Rob Woodall: “So often in this town, they say, Everything has been said, but not everyone has said it. That's not the case here with…”

“So often in this town, they say, Everything has been said, but not everyone has said it. That's not the case here with Member after Member after Member talking about Dr. Jay Pierson. The gentleman from California had it right: everybody on this floor thinks they're Jay's best friend; everybody on this floor feels that personal relationship and that personal bond; yet everyone who has come to the floor tonight has taught me something new about Jay that I did not know. When I first came to this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, just 2 years ago, I was a little nervous. It's an intimidating job to walk out on the House floor for the very first time. And my mentor and friend, former- Congressman John Linder, came to me and he said, Rob, if you get worried, if you get into trouble, don't worry. Jay will be there. I think about how in one way or another, over 34 years, how many young, frightened, yet enthusiastic, public servants have been comforted with those words: Don't worry. If you get into trouble, Jay Pierson will be there. This new incoming freshman class is going to miss those comforting words, and this incoming freshman class, along with 435 of the rest of us, are going to miss Jay Pierson. I want to thank Dr. Pierson, Mr. Speaker, for his long, diligent, but most importantly, cheerful service that is an example that we could all learn from, and I hope that we do. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”