Rob Simmons

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 533 I was listed as not voting. I was in the Capitol, however, and cannot explain the absence of a recorded vote. I would like to be recorded as voting ``yea.''

I thank the gentleman for his courtesy. I rise in support of extending permanent trade relations to Vietnam. I do this as somebody, who as a Vietnam veteran, served in that country for almost 4 years, and who 3 years ago returned to Vietnam with the assistance of the Vietnamese Government to look for the crash site and remains of Captain Arnold Holm from Waterford, Connecticut, who went down in 1972.

We spent a week with the Vietnamese looking for the crash site, did not find it. But just this year, with continued effort, located the crash site 200 meters from the location in the jungle where my wife and I and others were looking. This legislation is about more than just economics, although the economics are important. This legislation is about working with the Vietnamese to heal the wounds of the war that ended 30 years ago.

I personally have experienced the support of the Vietnamese Government in this initiative. I know that support will continue. As a Vietnam veteran, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in the closing days of the 109th Congress, Members will rise to acknowledge the departure of their colleagues. Some are retiring of their own volition while others, such as me, are leaving as a consequence of the November elections.

While my colleagues deserve all of the accolades they will receive, I would like to devote just a few minutes to the loyal and capable men and women who have made my six years here in Congress so productive and rewarding. I would like to thank my wonderful staff.

My staff has shared in every success and victory we have had over the past six years. They have also shared in the personal disruption and professional disappointment of leaving this place before our important work is done.

They are as follows:

Todd Mitchell, Chief of Staff, and my alter ego on all issues and decisions, whose steady hand and wise counsel allowed us to assemble and manage a dynamic and productive staff over the past five years;

Erik Heilman and Lise Lynam, Legislative Directors, who energetically and faithfully pursued an aggressive legislative agenda in three committees, eight subcommittees and twenty caucuses, as well as for the District Office;

Justin Bernier, Senior Legislative Assistant, whose acute insights and dynamic energy were largely responsible for saving Naval Submarine Base New London, which in turn saved Connecticut over 31,500 jobs and $3.5 billion in annual revenues;

John Goodwin, Press Secretary and Jonathan Martin, Legislative Assistant, whose hard work and respect for America's working families won me accolades as a ``pro-labor Republican'' from The Wall Street Journal;

Leigh Hightower, Senior Legislative Assistant of Mansfield, Connecticut, and Amy Pellegrino, Legislative Assistant from Westerly, Rhode Island, whose diligence and sympathy helped us to ``keep the promise'' to our veterans and improve health care for all Americans;

Meghan Curran, Legislative Assistant from Bolton, Connecticut, whose commitment to the education of our Nation's children resulted in important legislative initiatives, and whose respect for Teachers resulted in her eventually leaving our staff to teach;

Shauna Hewes, Legislative Assistant of Ledyard, Connecticut, whose persistent efforts and negotiating skills were instrumental in passing the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act;

Dan Hartnett, Legislative Assistant, who received, processed and helped answer over 100,000 pieces of mail and countless e-mails so that our constituents were never out of touch with their Congressman;

Emily Cantin, Scheduler of Marlborough, Connecticut, who ran a tight but happy front office, and kept me on time and on message through many busy weeks in Washington, DC;

Will Cox, Staff Assistant of Mystic, Connecticut, whose cheerful demeanor and helpful habits made every visitor to the Washington Office feel welcome and important;