Political Quotes

“Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I come to the floor concerning the passing of Frank Cushing, one of the true public servants that the Congress has known. Frank served as a legislative aide to Senator Jim McClure of Idaho prior to joining the Appropriations Committee staff as director of the Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies in 1981. In 1984 he became the staff director of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, a post he held until 1991. Although he left briefly for the private sector, public service remained an integral part of his commitment to the Congress and this Nation. His expertise, command of the appropriations, authorizing, and budget processes, and his exceptional talent and ability to work with others was missed, and he returned to the Congress as staff director of the House Appropriations Committee under Congressman Lewis. It takes exceptional abilities to be a good staff director, especially with the strong personalities that come with the experts who serve on the staff of our committees. Frank had the ability to work across the aisle and with other committees as few have ever done. His knowledge of the appropriations process and budgeting provided a unique depth to the consideration of authorizing legislation. He was able to challenge the staff, improve the work product, and set a high standard for quality and substance that we still strive to maintain.…”