[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H1327-H1328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RESIGNATION AS CHAPLAIN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood) laid before the House the 
following resignation from the House of Representatives:

                                           Office of the Chaplain,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, March 23, 2000.
     Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
     Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Speaker: During the last 21 years it has been my 
     privilege and honor to serve as Chaplain of the U.S. House of 
     Representatives. I came to the House with a view that the 
     practice of politics can be a noble vocation and should be 
     considered a high calling and I leave with that view 
     strengthened and with my admiration enhanced for the people 
     who serve in government.
       I write now to inform you that effective Thursday, March 
     23, 2000, I resign my office as Chaplain of the House of 
     Representatives.
       It has been a singular opportunity to be elected to the 
     position of Chaplain and now to be named Chaplain Emeritus, 
     as I have sought to serve all the Members of the House and to 
     honor their political and religious traditions. The 
     friendships that have begun here have nourished my life and 
     my work and I leave with appreciation for our years together 
     and with a salute for the opportunities of the future.
       With every good wish, I remain.
           Sincerely,
                                                    James D. Ford,
                                                         Chaplain.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and with regret, the 
resignation is accepted.

[[Page H1328]]

  Mr. KLECZKA. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I have an 
inquiry of the Chair. Is the Chair prepared to allot some time for this 
side of the aisle to be heard on this issue?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair will entertain requests, and it 
depends on what the request is.
  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be recognized 
for up to 15 minutes.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from North Dakota?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the Chaplain's 
resignation is accepted, with regret.
  There was no objection.

                          ____________________