service was unwavering. 
Under his leadership, my office has helped over 7,100 constituents with 
casework, a testament to his tireless efforts.
  Stephen is not only an exceptional leader but also a remarkable 
mentor. He has spent countless hours guiding and supporting junior 
staff, many of whom have gone on to achieve great things.
  Stephen's generosity to others has been the hallmark of his time in 
the House of Representatives. He consistently encouraged his colleagues 
to do the right thing, even if it was the hard thing. He has a resolute 
commitment to faith, country, and those whom the Lord blesses him to 
lead and serve. His loyalty has meant the world to me and my team.
  For me personally, I most admire Stephen's humility. I often describe 
him as having an ability-to-humility ratio of infinity.
  At the beginning of the 118th Congress, my colleagues entrusted me 
with the chairmanship of the House Committee on Homeland Security. 
Among the most consequential decisions I made after taking the gavel 
was to bring Stephen on as the staff director. I knew Stephen's strong 
work ethic and unwavering integrity made him the ideal choice to lead 
the committee staff during a challenging time in America's history.
  As staff director, he navigated the complex impeachment proceedings 
of a sitting Cabinet Secretary, a first in our Nation's history. 
Stephen also led the committee's efforts to write the border security 
portion of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. Additionally, Stephen 
spearheaded our efforts to modernize the Department of Homeland 
Security to address challenges of the 21st century. Thanks to his 
leadership, our Nation is safer.
  Beyond his many accomplishments, Stephen will be dearly missed for 
the selfless love and unwavering support he has shown countless 
colleagues. While shunning the spotlight and any recognition, this 
dedicated public servant has always put others first. His mentorship 
and wisdom, often delivered with a touch of Tolkienian wit, will be 
deeply missed.
  As he embarks on this new chapter, I wish him well, echoing the words 
of Gandalf the Grey: ``All we have to decide is what to do with the 
time that is given to us.'' Stephen has taken this advice to heart, 
always using his time in this body wisely and inspiring us all to do 
the same.
  On behalf of the people of the Seventh District of Tennessee and the 
United States Congress, I wish him well as our Nation calls him further 
up and further in toward another post serving our country. I thank 
Stephen. May God bless him.

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