[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 132 (Monday, October 4, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11823-S11824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO JAMES THOMAS ``TONY'' ANDERSON

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, those of us who are privileged to serve 
in the Senate are also privileged to become associated with a great 
many people who also serve our Nation's Capitol and, in turn, better 
enable us to meet our responsibilities.
  They also serve the true ``owners'' of this Capitol Building, the 
many men, women, and children who visit this very historic place to see 
firsthand ``their'' Capitol, their symbol of America, and the freedoms 
that we all enjoy.
  Despite the fact they do a good job, they are mostly unsung. I am 
talking about the 1,600 employees of the Senate. If you count our fine 
U.S. Capitol Police force, that number goes over 2,000.
  Today, I rise to pay tribute to one such employee, former Hill 
staffer, James Thomas ``Tony'' Anderson, who passed away this past 
August.

[[Page S11824]]

  For the past 5 years, the Senate's appointment desk, just one floor 
from this Chamber, was where Tony always greeted people with a smile 
and made them feel very special. In this tribute to him, I also speak 
for his coworkers and friends, Joy Ogdon, Christine Catucci, and Laura 
Williams.
  Mr. President, I first met Tony Anderson when I worked for Kansas 
Senator Frank Carlson and was a good friend with his mother, Margaret, 
who was a long-time and valued member of the Carlson staff.
  Like many of our dedicated employees, Mr. Anderson was never far from 
Capitol Hill. He was born in the old Providence Hospital at Third and E 
Streets N.E., and Tony got his training early and from some of the 
best. While still in high school, and later in college, he worked in 
various capacities for many Senators; the list reads similar to a Who's 
Who of the Senate during those years. I am talking about Senator 
Russell Long, Senator Leverett Saltonstall, Senator John Kennedy, 
Senator George Murphy, and Senator Frank Carlson.
  He graduated from Anacostia High School and later attended Federal 
City College, Montgomery College, and later the University of the 
District of Columbia.
  James Thomas Anderson was also Brother Bernard, junior Profess member 
of the Order of St. Francis, a Holy Order within the Episcopal Church, 
located at Little Portion Monastery in New York. His chosen service 
within the Order of St. Francis was commensurate with his strong 
support of human and animal rights. Upon his return from the monastery, 
he worked for the Architect of the National Cathedral.
  Mr. Anderson's life took a turn from Washington as a result of being 
a waiter at the old Carroll Arms Hotel Restaurant, where his interest 
in wines led him to a successful career that took him to the vineyards 
of Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. With his knowledge of wine and 
cheeses, he helped to open the Capitol Hill Wine and Cheese Shop, one 
of the first business successes that led to the revitalization of 
Capitol Hill.
  He later became the sommelier at the Watergate Terrace, the Four 
Seasons, Jean Louis at the Watergate, and then to the Hay Adams Hotel. 
Mr. Anderson was instrumental in getting the Four Seasons' wine and 
beverage program started.
  Tony Anderson then returned to the Capitol, working in the Senate 
Restaurant and Banquet Department. He could tell many accounts of 
serving First Ladies, visiting dignitaries, and even a luncheon for the 
Queen of England. No one did it better or with more elegance and 
propriety than Tony.
  Mr. Anderson left the Senate Restaurant, and for the past 5 years 
served on the Senate Appointments Desk. In that capacity, he was a 
natural. Tony Anderson was born in the city, grew up in the city. He 
loved the city and the Senate dearly. He truly enjoyed people, made 
them feel welcome, and if they had a moment, he made their visit to our 
Capitol special with all of his stories and experiences.
  I am not sure when he told me who he was. As I indicated, we were 
friends when I worked for Senator Frank Carlson a long time ago. For me 
and for most who have worked here as pages, interns, employees, and 
staffers--and, yes, also as Members of Congress--each experience, each 
person and, yes, even the places, are like a special collage etched in 
your memory.
  I can't remember exactly when it was, but I know I was coming from 
the Hart Building; I decided not to take the elevator to get to the 
first floor but to take the old stairs that I used when I was an intern 
for Senator Frank Carlson; they lead to the Senate Foreign Relations 
Committee room. Well, I turned right and was hurrying on my way, 
glancing at those ever-present appointment cards, when I heard Tony:

       Hey, Pat, remember me? I'm Tony Anderson, Margaret 
     Anderson's son.

  And there he was, with a bow tie and a smile, the same smile and 
always pleasant demeanor that made him special to his family, 
coworkers, and friends--not to mention everyone he ever served and 
helped, from the Queen of England to John Q. Public, visitor to our 
Nation's Capitol.
  Mr. Anderson died at the age of 57. He is survived by his sister, 
Karen Anderson Cramer of Ocean Pines, MD. He was preceded in death by 
his parents, James and Margaret Anderson, and Edward Brodniak, his life 
partner of 32 years.
  Tony, thanks and godspeed.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Roberts). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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