[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12271-S12272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATE SUPPORT STAFF

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, when one thinks of the U.S. Senate, most 
visualize this Chamber and the 100 Members as the greatest deliberative 
body in the world. To those of us who serve here though, we know that 
the Senate actually goes well beyond the floor and galleries found 
within these four walls and two stories of the Capitol.
  One of the best kept secrets of the Senate are the people who work 
here and support our efforts in making the law. Especially critical to 
that process are a number of individuals who work with us day in and 
day out. I would like to take a moment to recognize these people and 
the valuable services they render to us, the U.S. Senate, and the 
Nation.
  This body is all about debate, and the chief Parliamentarian, Bob 
Dove, and his assistants are critical to keeping the debate running 
smoothly. These men and women have the unenviable responsibility of 
interpreting the exhaustive and sometimes confusing rules of the 
Senate. Without question, anyone who has sat in the President's Chair 
and presided over the Senate has been grateful for the assistance of 
these men and women when proceedings are suddenly bogged down in a 
tangled web of motions, countermotions, amendments, and objections. 
Somehow or another, the Parliamentarians are always able to sort things 
out and keep everything back on track.
  Each year thousands of people visit the Senate to observe their 
representatives at work. After getting a taste of what are often dry, 
and somewhat technical discussions, they leave here to tour and enjoy 
the Smithsonian, the National Galleries of Art, or one of the many 
monuments around town. The Reporters of the Senate, however, are unable 
to walk away from this Chamber no matter how tedious debate gets. These 
men and women spend long hours on their feet, faithfully and accurately 
keeping a transcript of the proceedings of this body. These detailed 
notes are transcribed and printed in the Congressional Record in the 
matter of less than 24 hours, a truly impressive feat. Without 
question, the men and women who work for chief reporter Ron Kavulick 
are truly worthy of commendation for their seemingly boundless levels 
of energy, and their unfaltering commitment to accuracy.
  As each of us knows, the responsibilities of a Senator are not 
limited to this floor. We have committee meetings and hearings, 
leadership meetings, appointments with constituents, and many other 
matters which command our attention. Still, when it comes time for a 
vote, our place is here. The men and women in the Republican and 
Democratic Cloakrooms are largely responsible for helping us keep track 
of when measures are coming up, how much debate time has been allocated 
by the leadership, and when we need to be in the Chamber for votes. Our 
lives would be much more hectic if it were not for the helpful service 
of the Cloakroom personnel and I know that I speak for all the Members 
on this side of the aisle when I say that Hilary Newlin; Laura Martin; 
Brad Holsclaw; Michael Smythers; and Dave Schiappa all make our lives a 
little more organized and we greatly appreciate their efforts. The 
secretary for the majority, Elizabeth Greene, and her assistant, John 
Doney, can be proud of their cloakroom staff.

  The two people who have been tasked with much of the physical and 
administrative matters of the Senate for most

[[Page S12272]]

of the 104th Congress were Secretary of the Senate Kelly Johnston, and 
Sergeant at Arms Howard Greene. These individuals labored largely 
anonymously, and certainly with little thanks for their efforts; but 
without their contributions, we would not have had the many excellent 
and important services that their offices provide to us. Of course, two 
new people fill these positions, Gary Sisco as Secretary of the Senate, 
and Greg Casey as Sergeant at Arms. We welcome these men to the Senate 
and wish them great success in their careers.
  On a more personal note, as most of my colleagues probably already 
know, I have long been an enthusiastic supporter of the Senate Page 
Program. Bringing young men and women to Washington to witness and 
participate in the legislative branch of Government is not only 
educational, but will hopefully encourage these students to aspire to 
posts in public service. It is important to both good government, and 
the continued well-being of the Republic, that bright, energetic, and 
concerned individuals get involved in public policy and governing the 
Nation. I am confident that the Senate Page Program will serve as a 
catalyst for some of tomorrow's leaders.
  Mr. President, I know that there are literally thousands of people 
who make important contributions to the efficient operation of the U.S. 
Senate and I hope that they will not be offended that I have not 
recognized them personally. They may rest assured, however, that we 
very much appreciate their hard work.

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