Congratulating Phyllis Smith

Floor Speech

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have been told that service is the rent that we pay for living in a free and democratic society.

Such has been the life and the legacy of Ms. Phyllis Smith, regional commissioner of Social Security for Region 5, who is retiring after 45 years of service with the agency.

Commissioner Smith has worked with thousands of individual clients, and her supervisory and leadership roles have placed her in positions to positively impact the lives of thousands of others.

Commissioner Smith started work for Social Security in 1978 as a title 16 claims representative in the Chicago East Field Office. She stated that her initial plan was to work with SSA until she could decide what her long-term work plans were. She stated and has written that, ``When I saw firsthand the impact of SSA on people's lives, the fact that we are the country's financial safety net, and my hardworking, dedicated, compassionate coworkers, I was hooked,'' and she was. As a matter of fact, she moved through the ranks to become the regional commissioner.

If you can imagine working 45 years for one agency, you come in contact with many clients, and she also had a great impact on improving and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of individuals.

Commissioner, you have done exceptionally well. You have done your job--more than your job. You have given unselfishly of yourself for the benefit of others.

I commend you for your outstanding career, and as you leave, I ask that you take with you an Irish prayer. It says: May the sun shine warmly upon your face. May the wind always be at your back. And until we meet again, may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of his hands.

Congratulations. It is time. You have done well.

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