Richard Burr: “occasionally, Members are given the opportunity for a point of personal privilege. This is mine today. Today, I rise to…”

“occasionally, Members are given the opportunity for a point of personal privilege. This is mine today. Today, I rise to speak in tribute to Christopher Austen Joyner, my most trusted adviser for the last 24 years. This week, Chris will retire from a 22-year career working in public service, most of them supporting me in some capacity. Twenty-two years is a long time. In Hill terminology, that translates to three terms in the House, followed by almost three terms in the U.S. Senate. And in Chris's case, it includes participation in almost every one of my campaigns since 1998. To say that I will miss our partnership is an understatement. Joyner's love of country, his dedication to serve, his ability to bring out the best in staff and in me have been a true gift for the last two decades. Chris, I hope you will enjoy a well-earned retirement; that you can head out to the coast; that you can have a few laughs with your wife, Amanda, your kids, Liz and Andrew; that you can enjoy some more baseball games, whether that is coaching Andrew's Little League team or sitting at Nats Park; and that you can properly reflect on your poor decision to get a pandemic puppy. From now on, I hope that there will only be one Monday per week, and, in addition to lunch, you occasionally get dinner. I expect to see you here, though, for the occasional breakfast burrito.…”