[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 126 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S11046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO C. ABBOTT SAFFOLD, SECRETARY FOR THE MINORITY

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
hailing the faithful service of Abby Saffold, who has served as 
secretary to the Democratic caucus since 1987. Abby has been one of the 
greatest fixtures in this body, and I cannot imagine the remarkably 
different place this Chamber would have been without her.
  I remember well the days when this body was not so divided by party 
lines. Abby is a rare example of a person who provided her expertise to 
all, regardless of party. She did not concern herself with which side 
of the aisle we were on. She was helpful to anyone who needed of her.
  I am sure Abby could tell remarkable stories about the questions that 
were posed to her throughout her career in the Senate. If someone was 
planning a vacation for 1999, they would first call Abby to ask if the 
Senate would be in session--and she would know. I am sure that she has 
been asked countless times ``When will be be out of here tonight?'' 
``What's on the lunch menu today?'' or ``What's the best joke you can 
tell me, Abby?''
  Abby has served as a school teacher and a case workers, and I am sure 
that those experiences have led to her expertise in working for and 
with Members of the Senate. She is well known for her endless knowledge 
of legislative procedures and negotiating skills, and for avoiding 
disaster through her expertise.
  Abby was here with us all the late nights, still sharp, awake, and 
aware. There was no question whether she would be on the floor the next 
morning, and she was just as cheerful.
  Abby is undoubtedly one of the brightest luminaries we have had the 
opportunity to work with here in the Senate. She learned from her 
experiences in Senator Byrd's office, working her way up from 
legislative correspondent to her position as the secretary of the 
majority, and most recently, as the secretary to the minority.
  Senator Byrd taught her well. He passed on his attention for detail 
and professionalism to a truly great staffer. In appointing her, 
Senator Byrd gave us one of the greatest gifts any colleague could 
have--the opportunity for us to know the endless kindness of Abby 
Saffold. As Senator Byrd recently said, ``Abby has done it all, and 
done it all very, very well.''
  As I look toward my own retirement, I would like to express by best 
wishes to Abby for hers. I doubt I will ever meet any finer person. We 
will all miss her presence here in this Chamber.


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