The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO JOE HACK” mentioning Deb Fischer was published in the Senate section on page S1810 on March 25.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JOE HACK
Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, every Senator depends on their staff to provide them with information and advice on the issues. Every Senator knows the importance of having good staff who can respond to the questions and concerns their constituents may have in dealing with the Federal bureaucracy. And every Senator believes that their staff members are the most prepared, the most conscientious, and the most caring people in the U.S. Senate.
I know that my staff is. I have been fortunate with the people who have joined my team to work for the great State of Nebraska. I have been extremely fortunate that Joe Hack has been a member of Team Fischer since my very first day as a U.S. Senator.
Joe officially joined my team as my communications director on that first day. He was not new to the Senate; he had first arrived here as an 18-year-old intern. On our first day in 2013, he immediately got to work with his new boss in getting out press releases, reaching out to State and national media, and helping me continue my practice of writing a weekly column for media back home.
Joe never missed a beat. He helped guide me through the traditions and inner workings of the Senate and through the tunnels of the Russell Building.
After 2 years, Joe Hack became my chief of staff, the youngest chief in the Senate at that time. Joe set the tone I wanted for my office: Be professional, take your job seriously, be honest, get along with your colleagues, always respond to constituents, gather all the information we need on an issue and then get more, and work hard. Joe's closing to every email and every staff meeting was always, ``Work harder.'' And he set the example for all of these.
Joe was involved in every major piece of legislation we have accomplished, from passing the first-ever paid family leave law to the FAST Act, our Internet of Things work, broadband, infrastructure, and agriculture issues. He guided the Omaha VA clinic from inception to completion, and he will see the Lincoln VA clinic open and the Offutt Air Force Base runway completely rebuilt. He knew the importance of securing funding for Nebraska highway and water projects and for the continued growth of our university system. He was part of every success.
Joe knows Nebraska, and Nebraskans know Joe. He knew instinctively that the people of our State are why we do this work. We represent them. Joe has attended statehood dinners in our Capitol Rotunda, driven a combine in Grand Island, had meals at Ole's Big Game Bar, and gone to Husker tailgates and games. He loves browsing at Cabela's and a good meal at Rosita's. He knows which Nebraska hotels have the best gym, where every Runza drive-thru is located in the State, and where to find the best steaks. He has shared BBQ at our ranch with family, neighbors and the U.S. Secretary of Ag. He is also addicted to Colby Ridge popcorn balls. He buys them in bulk, and he doesn't share.
He has attended countless Nebraska breakfasts and constituent meetings in Washington. He has worked hard for the people of Nebraska.
Joe has traveled the vastness of our State, understanding its diversity and standing in awe while viewing our skies, sunrises and sunsets, our clouds, and the majesty of our night stars. He fell in love with ``The Good Life''. A New Jersey guy became a Nebraskan.
Joe has been by my side since my very first day in the Senate, and now, he is moving on to new opportunities. He has been a mentor to many, my trusted policy and political adviser, and a leader whose admonition to ``work harder'' became our office mantra. Joe has smoothed the waters and ruffled feathers.
Joe Hack is a friend. He is family. I wish him only the best as he meets new challenges and faces new adventures in his life.
Thank you, Joe.
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