Sessions Announces Departure of Staff Director Hugh Halpern

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, today released the following statement announcing the departure of current Staff Director Hugh Halpern to the Office of the Speaker, and the promotion of the committee's current Deputy Staff Director Stephen Cote to the role of staff director:
 
"It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside Hugh during my time as a member and as chairman of the House Rules Committee. Throughout Hugh's nearly three decades of service he has worked diligently as a key decision maker in the day-to-day operations of the House and as an invaluable advisor to all of the members of our committee and Republican Conference. Hugh will be dearly missed at the committee, but I am happy that we will still have the opportunity to work with him in his new capacity in the Speaker's office.
 
"While he is leaving big shoes to fill, I am delighted to have Stephen Cote as our new staff director. Stephen has played an integral role at the committee as the deputy staff director and I know he will continue to serve as a trusted advisor and leader in his new position."

 
Hugh started his career on Capitol Hill in 1987 and has worked for a number of House committees, including the Public Works and Transportation Committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Financial Services Committee, as well as the first Select Committee on Homeland Security. In 2005, Chairman David Dreier recruited to Hugh to serve as the staff director of the Rules Committee, and in 2013 upon becoming chairman, Congressman Sessions elected to keep him on as staff director.
 
Stephen has worked at the Rules Committee since January of 2011 and has served as its deputy staff director for more than two years. Previously he served as Director for Legislative Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget under Directors Rob Portman and Jim Nussle and as its House liaison under Director Josh Bolten. Stephen began his work on Capitol Hill with Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) and continued his service with the Florida delegation through his years with Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), where he served as Chief of Staff among other roles.
 

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Created:
Sep 13, 2016