[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING RETIREMENT OF SUSAN McCAHAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 2001

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the public service of Susan 
McCahan, Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House of Maryland.
  Susan served as Executive Assistant to five Maryland Speakers of the 
House, myself included. Her behind the scenes work created an efficient 
and productive work environment. Thanks in large part to Susan's 
extraordinary talents the Maryland Legislature was transformed into one 
of the most productive, respected, and effective legislative bodies in 
the nation.
  Speakers came and moved on, but Susan McCahan was the stable 
influence that permitted continuous improvement in the Maryland House 
of Delegates. Under her supervision, the first House Office Building 
was constructed. She helped institute professional management within 
the legislative branch of government. Budget discipline was instituted.
  Her interest in the legislative page program enabled hundreds of high 
school students from throughout Maryland to participate in the 
democratic process.
  In addition to her legislative duties, Susan also served as chair of 
the Leadership Staff Section to the National Conference of State 
Legislators. Her leadership in the Speaker's Society--the organization 
for former members of the House of Delegates--gave her the distinction 
of serving as the Executive Director of that organization.
  On a personal note, during eight years as Speaker, Susan's 
professional management skills allowed me the opportunity to 
concentrate on policy development.
  In 1967 when Susan McCahan started her public service, the 
legislative branch of Maryland government was dominated by the 
Executive branch. Today, thanks in large part to Susan, the Maryland 
Legislature is an independent and strong voice in developing and 
overseeing state policy.
  I would ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Susan McCahan for 
her service and contributions to the legislative process and the State 
of Maryland and wishing her well in her retirement.

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