June 4, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor today in honor of House Rules Committee Staff Director and former Director of Legislative Operations for then-Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Kelly Dixon, as she departs the House of Representatives after 26 years of service: Image Click here for a link to the video. “I thank the gentleman for yielding. We won’t have a colloquy, however, which we had so many, many, many times. “Mr. Speaker, I rise to talk about a person who has made a great difference in this institution, for the Republican Party, and for the Democratic Party. A person who [has] brought great judgment, great skill, a love for this institution and its Members, a love for her country. “Unfortunately, the public does not get to see the extraordinary contributions that our staffs make, whether they're on the Floor – as Kelly has been for many years – or in committees, or in our offices. Kelly Dixon is one of the best of a very, very distinguished group of people. “Kelly Dixon ran the Floor with Shuwanza Goff of my staff — who’s now, as probably you know, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the President – with Alexis Covey-Brandt – who was my Floor Director and then my Chief of Staff, who is now Senior Counselor to our Governor. “Kelly will now go on to greener pastures. I use that word advisedly, and they are very fortunate to have her services. She's smart, she's engaging, she's personable, she's experienced, and she always tries to do the right thing. “As all of us know, this Floor gets pretty hot at times. The two parties differ greatly. Sometimes the parties disagree with themselves greatly. Sometimes we disagree with the chair. Sometimes we even disagree with the parliamentarian. Kelly was a calming voice – a voice of reason, a voice for a democracy that worked civilly. “We will miss Kelly Dixon. Now she's not leaving town, so hopefully we're going to see you, Kelly, from time to time, day to day, month to month. And we will have the opportunity to continue to learn from your experience, to have the pleasure of your company. “Jim McGovern in his statement, he said, ‘I love Kelly.’ I join McGovern in that sentiment. I love you, Kelly. You have made our work in this place better, and you have made our lives in this place better. We thank you. Godspeed.”
