[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF DON LYSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Don Lyster, a 
dedicated, hard working gentleman whom I am very fortunate to have had 
on my staff for the past seven years.
  Don joined my staff in March 2002 as my legislative assistant 
handling labor, trade, immigration, homeland security and judiciary 
issues. I was proud to promote him twice during his tenure in my 
office, first to Legislative Counsel and then to Chief of Staff.
  Don demonstrated his passion for issues affecting underserved 
communities and the lives of working families daily in his work. 
Through his efforts, legislation to expedite the naturalization process 
for legal immigrants serving in the U.S. military and members of the 
selected reserves, coupled with immigration protections for immediate 
family members of fallen soldiers, was enacted into law.
  From a union family, Don's work on labor issues demonstrated his 
strong commitment to working families. He was constantly working to 
improve workplace conditions and grow jobs for working families. Don 
always worked to protect and increase worker's rights, not only on a 
national level, but by keeping close watch on the issues facing workers 
throughout Los Angeles.
  His passion for telecommunications and internet matters was always 
seen through the perspective of the need to protect and expand 
affordable access for all consumers, which is especially important in 
California's 32nd Congressional District.
  As my Chief of Staff, Don has played an integral role in helping 
advance my priorities on the Energy and Commerce Committee and as chair 
of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the 
Environment. I am grateful to have had him with me to assist in my role 
on the Steering and Policy Committee. Don has used his knowledge of 
telecommunications matters to help expand outreach in the Congressional 
District I represent through the use of new technologies. Through his 
words and actions, Don has trained, mentored and inspired my staff to 
constantly challenge themselves to meet new goals while helping them 
along the way.
  Don's passion for life and love of his family will be sorely missed 
in my office. I join my staff in Washington, DC, and district offices 
in EI Monte and East Los Angeles in wishing Don the best of luck in all 
of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________