[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LENNY OURSLER

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Lenny Oursler is somebody who has been 
with us here in the Senate for a long time. Tomorrow he will be leaving 
the Senate to work in the Congressional Affairs Office of the Internal 
Revenue Service.
  Lenny began work in the Senate stationery store in September 1981. He 
began work in the Democratic cloakroom in April of 1987. He has worked 
over 16 years of Government service, 10 in the cloakroom, and he has 
been running the cloakroom, now, for the last 5 years. His tasks have 
been varied, including keeping Senators and staff apprised of floor 
action, acting as soothsayer in predicting upcoming schedules with 
amazing accuracy, making sure that all Democrats reach the floor in 
time to cast their votes, extending his exuberant hotlines with his 
trademark ``thank you.''
  I don't know of anybody who has worked in that capacity who is more 
respected, and that respect is well earned. He is always available. He 
frequently works long, long hours and autographs his work with 
excellence. There will be a large void in the cloakroom that will be 
clearly difficult to fill. He is well liked by Senators and staff 
alike. He always has a cheerful disposition, always has something nice 
to say, a very positive person with an incredible outlook on life. 
Occasionally he even has a funny story to share that I can repeat.
  Indeed, the only fault I can think of is that he is a diehard Cubs 
fan and he may never be broken of that terrible habit. I have been told 
by some of his friends that on the golf course he has a painfully ugly 
slice and his most valuable club is a ball retriever.
  I know that Lenny will miss his family here. I know, too, he is 
looking forward to the new challenges at IRS. He is looking forward to 
more predictable and regular hours so he can spend more time with his 
young sons, Nathan and Benjamin, and wife Sara. I know I speak for all 
my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in wishing him luck and 
telling Lenny we will truly miss him.
  I yield the floor and again thank the senior Senator from Alaska.

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