McConnell Honors Retiring Director of Congressional Accessibility Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding David Hauck’s 30-plus years of service:
“The institution of the United States Congress relies on a whole army of diligent and dedicated people who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“Today it’s my pleasure to turn the spotlight on one such public servant who is retiring after a sterling career.
“David Hauck’s time on Capitol Hill started here on the Senate side more than 30 years ago. He served as an elevator operator while he finished graduate school.
“Dave thrived and impressed everybody. Before long, he was named the founding Director of the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services.
“This is a small team whose work often goes unheralded, but goes right to the heart of our duties to the American people.
“The OCAS ensures the Capitol complex is an accessible, welcoming place for everybody, including Americans with different abilities or disabilities.
“Obviously, there is a physical component to this. Dave’s worked with the architects to honor our historic buildings while making them accessible. Ramps, elevators, wheelchair options, the new lift here on the Senate floor.
“Dave’s tackled everything from big infrastructure questions to the smallest details. Before any big event like a joint address or inauguration, or just on a normal workday, you could run into Dave walking rounds across the entire campus, searching for obstacles that less keen eyes might have missed.
“But physical accessibility is just one part of what Dave and his team do. The OCAS also provides crucial services. They supply American Sign Language interpreters for meetings. They’ll translate letters into Braille. They’ll consult with offices to ensure an intern or staffer has the tools they need.
“It’s a vital team. And for decades, their quarterback has been famous for his cheerfulness and humor, his dedication, and the thousand ways he’s gone above and beyond the call of duty.
“Dave has spent decades in the business of unlocking opportunities. The opportunity to visit here. To meet with your Senator or Congressman. To take a job here. His excellence and dedication have unlocked door after door after door.
“Dave, the Senate congratulates you on your well-earned retirement. Thank you for your devoted work to keep our government by the people and for the people.”
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