[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE BLIZZARD OF 1996 AND THE U.S. CAPITOL OPERATORS

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, the blizzard of 1996 caused untold 
inconvenience and problems to those in the Washington metropolitan 
area. The record snowstorm virtually shut down this city and 
surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
  The infrastructure which supports the U.S. Senate met the challenge. 
I thank the Sergeant at Arms for providing me the facts and the names 
of these individuals. The U.S. Capitol telephone operators who were 
scheduled to work during the weekend storm that struck on January 6 
knew the forecast. They came to work prepared to stay as long as 
necessary to keep the Capitol switchboard open and covered. Their 
commitment to duty resulted in many remaining overnight in their 
offices, carrying on with their duties, as others could not get here to 
relieve them. Bringing in extra food and clothing, they were prepared 
to work through the weekend. Supervisors of the Capitol switchboard 
came to work a day early to make certain they would be on duty.
  While these Capitol switchboard operators and supervisors are 
designated ``emergency personnel,'' they consider getting to work under 
extreme weather conditions as simply doing their job.
  I would like to commend these supervisors and operators for their 
exemplary public service and mention them by name:
  Barbara Broce, Martha Brick, Joan Sartori, Joan Cooksey, Mary 
Quesenberry, Lisa Thompson, and Laura Williams.
  Thanks to all of you for your fine efforts and dedication to your 
jobs serving the U.S. Congress and our citizens.

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