[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H3697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING OUR CONGRESSIONAL PAGES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincerest pleasure that 
I rise to recognize and compliment the congressional pages that will be 
ending their term of service this week.
  The House pages have made up the critically important staff that has 
kept the House floor running smoothly for over 200 years. This 2003-
2004 school year pages were selected from hundreds of applicants 
following an incredibly competitive process that scrutinizes their 
individual achievements in academics, leadership, and complement to 
social and civic service.
  Page duties include delivering all types of correspondence and 
legislative materials throughout the Capitol and House office 
buildings, answering phones in the Members cloak room, relaying 
messages, flying flags over the Capitol, and preparing the House floor 
for session and many other duties.
  These pages have spent their entire junior year of high school in 
Washington, D.C. living, taking classes, and working for the House. The 
typical day of a page begins very early at 5:45 a.m. or 6 a.m. to eat 
breakfast prior to attending classes for school at 6:45 a.m. At 10 a.m. 
their legislative work day begins and lasts until the House adjourns in 
the evening and sometimes into the wee early morning hours. These 
individuals, I think, Mr. Speaker, have demonstrated their true 
commitment to playing an important role in our Nation's future by 
learning and working here in the Nation's Capitol.
  We honor those pages that have shown the same generosity of spirit 
and depth of intelligence and capacity for human service that is so 
important of our leaders. These exceptional students have consistently 
displayed their dedication, intelligence, and concern throughout their 
time as a page in Congress. They stand out among their peers not only 
because of their many achievements but also the disciplined manner in 
which they meet all challenges.
  I compliment the administration and those that have guided these 
pages. And although these pages have already accomplished a great deal, 
these young people possess unlimited potential. The House pages are 
young men and women of character, ambition and initiative who have made 
a significant contribution to the United States House of 
Representatives and have learned well the value of hard work and 
commitment. Their efforts and dedication are very much appreciated and 
our very best wishes bestowed upon them in all of their future 
endeavors that I am sure for some will include elected office, 
including Congress. I suspect all will be leaders in their community.
  On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, we extend 
our thanks and our highest praise and congratulations to each 
congressional page.

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