[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1971-E1972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORY OF BARRY BERINGER, CHIEF SCIENCE COMMITTEE COUNSEL, 1989-2003

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory 
of Barry Beringer, Chief Cousel of the House Science Committee, who 
passed away last week at the age of 57.
  Originally from New Jersey, Barry graduated from Dickinson College in 
Carlisle, PA in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

[[Page E1972]]

He received his law degree three years later from American University 
Law School in 1971. After working for several years in the Reagan 
Administration as Associate Undersecretary of Economic Affairs in the 
Department of Commerce, Barry began working for the Science Committee 
in 1989.
  I met Barry when I came to Congress in 1993. Like many Congressional 
freshmen, I was eager to go to work on getting many of my ideas 
incorporated into Federal policy, but I had little understanding of the 
politics and processes of Capitol Hill. It was Barry who in many ways 
served as my mentor as I learned about policymaking in the House. He 
was always available to answer questions, and was an extremely patient 
and knowledgeable resource for members. He had the highest respect of 
members of Congress and his colleagues in the House. More importantly, 
Barry was a caring man and a great friend to all of us who knew and 
worked with him.
  I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Barry's wife Bonnie and 
their two children during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed 
by all of us.

                          ____________________