RECOGNIZING DEBBIE LUPER'S TENURE AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF KANSAS

On 2025-04-30, Representative Ron Estes (R-KS-4) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING DEBBIE LUPER'S TENURE AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF KANSAS" in the House.

RECOGNIZING DEBBIE LUPER'S TENURE AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF KANSAS

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [House] [Pages H1734-H1735] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING DEBBIE LUPER'S TENURE AS DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR THE FOURTH DISTRICT OF KANSAS (Mr. Estes of Kansas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and fellow fiscal hawk on her last day of work, my district director, Debbie Luper. How can I possibly frame up the service and political activities of Debbie Luper in one short floor speech? Her presence in Kansas politics is deep, and a great number of elected officials at the State, local, and Federal levels have consulted with Debbie or sought her advice at some point in her career. Many Kansans know Debbie and have appreciated her dedication to serving the people of the Fourth District of Kansas. She is a pillar in Kansas politics and has been repeatedly recognized for her service, most recently receiving the Spirit of Unity Award from the Sedgwick County Black Republican Council. She has also twice received the Kansas Republican Party's Huck Boyd Volunteer of the Year Award. She has been an integral member of winning campaigns locally and statewide. She served as the chief of staff for the Kansas Senate Ways and Means Committee before joining my staff to lead my district office. Debbie is a battle-tested, stalwart conservative who is trusted by many throughout Kansas, and her conservatism isn't a fad or a political front, but it is who she really is. In fact, I have been known as a fiscal hawk throughout my time in public service, but she is pretty comparable, giving me a run for my money on that banner. Debbie has also been a bridge builder and mentor. Even when factions arise, Kansans continue to trust her leadership and count on her to help bring people together. It is one of the reasons why she has made such a phenomenal district director. The staff in my office in Wichita has learned from her guidance and decades of experience, and she has fostered a family and not just a group of employees. Debbie was my very first hire following my special election in 2017. As district director, Debbie was always focused on what was best for Kansans, particularly in the Fourth Congressional District. She ensured that constituents were helped, whether they had a problem with a government agency, they had an opinion on an issue, or they just wanted to express a complaint or sometimes a compliment. Business groups, schools, healthcare providers, and farmers and ranchers can all count on Debbie to help them. Today is her last day as a full-time employee, but retirement for Debbie doesn't mean an end to a busy and engaged life. She is transitioning to more time in her favorite roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter. She will be spending far more time with family while still having some time for her favorite hobby: helping with campaigns. I am confident that Kansans will still seek her advice and consultation, or at least they will if they know what is best for them. Mr. Speaker, I thank Debbie for 8 years of serving as my district director. More than that, I thank her for her decades of friendship. She has watched [[Page H1735]] my kids grow up and been part of my family. Her presence will be missed in the office each day, but I am grateful I will still see her around. I wish a happy retirement to Debbie. ____________________