[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 21114-21115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO AARON POPELKA

  Mr. MORAN. One of the beneficiaries of growing up on a family farm in 
Kansas is somebody I would also like to mention briefly this morning. 
As Members of Congress, we surround ourselves with bright minds and 
fellow natives of our home States. I have had the privilege of working 
alongside a young man, Aaron Popelka, as a member of my staff for 6 
years. In those years, Aaron has proven himself to be a thoughtful 
voice in a chaotic Capitol Hill culture. With a bright policy mind, 
Aaron has advised me on agriculture and energy and trade policy while 
also serving as my chief council.
  A native of Munden, KS, Aaron brought with him a commonsense approach 
to the way he conducted his duties on behalf of our State. Aaron will 
continue his duties on behalf of Kansans but in a different fashion. 
Aaron has accepted a position back home in Kansas and will leave my 
staff at the end of the year. The lure of returning home to Kansas is 
powerful. Over the years, I have lost valued members of my staff, much 
like the rest of you. However, I appreciate the fact that while their 
departure from Washington DC is not pleasing to me, more often than not 
they return home to Kansas and the result is a benefit to our home 
State.
  I am thankful for having had Aaron as a member of my staff. I am 
thankful for the faithful service he has provided to my fellow citizens 
in our home State. But I am most thankful for his friendship and I look 
forward to our paths crossing again back home.
  Aaron, best of luck to you and God bless you and your family.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for up to 
15 minutes as in morning business
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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