[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION TO THE SENATE FLOOR STAFF

  Mr. NUNN. Madam President, as the 103d Congress draws to a close, I 
want to say a special word of appreciation to our floor staff for all 
of their help to the members and staff of the Armed Services Committee 
during the past 2 years. It is a tribute to Senator Mitchell's 
leadership that his staff is so supportive of the committee process and 
helps to insure that the work of the Senate is accomplished.
  Our floor staff works under the capable direction of Abby Saffold, 
the secretary of the majority. Abby's thorough knowledge and attention 
to the details of the legislative process have made her indispensable 
in the U.S. Senate. Abby and Assistant Secretary to the Majority Marty 
Paone have always been available to provide counsel and assistance 
whenever they were needed. We especially appreciate their support in 
ensuring prompt Senate consideration of the thousands of nominations 
that the Armed Services Committee reports every year.
  John Hilley, Senator Mitchell's chief of staff and Ed King on the 
Democratic Policy Committee staff have worked very effectively with the 
Armed Services Committee members and staff on national security issues 
and legislation. They were particularly helpful this year in the 
difficult task of coordinating the work of the various Senate 
Committees who worked on the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 
1944.
  Madam President, I cannot say enough about the excellent day-to-day 
support we have had from the Democratic floor staff of Lula Davis, 
Kelly Riordan, Arthur Cameron, Nancy Iacomini, and Brad Austin. It has 
not been easy passing the Defense authorization bills and other 
legislative items in this Congress. Lula, Kelly, Arthur and Nancy have 
always been very helpful in assisting us in moving our committee bills 
through the Senate.
  I also want to thank our excellent Democratic cloakroom staff of 
Leonard Oursler, Gary Myrick, Paul Cloutier, and Cristina Kraswo for 
all their assistance during the past 2 years. They must get asked 
``When is the next vote and when will we adjourn?'' hundreds of times a 
day--and they never fail to respond cheerfully. Their selfless and 
dedicated service has made all of our jobs easier.
  I should also note that while not working with them on a day-to-day 
basis as we do with our own floor staff, the Republican floor staff has 
always tracked down and helped to resolve any problem areas associated 
with our committee's work.
  Legislative clerk Scott Bates, bill clerk Kathleen Alvarez, enrolling 
clerk Brian Hallen and their staffs make a tremendous and indispensable 
contribution to the legislative process on the Senate floor. Executive 
clerks Gerry Hackett and Dave Marcos help all of us keep nominations on 
track. Gerry has been ill recently, and I know my colleagues join me in 
wishing him a speedy recovery.
  I also want to express my appreciation to the Senate Parliamentarian, 
Alan Frumin, and his assistants Kevin Kayes, Beth Smerko, and Richard 
Buckley. Alan and his staff have consistently provided objective and 
timely answers to the many questions that our committee has directed to 
them.
  Finally, I want to recognize the dedicated efforts of the people who 
take down every word that is said in this Chamber--the Official 
Reporter of Debates. Not only do they capture every word of debate in 
the Senate, but they also have the difficult task of incorporating all 
of the supporting material and documents that are inserted into the 
Record by Senators.
  Madam President, on behalf of the members and staff of the Armed 
Services Committee, I want to say thanks to all of the Senate floor 
staff for a job well done during the 103d Congress.

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