[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FAREWELL TO TWO TALENTED STAFFERS

  (Ms. Clark of Massachusetts was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I have been blessed to 
work with some of the most talented staffers ever to walk the Halls of 
Congress, but the greater the blessing, the harder the good-bye.
  Recently, I bid farewell to my director of operations, Wendy 
Hamilton, and my senior adviser, Michael Reed, two pillars of the House 
Democratic Caucus.
  Let me start with the one and only Wendy Hamilton. I am so pleased 
she is here with us today in the Chamber. Wendy joined my team back 
when I was vice chair. I knew I had hired a talented and passionate 
Hill staffer. She had already completed tours of duty with Pramila 
Jayapal, Brenda Lawrence, and Kathy Castor.
  One by one, I also started realizing she had many off-book skills 
under her belt, whether it was flower arrangements, style advice, or 
frank and forthright guidance at Sephora.
  Along the way, she was putting the service in Member Services, 
becoming something of a celebrity. Everyone she worked with was 
grateful for Wendy's expert knowledge, her helpful hints, and her deep 
insight into how to get things done for constituents.
  More times than I can count, I met a district director halfway across 
the country, and when I introduced myself as a Congresswoman, they 
would say: Wait, you work with Wendy Hamilton? I was always proud to 
say: I sure do.
  Then there is the Member whisperer himself, Michael Reed, an adviser 
who has been essential to my first 2 years as whip. A wise counselor 
for colleagues across the Caucus, Michael has that instinct for 
figuring people out, meeting them where they are, and getting them to 
where they need to be.
  Here is what you need to know about Michael: You can ask the Speaker 
Emerita or a new intern, and they will both rave over him in equal 
measure. They will tell you about his fundamental kindness. They will 
tell you he is a selfless mentor to those trying to follow in his 
footsteps, and they will tell you he is just plain cool. He is the only 
guy in D.C. who can look cool zooming around on a Lime scooter, the 
only man who can pull off wearing joggers with a suit jacket, and the 
only person who could ever make Eagles fans seem chill.
  I am sorry to say good-bye to these two dear friends. I am so 
grateful to everything they have given to Team Clark, to this 
institution, and to the American people.
  To Michael and Keenan, to Wendy, Marvin, and Hendrix, thank you for 
everything, and the best of luck in all that lies ahead.

                          ____________________