[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 13 (Wednesday, January 31, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LORETTA SYMMS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I come to the Senate floor today to 
express my regret that Loretta Symms will soon retire as Deputy 
Sergeant at Arms. I would also like to congratulate her on a long and 
distinguished career.
  During her 22 years of service on Capitol Hill, Loretta gained the 
respect of Senators and Congressman from both sides of the aisle. Her 
creativity and dedication to improving the inner-workings of the Senate 
have made her an invaluable asset to the institution and she will be 
dearly missed by all.
  Loretta started her career on Capitol Hill in 1978 working for then-
Congressman Steve Symms as executive assistant and office manager. In 
1981, after Congressman Symms was elected to the Senate, Loretta became 
his executive secretary and office manager. In 1987, Senator Dole 
appointed Loretta as the Republican representative to the Sergeant at 
Arms.
  As Director of the Capitol Facilities Department, she reinvented the 
Facilities Department providing career ladders, formal position 
descriptions, instituted reading programs, basic computer classes for 
employees, and training programs. Working closely with the Secretary of 
the Senate's office, Loretta has been actively involved in the 
oversight and management of the Senate Page Program. For example, 
Loretta participated in the renovation and opening of Webster Hall, the 
Senate Page dormitory, and the Senate Page School.
  During her tenure as Deputy Sergeant at Arms, Loretta worked closely 
with the Assistant Secretary of the Senate to create the Joint Office 
of Education and Training which provides a wide variety of professional 
seminars and training for the staff of Senate Offices and Committees. 
As every Senator can attest, this office has become an invaluable 
resource. In 1996, Senator Lott named Loretta Deputy Sergeant at Arms, 
the post in which she still serves. As Deputy, Loretta has managed the 
day to day operations of more than 770 employees.
  Loretta is married to former Senator Steve Symms. They have 7 
children and 10 grandchildren. Her retirement will allow her to fulfill 
her dreams of traveling and spending more time with her grandchildren. 
Loretta's impact on the institution of the Senate is greatly 
appreciated and will be remembered for a long time to come. But most 
impatiently to this Senator is the many acts of kindness in the most 
professional manner that Loretta was extended to me. For her many acts 
I will always be grateful.

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