[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RUSSELL VOUGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Russell Vought, 
currently the policy director for the House Republican Conference, who 
will leave the House after more than twelve years of service. Losing 
such a committed conservative and long-serving congressional staff 
member is a bittersweet moment for many House Republican Members, 
staff, and the conservative cause here on Capitol Hill.
  It is written in the Good Book, ``Do your best to present yourself to 
God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who 
correctly handles the word of truth.'' Russell Vought embodies these 
words.
  A native of Trumbull, Connecticut, Russell Thurlow Vought is the 
youngest of seven children and a die-hard Yankees fan. The son of an 
electrician and a schoolteacher, he graduated from Wheaton College in 
Illinois in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in history and political 
science. He came to Capitol Hill soon thereafter.
  Mr. Vought began his career in public policy in the United States 
Senate. He first worked under retiring Senator Dan Coats of Indiana and 
soon moved to the staff of Senator Phil Gramm of Texas. During that 
time, he completed a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at George 
Washington University Law School.
  Mr. Vought later joined the staff of Representative Jeb Hensarling of 
Texas, where he was instrumental in helping craft the Family Budget 
Protection Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation to reform the 
federal budget process and limit government spending.
  I became acquainted with Mr. Vought when I was privileged to serve as 
the chairman of the Republican Study Committee during the 109th 
Congress. He was the policy director and later served as the executive 
director of that conservative caucus.
  After being elected Republican Conference Chairman last year, I asked 
Mr. Vought to join the Conference staff at the start of the 111th 
Congress. As Policy Director, he has superbly led the Conference policy 
team, which serves as the main hub of legislative information for 
Republican Members and their staff. His expertise in areas such as the 
federal budget, appropriations, entitlements and legislative procedure 
have been invaluable in promoting conservative solutions to the issues 
that face our nation.
  As Members of Congress, we are constantly reminded of the important 
role played by reliable, like-minded staff members like Russell Vought. 
While we are sorry to lose one of the strongest advocates for the 
principles that guide us, Mr. Vought's infectious passion for the 
principles of life, liberty and limited government will long outlive 
his tenure here on Capitol Hill. On behalf of the House Republican 
Conference, I wish him continued success as he begins a new chapter in 
his professional life.

                          ____________________