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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MEGAN BELL
______
HON. HAROLD ROGERS
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to
Megan Bell, my Chief of Staff, as she moves on from my Washington
office after nearly 13 years of service. During her time on Capitol
Hill, she has been a trusted advisor, an appropriations watchdog for
this great Nation, and most importantly--a tireless advocate for the
people of Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
Megan grew up the only daughter of a middle-class, blue-collar
Irish-Catholic family. Those ``up-early'' and ``hard-at-it'' values
have shown up every day to the Rayburn Building.
Knowing the issues that matter most in my home district, she has
been a consummate advocate on everything from combatting prescription
drug abuse and preserving and protecting the Mill Springs Battlefield,
to giving a voice to individuals at risk of losing vital benefits and
boosting opportunities in our coalfields. In fact, she helped create a
pilot grant program to provide an influx of federal dollars directly to
our coal communities for economic development as they continue to
rebuild in the wake of the War on Coal, which she precisely described
as ``strangulation by regulation.'' Likewise, her tough, dogged
oversight of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped protect the
business and community interests of our rural region, and the entire
Lake Cumberland area during the unprecedented repairs of Wolf Creek
Dam.
She contributed to the remarkable success of the National Rx Drug
Abuse and Heroin Summit, working alongside my district director Karen
Kelly, to rally the White House and leaders from every stake-holder
agency to help lead a holistic movement that is now the largest
gathering of federal, state and community leaders focused on life-
saving efforts to fight the national opioid crisis. The entire
prescription drug abuse and opioid fight wasn't just another issue for
Megan, but one she passionately invested countless hours to study and
understand at every level. She knows the opioid fight, the convictions
of my heart, and the challenges in our communities, backwards and
forwards. As a result of her expertise and expansive network, we called
on other federal leaders to stand up to ``Big Pharma'' corruption, and
enacted effective policy and legislative changes, like Prescription
Drug Monitoring Programs, starting the Congressional Caucus on
Prescription Drug Abuse, and so many other efforts that will continue
to impact the opioid epidemic for many years to come.
Navigating legislative ropes, surviving long hours, and becoming a
glorified policy wonk inside these historic hallways, requires much
more than a juris doctorate, which she impressively earned while
working full-time in my office. In her time on my team, Megan has
rightfully earned recognition far beyond Washington for her astute
knowledge of multiple issues and has truly risen amongst her peers as a
result of her sheer moxie, her engaging personality, and always
maintaining a refreshing voice of reason.
Our staff is much like family and every departure is bittersweet. As
we offer well-wishes and work to fill the void of such a talented
leader, I wish Megan the very best in the next chapter of her
successful life and look forward to witnessing the accomplishments that
are sure to come in the future.
____________________