[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO PAUL THOMPSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention today the fine work and outstanding public service of my good 
friend, Paul Thompson. Paul is looking forward to a full and productive 
retirement after serving Congress and the nation as a professional 
staff member of the House Appropriations Committee for 29 years.
  Paul first came to the Hill in 1970 as a detailee to the VA-HUD and 
Independent Agencies Subcommittee from the Department of Interior where 
he worked in the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget office. It was a VA-
HUD that Paul found his home away from home and where he made himself 
over the years, quite literally, an invaluable part of the 
Appropriations process. With his knowledge of the legislative process, 
he became a technician's technician; he knew, better than most, how to 
put a bill together effectively from start to finish. Because Paul was 
never politically motivated, he has always been perceived by his 
colleagues, and more importantly, by Members of the House, as 
unfailingly fair and intellectually honest.
  During his tenure as both professional staff and majority clerk of 
the subcommittee, Paul served under six subcommittee chairs including 
Chairmen Walsh, Lewis, Stokes, Traxler, Boland and Evins. Not 
surprisingly, during that time, Paul and his chairmen developed 
remarkable professional relationships as well as genuine lasting 
friendships that continue to prosper and endure.
  There are, of course, a few things everyone should know about Paul. 
He loves a good laugh, maintains a work ethic from another era, and 
enjoys his Guinness in a coffee mug. When he's not working, you will 
find Paul on the water in his Ray Ban sunglasses with a cold drink in 
one hand while casting a line with the other. In fact, I expect many of 
Paul's friends will soon be receiving invitations to join him in his 
newly acquired fishing boat which he will tow behind the largest bright 
red pickup truck ever seen in the Rayburn garage.
  Those who know Paul best have nothing but the finest things to say 
about him. ``A greater guy I have never worked with,'' said one 
longtime Appropriations staffer. Another, remembering how he single-
handedly ate two dozen crabs while on a daytime cruise of the 
Chesapeake Bay, observed, ``Paul loves his crab but he's never crabby 
himself.''
  Mr. Speaker, professional staff come and go in the People's House but 
few ever make the type of contribution made by my good friend, Paul 
Thompson. As he begins his well deserved retirement, Paul leaves an 
institution filled with many admirers who love and respect him for his 
work, his gentle heart, and his integrity. All of us wish Paul, his 
lovely bride, Geri and his three sons--Rick, Bill and John--much 
happiness in the coming years. Having said that, Mr. Speaker, it is 
only fitting that the House pay tribute to Paul Thompson today.

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