Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Thank you, Mr. Lewis, for yielding time.

It's been a real pleasure, and I mean that very sincerely, working under the leadership of Jerry Lewis on our side of the aisle, both as chairman and as ranking member of this committee for these last 6 years. He has been gracious in every way. He has lent his talent and his wisdom to us as we prepare to do business. And not the least, he has volunteered his terrific staff, led by Jeff Shockey, to help us in the transition. And I can't say enough to thank Jerry Lewis and all of the staff for all the great work that you have done for the country and continue to do. And we have got some heavy work cut out for you as well, and for the staff.

Madam Speaker, in my vocabulary, one of the most complimentary things I could say is a person is a difference maker. A difference maker sees circumstances that are not correct and applies wisdom and intelligence and perseverance and talent to change. And I can't think of a bigger difference maker--sometimes I thought in the wrong direction, but a difference maker--than David Obey. During my tenure here, coinciding with his, we have watched him over the years with that tenacity and innovation, sometimes blustery, sometimes entertaining, but always very efficient. And we will miss David Obey in this body.

This is the last chance that we will have, perhaps, to say good-bye and best wishes. But I think I speak for the entire body when we say to David Obey, Thank you for your service to America. Thank you for your leadership and your talent on this committee. And we wish you the very best in your future endeavors, especially during the next week as we all celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

And to Beverly and to Jeff and all of the staff on both sides of the aisle, the long hours that these people put in so that the rest of us can look good perhaps is not appreciated fully, and we need to continuously do that.

So to David Obey, bon voyage, best of luck to you. And thank you, Jerry, for the great service you are rendering your country.

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