[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 THE RETIREMENT OF PAUL COWEN AS CHIEF OF STAFF TO STATE SENATOR EDDIE 
                               LUCIO, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication of 
Paul Cowen, who is retiring after 20 years as Chief of Staff to State 
Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr.
  Paul has worked day in and day out with our office on policy that has 
greatly impacted South Texas. His vision, perseverance and commitment 
to helping the less fortunate is remarkable.
  In 1989, Paul got a call from then-candidate Eddie Lucio, Jr., the 
soon-to-be Senator asked Paul if he would run his campaign for the 
Texas 27th Senatorial District, Paul agreed. The rest is history.
  Paul is one of 10 children of Louis and Virginia Cowen. He has been 
married to Tamara Cowen for 37 years and has three children: Tara Jean, 
Jonathan Paul, and Timothy Patrick. I take this time on the House Floor 
to wish Paul a happy retirement, and at the same time, thank him for 
the many lives he impacted and changed through his work in the Texas 
Legislature alongside Sen. Lucio.
  Although Paul will no longer be Chief of Staff to Sen. Lucio, he will 
forever remain in the hearts and souls of those he impacted.
  Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 
retirement of Paul Cowen as Chief of Staff to Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. I 
wish you the best of luck, amigo.

                          ____________________