Norman D. Dicks

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my constituents in Washington's Sixth District for supporting me over the last 36 years.

I want to thank Leader Pelosi and Whip Hoyer for supporting me as ranking Democratic member on the House Appropriations Committee, and most of all the Democratic Caucus for allowing me to chair the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and the Defense Subcommittee.

I want to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Chairman Bill Young for working together to restore regular order in the Appropriations Committee and strengthening America's military strength and especially supporting the men and women serving us in our services.

I will miss my colleagues in the House, but will remember my friends in this great institution, the people's House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Washington, the Honorable Suzan K. DelBene, be permitted to take the oath of office today.

Her certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to her election.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for the Washington congressional delegation to welcome our newest Member, Suzan DelBene, who had the distinction of winning not just one, but two elections last week.

She was elected in a special election to fill the remainder of Congressman Jay Inslee's term, and she was also elected last week to be the Representative of a newly configured First District in the 113th Congress.

Throughout her campaign, Suzan was able to successfully connect with voters because of her upbringing and because of her experience. She spoke to the struggles her parents went through in raising her family and of working her way through college. She earned a bachelor's degree from Reed College in Portland and received an MBA from the University of Washington.

Following her academic work, Suzan had a very successful career at Microsoft and at two high-tech startup companies, and then was appointed director of the Washington Department of Revenue. Suzan is a high-energy person, someone who will work well with our delegation and with all of our colleagues here in the House in the next Congress.

At this time, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Washington's Fourth Congressional District, Congressman Hastings, the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, who joins me in welcoming our newest Member.

I now yield to Suzan DelBene to address the House.

I yield back the balance of my time.