James M. Jeffords: “while we have a moment I would like to take some time to thank the staff from the Environment and Public Works…”

“while we have a moment I would like to take some time to thank the staff from the Environment and Public Works Committee. Senator Inhofe's staff is first class, including Ruth Van Mark, Andrew Wheeler, Angie Giancarlo, Stephen Aaron, and many others. Senator Bond's lead staffer Letmon Lee has done excellent work on this bill. Paul Wilkins and Sara Roberts from Senator Baucus' staff also contributed extensively to this product. From my staff, Ken Connolly, Alison Taylor, Margaret Weatherald, and Caroline Ahearn have been tremendous. But most importantly I wanted to recognize two staff people who have worked for years and years on Army Corps issues and specifically this bill. First, Catharine Cyr Ransom. Catharine is an exceptional Senate staffer. She works hard, is fair, and a joy to work with. She also is very persistent and has made sure that my little State of Vermont has been looked after in this legislation. Finally, JoEllen Darcy, who has been with the Committee 12 years, and has lived through this WRDA process for her entire tenure, is a true gem. JoEllen has an incredible record of legislative success on the Environment and Public Works Committee due to her depth of knowledge, kind manner, and strong negotiating skills. She is also an avid Red Sox fan, which says a lot about her character and why I like her so much. I thank all the staff for their work and for all their work through the August recess on this legislation. I yield the floor.…”