James M. Jeffords: “As Senators, we are accustomed to the glare of the public spotlight and there are even some members of Congress who…”

“As Senators, we are accustomed to the glare of the public spotlight and there are even some members of Congress who crave such attention. In general though, we are here because we share a deep desire to serve our country and to help ensure that our government and its laws are true to the spirit of America. We sometimes forget that we are also part of a Senate community filled with people who believe in that same kind of public service. Though they do not share the spotlight with us, we could not do our jobs without them and the nation would suffer. So, I want to recognize the contributions made by all staff, and in particular the experts in the Office of Senate Legislative Counsel that help keep us true to the law, its structure and its functioning. They help put our ideas into real form and maintain the integrity of the code. That is why it is very very difficult today to note the passing of Janine Johnson, Assistant Counsel in Office of Legislative Counsel. She was an integral and crucial part of that office. Her professionalism, her deft grasp of complicated statutes, her work ethic, and above all, her pleasant manner and bearing, will be sorely missed by that office, but also by me, my office and in particular, my Environment and Public Works Committee staff.”