[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 127 (Thursday, October 12, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO A.L. ``PETE'' SINGLETON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL ARCHER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 11, 2000

  Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to one of the most truly 
outstanding staff people with whom I have served here in the People's 
House. Pete Singleton is about to retire as Staff Director of the Ways 
and Means Committee for the second time, and I know that all the 
Members of the Committee will miss him dearly.
  Pete first served his country as a Marine in World War II. Pete 
joined the staff of the Committee in 1970 as Deputy Minority Staff 
Director after having two previous, successful careers--one in 
journalism as a reporter and editor of several papers including the 
Washington, D.C., STAR, and one for the then U.S. Steel Company.
  He quickly mastered two of the most difficult matters under the 
jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee, Social Security and 
International Trade. In 1981, he became Minority Staff Director and 
held that position until 1988 when he first retired. During that period 
he wrote several books and served on the Quadrennial Advisory Committee 
on Social Security and on the Social Security Advisory Board. Eight 
years later, I asked him to return to the staff and he became Majority 
Staff Director, the position he holds today.
  Pete has made significant substantive contributions to the Committee 
and the country, especially in the area of Social Security. It was he, 
in 1977, who drafted the Minority Social Security proposals, most of 
which later became law. Most recently, he oversaw the Committee's 
intensive efforts during action on the historic 1997 Balanced Budget 
Act and Taxpayer Relief Act, as well as legislation to repeal the 
Social Security earnings limit.
  This history of his dedication to the Members of the Committee and 
the House is, by itself, sufficient to warrant our thanks and best 
wishes for the future. But, frankly, that pales by comparison with the 
quality of his service. Pete Singleton is one of the most loyal people 
I have ever known. His first thought has always been ``How does this 
impact the Committee?'' He is one of the hardest working staff persons 
I have known, and has sacrificed much of his personal life for the 
Committee. He possesses a sharp wit and a quick mind. He is a true 
gentleman in every sense, and a wonderful human being. Pete is a fine 
leader and helped me assemble an outstanding staff which has, for the 
most part, remained with the Committee during both his tenures.
  As he leave's the Hill for the second time, he does so with the 
gratitude of his Chairman and all the members of the Ways and Means 
Committee with whom he has worked. He will be greatly missed, but he 
can derive great satisfaction in the knowledge of his contribution to 
the Committee, the House of Representatives, and his beloved country.

                          ____________________