The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MELISSA F. JAMES ON THE OCCASION OF HER
RETIREMENT
______
HON. FRANK D. LUCAS
of oklahoma
in the house of representatives
Friday, June 11, 2021
Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to take this opportunity to recognize Melissa F. James, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after 26 years of exemplary service.
Upon graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1994, Melissa relocated to Washington, D.C., to begin her career with the Honorable Tom Coburn, newly elected from her hometown in Oklahoma. Melissa's hard work, problem-solving skills, and cando attitude quickly made her a valued member of Congressman Coburn's staff. After starting as a staff assistant, Melissa eventually was promoted to be Congressman Coburn's scheduler, a position she held until Mr. Coburn retired from the House in 2001.
Melissa remained in the House, next serving for 10 years as the scheduler and office manager to Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas. In 2011, after Mr. Tiahrt's departure from Congress, Melissa joined the office of Congressman Randy Neugebauer of Texas. In her time with Mr. Neugebauer, Melissa frequently displayed a deft touch with difficult questions from both other staff and constituents. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a finer office representative than Melissa, who embodies the true spirit of public service. Melissa proved herself to be an irreplaceable member of every team on which she served, as demonstrated by the fact that she never left a Member's staff until the Member left the House.
After Congressman Neugebauer's retirement from the House in 2017, Melissa joined the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as its administrative director. Melissa took on new tasks and responsibilities with aplomb and immediately became an indispensable part of the OGC team. It would be impossible to list all of her contributions, but among them, she has taken a lead role with regard to all aspects of office management and administration, including with the office budget and computer systems. During her time with OGC, Melissa demonstrated herself to be dedicated to serving Members, Officers, and employees of the House, remarkably trustworthy and utterly fearless when faced with novel, sensitive, and difficult matters. Melissa's unwavering resolve and commitment to the House and OGC was always evident, as was her ability to find a solution to seemingly any problem.
Beyond her incredible dedication to her work, Melissa has been a kind and thoughtful coworker to all, treating everyone from the Members to the mail-carriers with the utmost respect and kindness. As scores of current and former colleagues can attest, Melissa is a true joy to work with, and is someone who makes the workday better for everyone with whom she comes into contact. It is no exaggeration to say that she has become family to many over her years on the Hill. Melissa is always eager to share her passion and contagious enthusiasm for golf--and really any sport in which an alum of her cherished OSU Cowboys (Go Pokes) plays--so much so that anyone who knows her soon becomes a fan as well. Melissa's cheerful and welcoming presence on the Hill will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her.
It will be hard to imagine the House without Melissa. Every day for the past 26 years, Melissa has served the House with unmatched dedication and tenacity. Regardless of the task before her, Melissa will always find a way to accomplish it--a quality that will continue to serve her well in her future endeavors. On behalf of the Office of General Counsel and the entire House community, I thank Melissa for her decades of service and wish for her a joyous and relaxing retirement among her many friends and family in Oklahoma.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 102
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