On the recordJanuary 13, 2010
And my colleagues, first I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi and the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, for their graciousness over the last couple of days. I also want to say thanks to all of the Members on both sides of the aisle who have offered their condolences to me, personally, and to my staff. A special ``thank you'' to President Obama and former President Bush for their calls of condolence. I think all of us know that this institution couldn't operate without staff; it just couldn't function. And this last week, we lost one of the best. I was fortunate enough to have a great leader of my team; and we rise today and remember Paula Nowakowski. Now, let me say that she was no picnic. She was as tough as nails, and any of you who have worked with her--George, you remember--she was as tough as nails--a brilliant strategist who had a wicked sense of humor. Haley Barbour, whom she once worked for, said that she was as smart as a whip, and you have to visualize that coming from Haley; but there was a softer side of Paula as well. She made a positive difference in thousands of lives around the Hill and around this town. She loved all things Detroit, especially her beloved Detroit Red Wings, and so you will see that I and a lot of my staff will have a Detroit Red Wings pin on for the balance of this year. She loved her country.
