[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CHIEF CLERK OF THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 
                           EDWARD A. BURDICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 25, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a loyal 
public servant and a nationally renowned parliamentary expert, Edward 
A. Burdick. On January 10th, 2005, Minnesota paid tribute to Mr. 
Burdick, Chief Clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives, upon 
his retirement after nearly four decades of service.
  After beginning work in the Minnesota House as a page in 1941, Mr. 
Burdick became the second full-time employee in House history when he 
took the job of desk clerk in 1955. At the age of 83, he leaves the 
position of Chief Clerk where he oversaw House operations with 250 
full-time employees. He served through six changes in majority, 
alongside 12 speakers and more than 700 representatives. Throughout his 
tenure, Mr. Burdick worked tirelessly to ensure that the needs of 
Minnesota's Representatives were met.
  Mr. Burdick has set a national standard as an expert, impartial 
parliamentary mediator and administrator of House operations. As a 
former Member of the Minnesota House, I was privileged to work with him 
and witnessed firsthand how he commands utmost respect and credibility 
through his selfless commitment to the institution. He taught me the 
Rules of the House, and the most important rule--that debate is about 
policy not personality. His faithful stewardship of the rules ensured 
that all voices could be heard.
  Mr. Burdick is among the most highly respected and honored 
individuals living in our State. He is the only living Minnesotan whose 
bust stands in the Capitol, where it is located outside the entrance to 
the House chambers. Mr. Burdick has been a vital part of the daily life 
of the Capitol, helping drive the business of the Minnesota House of 
Representatives since 1967.
  Few public servants have such a distinguished and lengthy record of 
service. Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor to thank Ed for his years of 
service and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

                          ____________________