[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 11, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING RICHARD KIRK McPIKE

  (Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a profound sense of pride and a 
touch of sadness. After 13 years of service to this body as a chief of 
staff, Richard Kirk McPike is leaving my office.
  Kirk has been the leader of my team since 2012, setting up the 
office, building LGBTQI+ political infrastructure, helping me earn the 
Veterans' Affairs' Committee gavel and so much more.
  Kirk's proudest accomplishments are not counted in the bills passed 
or titles held. They are measured in the many people he has led and 
mentored, from interns to senior staffers. One of his greatest talents 
is knowing when to let go of great staff, understanding they sometimes 
need to grow beyond my office. Today, it is my time to do the same.
  I will miss my friend Kirk. I will miss his counsel, but I know he 
will serve the Commonwealth of Virginia as a delegate with the same 
intelligence and decency he brought to this House. I wish him Godspeed 
and good luck.

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