Political Quotes

“I would like to say a few words about Kate O'Connor, a former member of my staff who recently left to pursue another opportunity in public service. She is now working at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where she will continue her focus on telecommunications and information policy. Kate was one of the first staffers I hired after being sworn in to the Senate in January 2015. She started as a legislative correspondent and was integral in establishing and managing our constituent correspondence system. Her talent, work ethic, and interest in Alaska elevated her to a legislative assistant, where she oversaw issues related to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, as well as education and healthcare. Kate understood firsthand the unique challenges Alaska faces, particularly in regard to broadband deployment and reliable internet access. She played a critical role in helping to usher an Alaska specific plan through the FCC, a plan that will help bridge the digital divide by bringing more advanced broadband services to rural Alaska. It was during her time at the University of Chicago, where she was pursuing a bachelor's of arts in public policy from the university, when she ventured north to my great State of Alaska for an internship in Juneau. She fell in love with my State, as so many people do, and I am confident that she will go on to be a great ambassador for Alaska.…”