[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1734-H1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING DEBBIE LUPER'S TENURE AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR THE FOURTH 
                           DISTRICT OF KANSAS

  (Mr. Estes of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and fellow 
fiscal hawk on her last day of work, my district director, Debbie 
Luper.
  How can I possibly frame up the service and political activities of 
Debbie Luper in one short floor speech? Her presence in Kansas politics 
is deep, and a great number of elected officials at the State, local, 
and Federal levels have consulted with Debbie or sought her advice at 
some point in her career.
  Many Kansans know Debbie and have appreciated her dedication to 
serving the people of the Fourth District of Kansas. She is a pillar in 
Kansas politics and has been repeatedly recognized for her service, 
most recently receiving the Spirit of Unity Award from the Sedgwick 
County Black Republican Council. She has also twice received the Kansas 
Republican Party's Huck Boyd Volunteer of the Year Award.
  She has been an integral member of winning campaigns locally and 
statewide. She served as the chief of staff for the Kansas Senate Ways 
and Means Committee before joining my staff to lead my district office.
  Debbie is a battle-tested, stalwart conservative who is trusted by 
many throughout Kansas, and her conservatism isn't a fad or a political 
front, but it is who she really is. In fact, I have been known as a 
fiscal hawk throughout my time in public service, but she is pretty 
comparable, giving me a run for my money on that banner.
  Debbie has also been a bridge builder and mentor. Even when factions 
arise, Kansans continue to trust her leadership and count on her to 
help bring people together. It is one of the reasons why she has made 
such a phenomenal district director.
  The staff in my office in Wichita has learned from her guidance and 
decades of experience, and she has fostered a family and not just a 
group of employees.
  Debbie was my very first hire following my special election in 2017. 
As district director, Debbie was always focused on what was best for 
Kansans, particularly in the Fourth Congressional District.
  She ensured that constituents were helped, whether they had a problem 
with a government agency, they had an opinion on an issue, or they just 
wanted to express a complaint or sometimes a compliment. Business 
groups, schools, healthcare providers, and farmers and ranchers can all 
count on Debbie to help them.
  Today is her last day as a full-time employee, but retirement for 
Debbie doesn't mean an end to a busy and engaged life. She is 
transitioning to more time in her favorite roles as wife, mother, 
grandmother, and daughter. She will be spending far more time with 
family while still having some time for her favorite hobby: helping 
with campaigns. I am confident that Kansans will still seek her advice 
and consultation, or at least they will if they know what is best for 
them.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Debbie for 8 years of serving as my district 
director. More than that, I thank her for her decades of friendship. 
She has watched

[[Page H1735]]

my kids grow up and been part of my family. Her presence will be missed 
in the office each day, but I am grateful I will still see her around. 
I wish a happy retirement to Debbie.

                          ____________________