[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 10]
[House]
[Pages 13820-13821]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   ACKNOWLEDGING THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUSAN B. HIRSCHMANN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, this evening I'm taking the opportunity to 
speak for a few moments about someone very special to me and the whole 
Whip Team.
  I want to speak about the enormous contribution my Chief-of-Staff 
Susan Hirschmann has made by building the most effective staff on 
Capitol Hill, assisting the leadership of our House Republican 
Majority, and struggling tremendously hard day after day to advance our 
conservative, constitutional principles.

[[Page 13821]]

  As a Member of Congress, I've found that one of the most critical 
factors determining our ability to effect the political process is 
determined by the qualities and convictions held by the men and women 
we hire.
  Fortunately, in Susan, I found a leader with the courage to stand 
firm for our principles, the vision and creativity to develop effective 
solutions, and the heart and humor to hold together my committed and 
boisterous staff.
  Different observers bring different interpretations about what, 
precisely, it is that constitutes true leadership but I know it when I 
see it and this much I know; only a strong leader can command the Whip 
Team. I've been truly fortunate to have Susan as my right hand for the 
past five years.
  Over the years, we've won a lot of battles, we've lost a few battles, 
but I can't think of single occasion when be backed down from a 
struggle involving our core principles with a chance for victory still 
within site.
  That's a testament to Susan's passion, determination, and strategic 
vision. I'm gratified to have shared so many close votes with her and 
pleased that our team has been able to prevail so many times.
  So, Mr. Speaker, let me close by reiterating the extent of my 
gratitude for all the sacrifices that Susan Hirschmann made for me, our 
party, and our country.
  We've accomplished some amazing things for the American people.
  And I'm deeply grateful for everything that she's given up to build 
my staff into the most determined, passionate, and effective 
organization in Washington. We'll all miss her laughter, her wisdom, 
and her leadership. We'll send her off with every good wish for future 
happiness, success and fulfillment.
  Mr. HILLEARY. Susan B. Hirschmann is known throughout official 
Washington, D.C. and beyond as an intelligent, hard charging, political 
powerhouse who has made a tremendous contribution to the Republic 
through her work on Capitol Hill to influence and steer federal public 
policy in a conservative direction. Her reputation is well deserved.
  In seven and a half years as a Member of the House of 
Representatives, I have met no one for whom I have more respect and 
admiration than Susan Hirschmann. I am proud and honored to be able to 
call her my friend. She will be sorely missed by all of us who work 
with her in the House, but we all wish her well as she seeks new 
challenges.
  I had the great fortune to hire Susan Hirschmann to serve as my Chief 
of Staff during my first term in office. She was, and is, the best of 
the best. Because of her I was the envy of my 1994 freshman class. The 
question most frequently asked of me by my colleagues in Congress 
during my first term was, ``How did you get Susan Hirschmann to be your 
Chief of Staff?'' I knew I needed someone with ample knowledge of 
Washington to supplement my lack of D.C. experience. Susan not only met 
that need, she was also the most talented person around. On behalf of 
myself, and the approximately 600,000 good folks who live in the 4th 
Congressional District of Tennessee, I thank you for the time you gave 
us.
  As anyone on Capitol Hill knows, Susan went on to become Majority 
Whip Tom DeLay's Chief of Staff. In that position, she has played no 
small role in helping Tom to become the most effective Whip the House 
has ever seen.
  Susan embodies a rare combination of wit, wisdom, tenacious work 
ethic and political savvy, along with a personal touch. She is loyal to 
her friends and a formidable and feared foe to her enemies. With regard 
to her personal touch, she has shown tremendous kindness to me and so 
many others over the years, the most notable of which for me was an 
introduction several years ago to my future wife, Meredith.
  Thank you, Susan, for your warm friendship and for the service you 
have rendered to our nation, the Congress and to so many of us 
individually. May God's blessings be with you and your husband, David, 
wherever life takes you.
  Mr. CANTOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to pay tribute to a great 
American, and a great leader. Susan Hirschman is an unsung hero here in 
these hallowed halls of Congress.
  Susan has dedicated her life to common sense conservative principles 
upon which America was founded. Like other great leaders, Susan is a 
principled and determined advocate, seemingly never missing an 
opportunity to advance her cause.
  I met Susan shortly before being sworn into office, and since then, I 
have benefited often from her wise counsel on a myriad of topics.
  Anyone spending just a short time here in Washington knows what an 
important role staff plays in facilitating the work of this House. As 
Chief of Staff to the Majority Whip, Susan takes her responsibilities 
seriously. She has ensured an effective Whip operation, and I know she 
will be sorely missed by leadership.
  Susan also took a keen interest in the success of the Freshman class. 
Frankly, I believe her guidance and input has contributed greatly to 
the development of countless members of our class. And we too will feel 
the loss of her departure.
  I know that Susan Hirschman and her husband David are one of a kind--
a dynamic duo made for success. They are natural born leaders, and I am 
proud to call them friends.
  I wish Susan and David the best of luck as Susan prepares to enter 
the next chapter of her career. God bless.
  Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to pay tribute to 
Susan Hirschmann--an amazing member of the Majority Whip's staff who is 
leaving the House of Representatives after serving the public and this 
institution for 10 years.
  It is difficult to sum up who Susan Hirschmann is or to overstate her 
impact on this institution.
  Susan is many things to many people, and she is always there for 
Members whatever their need. Whether you are in need of a meal, a 
sounding board, or a project for your district--Susan is there and she 
delivers!
  There's no doubt in my mind that Susan's savvy and intellect is at 
the foundation of most successes of our Republican majority. She is not 
just a leadership staffer, she is a leader. And, for women who want to 
be power brokers in Washington, I can't think of a better role model.
  While Susan's credentials as a conservative Republican are sterling, 
she doesn't discriminate on ideology. For one, she knows that every 
Member represents a vote. But, she is more than a vote counter. She 
respects the House as an institution and she's always looking out for 
the team, and that means understanding and caring about the Members.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank Susan: for listening--even 
when the message is tough to hear, for offering her sage advice, for 
telling it like it is, for getting the job done--no matter the 
obstacles, for being an inspiration to women, and most importantly, for 
her friendship.
  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to say thank you to Susan 
Hirschmann for her tremendous leadership and her service to their 
institution. She has been an asset to this House and to the Majority 
Whip's Office now for 10 years.
  As a freshman member in 1994 Susan was a guide to this member who was 
still learning the rules! Susan has continued to provide counsel and 
guidance on the many occasions that I have gone to her in my 8 years in 
the House.
  Susan, you will be missed by the institution and by me, personally. 
Best wishes to you and David in all future endeavors.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great reluctance that I wish 
Susan Hirschmann farewell. We all know how important staff is to the 
legislative process. As the Majority Whip's Chief of Staff Susan has 
not only served Mr. DeLay but the House and the American people as 
well. Her drive has helped us pass many important pieces of 
legislation. Her dedication to the work we do here led her to stay much 
longer than she wanted. Susan had planned to leave before this year, 
but after the events of September 11th, realized that she needed to 
stay to help guide the House through a crucial period in our nation's 
history. Susan was and is the ``go to'' person. Whether it was advice, 
counsel or moving legislation, she was consistently effective.
  I thank her husband David for the long hours she has put into serving 
Majority Whip DeLay and the House.
  Thank you Susan. Best wishes in your future endeavors. We're going to 
miss you.

                          ____________________