[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF DAVID SKILLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2019

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, this week, friends, colleagues, 
supporters, and family of David Skillman gathered to thank him for over 
a dozen years of outstanding Congressional service, most recently, as 
my Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff.
  David is the very model of professionalism. His hard work and 
dedication to innovative policy making represent the very best of the 
men and women who make Congress function.
  David came by his service honestly with parents who themselves were 
congressional staff early in their careers. David joked that as an 
infant, he was the youngest staff member of his fourth district 
Congressman.
  As he rose through the ranks in our office, he was unstinting in his 
work ethic, his insight, and his integrity. Accolades have poured into 
our office from his former colleagues from all over America who were 
touched by his leadership, mentorship, and friendship.
  Together, with his wife Sara Chieffo, a senior executive at the 
League of Conservation Voters, they were perhaps the Capitol's premier 
``green power couple.'' David's fingerprints are on dozens of major 
pieces of legislation both from our office and the Ways and Means 
Committee. For over a decade, his impact has been profound and his 
legacy has made a difference to us all. His innate decency and 
intellect served as an inspiration to me and all of his colleagues. 
Whatever he does in the next phases of his career, we are better for 
his service and I know that his contributions will continue to make 
America better.
  We thank him for his invaluable contribution to our office and to 
Congress. I am deeply indebted for his service and friendship.

                          ____________________