Kevin Hern

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Madam Speaker and my dear friend, I rise today for what will likely be my last speech as a Member of this Chamber. Nine years ago, I was having coffee with my wife, Tammy, when she encouraged me to run for Congress. While I am sure there were times when she regretted that encouragement, she has remained the rock of our family and the reason I have been able to serve in the people's House. A lot has changed in my life outside these walls. I have watched my sons get married and build families of their own, and bless us with the incredible gift of five grandchildren. I also experienced the loss of both my parents, two people who helped shape who I am today. These years have brought great joys and difficult moments, reminding me of what matters most. In Congress, we spend a lot of time talking about titles: chairman, ranking member, leader, and so on. Husband, Dad, and Papi are the titles I am proud to hold most. I was sworn into Congress in November of 2018. While most freshmen Members have a few months to prepare for this job, I had less than 7 days. I learned early in my business career to surround yourself with people you admire and respect. Little did I know then that Steve Womack, who chaired the House that day, would be one of those people. He and I grew up in the small town of Russellville, Arkansas, and we both graduated from Arkansas Tech University. Steve's wisdom and advice guided me early on, and I thank him for his friendship and support. I often say there is no book written on how Congress works, but there is one man who knows how all of it works: my good friend and mentor, Tom Cole. Tom is our historian and who we go to when we need advice, a kick in the right direction, or just a moment to take a break with a cigar, or maybe two, or maybe three. I knew I wanted to serve on the Ways and Means Committee. I got advice from other Members, but Tom took me under his wing and showed me the full picture. I would not have been on Ways and Means today without his mentorship and support. Ways and Means is where I found my home in Congress, where I could use my business background to offer policy solutions and push back on the ideas that I believe would hurt the economy. I am honored to have served under the two great chairmen: Kevin Brady and Jason Smith, both who led the committee through major legislative victories and created tax policies that will allow our country to flourish for years to come. Ways and Means was also a place where I saw that bipartisan work can also get done. In 2021, after months of trying to meet with Biden's Treasury Department, I shared my frustration with my fellow Ways and Means colleague, Brad Schneider. Brad offered to help set up a meeting, which was something I thought was an empty gesture. Madam Speaker, I was wrong. A week later, I was on the call with those who I had been trying to meet with for months. It was a reminder that even when we disagree, we can still find ways to work together. I would be remiss if I didn't thank my friend, Richie Neal, who chaired Ways and Means during my first 2 years on the committee and now serves as the ranking member. Richie is a true professional, something that sometimes we are lacking in this place. He is willing to work with you where common ground can be found, while respecting differences when it cannot. One of my favorite jobs in Congress was chairing the Republican Study Committee. I worked with some of the best and the brightest staff in the world and brought together Republican Members to tackle critical issues, like government funding and debt ceilings. Those discussions helped to create policy proposals, many of which became law in Congress. I have no doubt that the RSC will continue to be a leading force in shaping conservative policy in Congress. I also recognize Speaker Johnson and our leadership team, which is navigating one of the slimmest margins in history. It is no easy task, and Mike and his team have worked tirelessly to keep the House moving forward and delivering for the American people. I am grateful for their leadership and everything they have done for our Conference. Lastly, I thank my staff who have worked alongside me for the past 8 years. I am proud to have one of the lowest turnovers on Capitol Hill. My chief of staff and district director have been with me from the very beginning, and the majority of my staff have stayed with me for multiple Congresses. I am equally proud to have watched others grow into new opportunities, including four who have become chiefs of staff for other Members and others who have taken on leadership roles in the Republican policy areas. My D.C. staff have worked countless hours to advance policy proposals, many of which have been signed into law. Back home, my district staff has achieved great successes in delivering for Oklahomans. Almost 8 years ago, I ended my first speech by saying: ``Let's get to work.'' While I am proud of the work that we have achieved during my time here, the American people rightly expect a lot from those who are elected to office, and our job is to deliver for them. My hope is that I will have the opportunity to continue that work on the other end of the Capitol. As I leave this great Chamber, I only have to say the same as when I started: Let's get to work.