Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to bid farewell to a trusted member of my staff who will be departing the Senate. Melissa Shute has served as my legislative counsel, handling issues involving energy, natural resources, and public lands. I have been fortunate to have a wonderful tradition of outstanding staffers to handle my energy and environmental issues; however, the problem with good staff is that they often get pulled away. Melissa is no exception. She came to me in 2008 after serving as lead counsel to one of our former Members whom I highly regard, Senator Pete Dominici, on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. While on the committee, Melissa was a key player on legislation to increase domestic energy production in the United States. Melissa has developed an expertise in energy and environmental issues and the importance they play in our economy. She is an enthusiastic warrior for the principles we share. Melissa has provided critical counsel to me regarding major issues in nuclear, coal, and renewable fuel research and development. She also took a leading role in helping Alabamians living on the gulf coast during the tragic oil spill. Melissa and my energy team went above and beyond to take the steps necessary to help those impacted by the environmental disaster receive the support and information they need to begin the road of clean-up and recovery.…”