[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE RETIREMENT OF JOHN ``MARK'' LACOVARA

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, an individual with over 27 years of 
dedicated service to the U.S. Senate has retired. This conscientious 
and hard working individual is John ``Mark'' Lacovara, the assistant 
Journal clerk of the Senate.
  Mark, a native-born Washingtonian, has served in numerous capacities 
in the Senate over the past 27 years. During those years of service, 
Mark completed his college education and earned a degree from the 
University of Maryland.
  In March, 1969, Mark began his Senate service as a reference 
assistant in the Senate Library. Shortly thereafter, he moved to a 
doorkeeper position at the pass desk under the auspices of the Senate 
Sergeant at Arms. From the doorkeeper's position, Mark had the 
opportunity to return to work for the Secretary of the Senate as a 
clerk in the Senate stationery room.
  In 1974, Mark was appointed clerk of enrolled bills on the 
legislative staff of the Secretary. In 1979, Mark was named second 
assistant Journal clerk, and by 1984 was working as editor of morning 
business for the Congressional Record.
  In his capacity as morning business editor, Mark had the 
responsibility of producing, compiling, and formatting copy for the 
Morning Business section of the Congressional Record. This section 
includes Presidential messages, House messages, Executive 
communications, petitions and memorials, committee reports, the 
introduction of legislation, as well as additional statements. Anyone 
who takes a look at the Record will get a notion of the responsibility 
of the morning business editor.
  As I mentioned earlier, Mark once served as second assistant Journal 
clerk. In 1993, Mark returned to that office in the capacity of 
assistant Journal clerk, where he remained until his retirement.
  Often referred to as the ``bible'' of the Senate, the Journal 
reflects the official legal record of Senate proceedings. An individual 
with the responsibility of making the entries plays a critical role in 
the history of the Senate. Mark served in exemplary fashion as 
assistant Journal clerk, and took great pride in his work.
  Mark loved the Senate. He served here with distinction. He believed 
in the Senate as a great institution and throughout his long service 
demonstrated his loyalty and dedication.
  Mr. President, I say to Mark, thank you for your long and 
distinguished service. You will be missed.

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