McConnell Thanks Secretary of the Senate Julie Adams for Her Outstanding Service
'This week, the institution of the Senate is losing a talented leader who’s spent six years as one of our top officials. The Secretary of the Senate is a truly unique position in American government. She or he is essentially the chief administrative officer of the institution itself. Back in the late 18th century, that meant keeping the minutes and records and making sure people had ink for their quills. Today, it means managing a sprawling array of offices packed with career professionals...'
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Secretary of the Senate, Julie Adams:
“This week, the institution of the Senate is losing a talented leader who’s spent six years as one of our top officials.
“The Secretary of the Senate is a truly unique position in American government. She or he is essentially the chief administrative officer of the institution itself.
“Back in the late 18th century, that meant keeping the minutes and records and making sure people had ink for their quills.
“Today, it means managing a sprawling array of offices packed with career professionals — everything from parliamentary procedure to payroll to public records to the Senate Library and the Page School. And much more.
“The Secretary also fulfills key institutional functions. She or he signs every act that we pass. They carry formal messages to other branches of government.
“It takes major smarts, guts, integrity, and people skills just to survive in this mammoth job — let alone to actually thrive in it.
“But for the last six years, Julie Adams hasn’t just survived, and she hasn’t just personally thrived. She’s strengthened the entire institution of the Senate.
“I first met Julie in 2003 when we hired her to help out on our press team. I was just starting my time as Republican Whip.
“Julie was new to Washington, but she wasn’t new to policy or politics, and she knocked everyone’s socks off right from the start.
“She combined diligence and professionalism with a heart of gold. She mastered her day job, volunteered for tasks above and beyond, and became the whole office’s favorite teammate.
“Of course, nobody’s perfect. For example, Julie’s not a Kentuckian. She’s a proud daughter of Iowa.
“But trust me, she’s become an honorary citizen of the Commonwealth many times over.
“A few years later, she was stolen away to do important work for First Lady Laura Bush. But in 2009, we brought her back to coordinate operations and administration across both my personal office and my leadership office.
“She brought great judgment, a quick mind, stellar instincts, and a meticulous eye to a big job and made us all better.
“From short-term crises to long-term relationships, Julie can do it all.
“And while perpetually juggling ten tasks herself, she always found ways to look after everyone else. She made sure each of her colleagues, down to the most junior, got the attention and resources they needed.
“Everyone was included. Everyone mattered. She made sure of it.
“Her talent and skills made Julie an easy choice for Secretary of the Senate after we took the majority in 2014.
“Now, there’s always the potential for sensitivity when a new leader, appointed by a Senate leader of one party, comes in to oversee huge numbers of dedicated, long-serving, nonpartisan specialists.
“But unsurprisingly, Julie rapidly won the admiration, affection, and trust of the men and women under the Secretary’s umbrella.
“She has championed the professionals who make this place go.
“She’s empowered them, stuck up for them, and made sure they were properly insulated from any political pressure.
“Everyone knows Julie puts this institution and its rules first. Staff trust her. Senators on both sides trust her. Leaders across other branches of government trust her.
“She plays everything down the middle with total integrity.
“And amid all this, she’s maintained the generous spirit that everyone admires.
“Whether she’s delivering official Senate correspondence to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, or the Secretary of State... or checking in with a Senate employee on a birthday or during a tough personal time... everyone gets the same friendly ‘Hello!’ and sincere kindness from Julie Adams.
“Alas, it is customary to have a new Secretary of the Senate when there is a change in party control. Tomorrow is Julie’s last day. I’m really sorry to say goodbye to such a key player.
“On behalf of the whole Senate, I want to thank Julie’s proud parents, Dr. Harold and Leah Adams... her siblings John and Jessica... and her beloved canine companion Maggie for sharing this great friend and essential colleague with us for many years.
“Julie — you’ve made your family proud, you’ve made me proud, and most importantly, you’ve been a great credit to this institution.
“Thank you sincerely for your service.”
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