[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9839]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     HONORING LESLIE BELCHER SOWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. WES WATKINS

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. WATKINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my chief of staff, 
Leslie Belcher Sowell, who is leaving the service of Oklahoma's Third 
Congressional District this past Thursday, May 24, 2001 after many, 
many years as a member of my staff. Leslie is a multi-talented young 
woman whom I have watched grow and mature from a young congressional 
intern into a true professional as my top congressional advisor and 
most trusted political assistant.
  Leslie grew up in Chandler, Oklahoma, in the Third District. She is a 
graduate of Chandler High School and Oklahoma State University in 
Stillwater.
  Leslie first joined my staff as a congressional intern. Later, after 
she graduated from college, Leslie joined my office full-time as a 
staff assistant and receptionist. It wasn't long before Leslie earned a 
promotion to legislative assistant, and she eventually became one of my 
top assistants for the House Appropriations Committee. Her assistance 
as invaluable to my efforts to help the economic and job growth of the 
Third District.
  When I left Congress after 1990, Leslie returned to OSU where she 
served on the staff of the university's government relations office. 
She returned to Capitol Hill a few years later to work as legislative 
director for my successor in the Third District, Rep. Bill Brewster, D-
Oklahoma.
  In 1996, when I decided to return to Congress, Leslie again joined 
me, this time as my chief of staff and top political advisor. In 
addition, she served as my legislative director and press secretary 
during the initial period of my first term back in Congress when we 
were organizing my new staff.
  In 1997, during consideration of a major tax bill, Leslie became an 
underlying catalyst in my efforts to make sure former Native American 
lands in Oklahoma were eligible for tax incentives created to encourage 
economic development on Native American reservations. Leslie helped me 
guide this hallmark legislation through the Ways and Means Committee, 
through the full House, and through final passage. This legislation has 
meant more to economic growth and job development in Oklahoma than any 
efforts in recent history. Without Leslie Belcher Sowell's efforts, it 
would have been nearly impossible for me to see this legislation passed 
into law. Her last action in our office was making a phone call trying 
to get this process extended until 2009.
  Leslie has always shared my goal of improving the economic conditions 
in rural Oklahoma, which is why she has been such a perfect fit for my 
staff. Leslie has been dedicated and committed to my efforts whether I 
was Democrat, Independent, or Republican.
  I have had the privilege of watching Leslie grow in her career, 
seeing her marry the love of her life, taking on her most challenging 
and rewarding job ever--becoming a mother. Leslie is a dear friend, and 
I thank her for her service to the Third District, the State of 
Oklahoma, and the United States of America.
  Leslie: I will miss you, and the Third District will miss you. May 
God bless you and your family. I tip my hat to you, and thank you for 
your loyal friendship and a job well done.

                          ____________________