HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE WADE ELLIS

On 2026-06-24, Representative Max L. Miller (R-OH-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE WADE ELLIS" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE WADE ELLIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H4213] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF JOE WADE ELLIS (Mr. Miller of Ohio was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MILLER of Ohio. Joe, if you are watching: I don't have my cell phone or keys in my pockets, but I rise today to honor the life of Joe Wade Ellis. Born in Mississippi and raised in Alabama, Joe was a mentor, a friend, a patriot, and he was one hell of a man. Joe recently passed away after an accident that occurred while supporting the United States delegation to the G7 meeting in France. Joe, as I sit here in the office you helped me create, mold, and shape, I can only say how grateful I am to you. When you and I first met, you were brought on to be my mentor in 2017 during the first Trump administration. My boss at the time wanted to let me go, probably not to anyone's surprise, but you saw something in me. You then told the White House how impressed you were with me, and then somehow I became the director of that office just 2 years later. I have lost many people in my life but very few who cared about me the way that you did. You were my mentor and closest friend. You were with me through all the ups and downs. You were my rock like you were for so many others. You had a contagious personality. Everyone wanted to be around you, even if you may not have wanted to be around them, which could be often. When I asked you to come out of retirement to be my chief of staff, I truly did not believe you would accept it, but when I won my race, you were there and simply responded: I am in. Let's talk tomorrow. I knew you didn't want to take this job, but you did it for me. I knew that then, and I know it now. You said you would only stay for a year, but you stayed for the full term to make sure I won reelection, got reelected to steering, and got on Ways and Means. That was because of you, Joe Ellis. When my daughter was born, I had never seen you so excited for me to be a dad. You gave me invaluable advice that I will pass on to her as she grows older, and she will know where it came from. I will miss our foreign trips together during the admin where you taught me everything I know about Advance. I will miss our time together as colleagues but even more as friends. It hurts when I call you and you are not on the other line. You passed away doing what you loved. I know you are in a better place and that God has a plan for all of us. I just don't think you realized the impact you had on so many people during your time here on this Earth. That time was cut way too short, and I know you are watching and you are probably, you know, laughing a little bit as I am crying, but know how much I love you. Know the impact you had on me and other people, and I miss our time more than you can imagine. ____________________