[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15372]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING STEVE VERMILLION

  (Mr. RIVERA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RIVERA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I take to the 
floor of the House of Representatives today to inform my colleagues and 
the entire Capitol Hill family of staff of the passing of my dear 
friend and chief of staff, Steve Vermillion. For nearly 25 years, I 
have known Steve as a friend, family man, and committed public servant. 
My service in Congress has been greatly enhanced by Steve's invaluable 
advice and knowledge regarding all aspects of the legislative process. 
As a 17-year veteran of Capitol Hill, Steve will be dearly missed by 
the Capitol family for his warmth and his sense of service to this 
institution and our Nation.
  Steve began his service in the House of Representatives in 1986, 
serving as communications director for then-Congressman Bob Livingston. 
He subsequently served as a legislative assistant for Congressman James 
Sensenbrenner, as chief of staff to former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-
Balart, and most recently as my chief of staff. An avid and champion 
rower who also received a degree from the U.S. Naval War College, Steve 
was recognized for his work throughout his years in Congress with such 
distinctions as the Congressional Staff Leadership Award from the 
Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.
  Steve demonstrated his commitment to service with great dignity these 
past two years as he simultaneously battled health problems while 
dutifully fulfilling his professional obligations with excellence and 
distinction. His family can take great pride in the manner in which 
Steve honored us all with his unwavering strength of character, his 
dedication to the work of the American people, and his civic virtue.
  His wife, Jennifer; his daughter, Sarah; his son, Joe, and his entire 
family should know that Steve made great contributions to the United 
States Congress and to our Nation.
  Steve was indeed a man of the House. Those who worked and served with 
him over the years are blessed to have had the opportunity to share in 
his life, a life that has left a lasting impact on so many. Today our 
country has indeed lost a great American, a great patriot, a great 
friend, a great husband, and a great father.
  So while we here in the United States Congress bid farewell to our 
friend and colleague, we do so always remembering the enduring spirit 
and sense of service that Steve imparted on every life that he touched. 
Steve Vermillion's life serves as an inspiration to all of us who knew 
and loved him. May God receive him mercifully into His glory and bless 
the family, the Nation, and everyone that he leaves behind.
  Stevo, we'll miss you, Big Man.

                          ____________________