[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
RESIGNATION OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN, THE HONORABLE WM. HOLMES BROWN, AND 
   APPOINTMENT OF THE HONORABLE CHARLES W. JOHNSON AS PARLIAMENTARIAN

  The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication from 
the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives, which was read:
                                    U.S. House of Representatives,


                                          The Speaker's Rooms,

                                  Washington, DC, August 20, 1994.
     Hon. Thomas S. Foley,
     Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Speaker: In March of this year, I completed my 
     thirty-sixth year with the House of Representatives. In July, 
     I completed my twentieth year as Parliamentarian.
       In the past few months, circumstances, both personal and 
     professional, have focused my attention on retirement. It has 
     been a difficult decision to reach, but I have concluded that 
     it's time for a change.
       The office which I have been privileged to hold continues 
     to be both challenging and rewarding. It is fascinating to 
     encounter--almost daily--fresh interpretations of rules and 
     bill language which require constant evaluation of 
     yesterday's assumptions and conclusions. The House changes 
     from year to year, with new Members and staff and 
     circumstances always reshaping this institution; what does 
     not change is the reservoir of intellect and inventiveness 
     which characterizes those who work in the legislative branch 
     of our government. Daily interaction with such talented 
     people makes the Congress a uniquely fascinating place to 
     work.
       I could not have done this job without a lot of help, 
     without the love and support of my family, who have learned 
     to live with long hours and erratic schedules; without the 
     teamwork at the rostrum and in all the support offices of the 
     House; without the reservoir of personal commitment and 
     professional strength from my colleagues in the Office. Among 
     the Deputy and the assistant parliamentarians there is a 
     wealth of experience and talent. Their accumulated service 
     totals over 80 years. Each is dedicated to the proposition 
     that the rules of this great institution should be applied 
     and enforced without political considerations. All are open 
     to Members and staff with respect to the rules and precedents 
     which govern and guide the deliberations of the House and its 
     committees. They are all exemplary public servants; they can 
     and will continue to carry out the responsibilities of the 
     Office in a manner which reflects the best traditions of the 
     House. We share a lasting bond and I will miss these friends 
     whom I admire and care for so deeply.
       I owe a great debt of gratitude to all the Speakers whom I 
     have been fortunate to know: Sam Rayburn, who first appointed 
     me as an assistant parliamentarian on the recommendation of 
     my legendary predecessor as Parliamentarian, Lewis Deschler; 
     John McCormack, who shared his anecdotes and love of the 
     House during long evening conversations in the Speaker's 
     Rooms; Carl Albert, who had faith enough in my abilities to 
     appoint me as Parliamentarian during a very tumultuous time 
     in the history of the House and has continued to be a valued 
     mentor since his retirement; Thomas P. `Tip' O'Neill, whose 
     good humor and warmth toward me survived some parliamentary 
     decisions which he must have found vexing; Jim Wright, whose 
     eloquence and courage are unflagging. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I 
     must say how much I have valued your friendship and 
     support. You have always been sensitive and faithful to 
     the distinctions between political and parliamentary 
     decisions and your gavel has been both firm and impartial. 
     The opportunities you have given me to interact with other 
     parliamentary institutions, particularly with the newly 
     emerging democratic republics in eastern Europe, have 
     revealed new horizons which I hope to explore more fully 
     in the future. Programs to encourage and foster 
     parliamentary democracy in that area of our world are of 
     critical importance. The House can be proud of the 
     contribution it is making to this effort and if I can be 
     of assistance in these endeavors I will be available to do 
     so.
       I must acknowledge the courtesies and cooperation shown me 
     by the distinguished Minority Leader, Bob Michel. He has 
     always shown an appreciation of the role of our office and he 
     and his staff have been of inestimable support. To have known 
     so many of his predecessors, such distinguished men as Joe 
     Martin, Charley Halleck, John Rhodes and Gerald Ford, has 
     been a rare privilege. All of these Leaders have made the 
     House a better place and have left an indelible mark on its 
     history.
       I will miss the many friendships with Members that have 
     formed over the years. May I extend to them, through you, my 
     appreciation for their kindnesses.
       With your concurrence, my termination as Parliamentarian 
     will be effective on September 15, 1994.
           Very respectfully yours,
                                                 Wm. Holmes Brown.

  The SPEAKER. It is with great regret that the Chair accepts the 
resignation of the distinguished Parliamentarian of the House Wm. 
Holmes Brown.
  Pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. 297a, the Chair announces that 
on September 16, 1994, he appointed Charles W. Johnson as 
Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives to succeed Wm. Holmes 
Brown, resigned.

                          ____________________