[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23790] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF MIKE LYNCH ______ HON. BART GORDON of tennessee in the house of representatives Thursday, December 7, 2006 Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a valued staff member--Mike Lynch--who retired this month from the House Science Committee. As one of our Committee Counsels, Mike's legal and parliamentary expertise touched many offices and issue areas during his tenure. He was a dedicated and long-serving House staffer. Prior to joining the Committee, Mike served in the U. S. House of Representatives from 1977-1994 in several counsel positions. Most notably, he was the Staff Director and Chief Counsel to the Subcommittee on Accounts of the Committee on House Administration from 1985-1993. In each position, Mike honed his legislative skills to become a respected and much sought after Committee Counsel. As the Science Committee Democrats' principal liaison with the Parliamentarian, Rules Committee and Leadership on parliamentary and legislative process issues, Mike's role was an important one. His mastery of the rules and procedures of the House and his advice to Members and staff on legal and legislative issues before the Committee were vital. No one worked harder than Mike did to protect the prerogatives of Members, the Committee and the Congress. He loved this institution and that love was evident in his work each and every day. Without fail, his careful analysis of legal issues and sound judgment in rendering opinions and advice resulted in astute answers for the Committee. He also took great pride in mentoring junior Committee counsels and in explaining the intricacies of Committee procedure. Mike will be missed by many, but we all understand that his retirement now clears his calendar for his other great passions in life--travel and sports, particularly rooting for Notre Dame and the New York Yankees. The Science Committee's Members and staff wish him well as he moves on to new endeavors and a relaxing retirement. Thank you, Mike, for your many years of dedicated and loyal service. ____________________