[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]

 
  TRIBUTE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE MAJORITY AND THE FLOOR STAFF 103D 
                        CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President, there are a number of individuals who 
serve here on the Senate floor who are critical in controlling the flow 
of legislation. They work directly with me in developing the Senate's 
schedule, negotiating unanimous-consent agreements, and monitoring the 
debate. Without them, the majority leader would be unable to 
effectively function. They have my sincere thanks and my admiration.
  Secretary for the majority, Abby Saffold, has a demanding job that 
requires a high degree of competence and professionalism. Fortunately, 
Abby has ample quantities of both. Indeed, her professionalism and 
competence are exceeded only by her pleasantness. Her assistants, Jerri 
Davis, Maura Farley, and Sue Spatz, are also dedicated professionals 
whose work we all appreciate.
  I cannot imagine myself--or anyone, for that matter--serving as 
majority leader without the assistance of Marty Paone, assistant 
secretary for the majority. He and the Democratic floor staff, Lula 
Davis, Art Cameron, and Kelly Riordan, are true professionals.
  Their courteousness, their meticulous attention to detail, their 
willingness to work long into the night, and their many other 
invaluable skills and talents have made them a vital part of the 103d 
Congress. I salute them, and I thank them for their dedicated and 
tireless work. My thanks also to Nancy Iacomini and Brad Austin who 
have provided valuable assistance to the floor operations.
  Every Democratic Senator knows and appreciates the staff of the 
Democratic Cloakroom, Lenny Oursler, Gary Myrick, Paul Cloutier, and 
Cristina Krasow. They do excellent work, helping to make life easier 
and more pleasant for myself and my colleagues on this side of the 
aisle.
  Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to express my 
appreciation to the Republican counterparts to the Democratic staff I 
have just mentioned. Their work and their cooperation has been 
appreciated, and it has certainly contributed to the successes of the 
103d Congress. At times I have found myself wishing that the staff of 
the loyal opposition was not quite as good and as effective as they 
are, but I always have appreciated their friendliness and their 
contributions to the Senate as an institution.
  I begin by recognizing Sheila Burke, chief of staff to the Republican 
leader. I also recognize the secretary for the minority, Howard O. 
Greene, and his assistant, John L. Doney, and Elizabeth Greene of the 
Republican floor staff, and the staff of the Republic Cloakroom, Brad 
Holsclaw, Dave Schiappa, and Sarah Whitaker. Each of them is a 
formidable part of the loyal opposition, but their tireless efforts and 
cooperation are nonetheless appreciated.
  I also want to thank the distinguished Republican leader, Senator 
Dole. Although we serve on different sides of the aisle, and although 
we often disagree on policy matters, we have worked well together. We 
are good friends and we trust each other. Without this trust, it would 
be nearly impossible for the Senate to conduct its business. Senator 
Dole is a man of his word and I have enjoyed working with him.
  No one who works in this building is more deserving of special 
attention and special thanks than the Senate pages. These young 
Americans are here learning how their Federal Government operates, 
while performing needed, important work for the institution and for us 
as individuals. They are a valuable part of the Senate. I thank them 
for their energy and their enthusiasm. I wish each of them the best in 
whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.
  Attending to our spiritual needs is Rev. Dr. Richard Halverson, the 
Senate Chaplain. He is always there to offer comfort to Members and 
their families in times of need and he is here on the Senate floor at 
the beginning of each Senate day to offer the daily blessing. Our 
inability to perform the miracles for which he prays each morning is 
our failure, not his nor the powers to whom he prays. But I do 
appreciate the sincerity of the request and thank him for making it.
  Although they are not a direct part of the Senate's floor operation, 
congressional agencies like the General Accounting Office and 
Government Printing Office deserve a thank you for a job well done. In 
this time of difficult budget constraints, the work of the 
Congressional Budget Office has become increasingly important. CBO's 
thorough but prompt analysis of the costs of pending legislation and 
their analysis of historical and programmatic trends are an important 
part of the legislative process. I thank the staffs of GAO, GPO, and 
CBO for their long hours and hard work.
  Mr. President, I very much appreciate the work of the people whom I 
have just mentioned. Their outstanding performance has made my job as 
majority leader much easier, and for that I am truly grateful. I have 
enjoyed working with them and I commend them for their efforts on 
behalf of the Senate and our Nation.

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