Speaker Emerita Pelosi Floor Speech on Departure of House Aide Keith Stern

I thank our distinguished whip for yielding and for her beautiful statement about a great person who has honored us with his work and his patriotism in this body. It is my privilege to join my colleagues on the floor of the House as we celebrate a true public servant and a trusted aide to so many of us, Keith Stern. Keith first came to Congress in 1997 to work for Representative Lucille Roybal Ollard. He comes from Los Angeles, so we're very proud of him as a Californian, even as a Dodger fan, but that's a different story. Over the next three decades, he went on to hold many top jobs in the House, always working for the people. For Jim McGovern, he was the center of policy development of the Powerful Rules Committee. As floor director of operations for me, as speaker of the House, he provided expertise for Democrats' major legislative achievements, and for Webb Clark, he has provided counsel on major issues facing the House. So he has been tactically, strategically, philosophically, in every way, a major asset. Working for more than seven years in my office, he was simply invaluable. Throughout his tenure, Keith has offered indispensable expertise in House procedure, coming from the Rules Committee. His vast institutional knowledge made Keith a trusted strategic resource in legislating. In every role, his service has been marked by insight, integrity, dependability, and unending devotion to this House of Representatives, even the most trying times. My staff in the Speaker's office, as I always brag about them, the greatest staff ever assembled in the history of the House of Representatives. Keith was a shining example of that brilliance, that dedication, and patriotism. Congratulations, Keith, on a job well done. Thank you for your leadership, which has made a difference in the lives of so many people. Best wishes to you, and gratitude to Cara for sharing you with us, and your two beautiful children, Sandy and Colleen, to your parents, your mom, your stepmom, your dad, who are here with us in the gallery as you embark on this new chapter. Thank you, Keith Stern, for your patriotism, for your service, and best wishes to you as you go forward. And now I'm pleased to yield back to our distinguished witness.