On the recordSeptember 20, 2012
I rise today with great sadness to inform the Senate that Jennifer Green, a valued member of my staff and a cherished member of the Senate family, passed away last weekend after a brief illness. It is a comfort to all who knew Jennifer that she spent her last hours in a room filled with the family she cherished so deeply, but no room on Earth would have been large enough to hold all those who mourn her, who have been touched and made better by Jennifer's beautiful smile, big heart, and easy friendship. She is sorely missed in my office, throughout the Senate, and even across the country. Jennifer worked in my office for the past 14 years, but she served the Senate for nearly a quarter century, starting with the Sergeant at Arms when she was just 20 years old. Jennifer was often the first face visitors to my office would see. She did more than just arrange Capitol tours or point them to the nearest DC attraction; she worked out a botched hotel reservation, found a glass of water to soothe an overheated toddler, listened to worries about a failing farm, a sick grandparent, or a threatened job. Many of my constituents arrive in the office a little overwhelmed by Washington, perhaps a little angry at Congress, but after meeting Jennifer, they left knowing they had a friend here. Jennifer put a human, caring face on the Senate--a service to this institution that affected the way hundreds, and probably thousands, of Wisconsinites viewed their government.…
