[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SAYING FAREWELL TO HOUSE PARLIAMENTARIAN MUFTIAH McCARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor House Associate 
Parliamentarian Muftiah McCartin. Today marks the final day in the long 
and distinguished career of Muftiah, who has served this House with 
great distinction for nearly 30 years in the Office of the 
Parliamentarian.
  During her nearly three decades of service, Muftiah served under six 
Speakers and three different Parliamentarians of the House. Charlie 
Johnson, the former Parliamentarian, would often describe Muftiah as a 
``Renaissance woman.'' She came to work for the Parliamentarian's 
Office as a clerk in 1976 and continued her education at night. On top 
of her day job and night school, Muftiah was a dedicated mother. She 
accomplished all her tasks with great determination, strength, and 
grace. After completing her juris doctorate, Muftiah was the first 
woman appointed an Assistant Parliamentarian in January of 1991 by 
Speaker Tom Foley.
  Aside from her dedication to the office's daily procedural mission, 
she has provided special expertise to the House in the areas of budget 
process and rule making. Muftiah has also assisted the office as the 
long-time editor of the House Rules and Manual, published every 
Congress, as well as two editions of House Practice.
  Over the years I have served in this House as both a Member and now 
Speaker, I have come to have a greater appreciation for the role of the 
office of the Parliamentarian and those giving me advice. On behalf of 
all those who have looked to you for help while presiding in the 
Speaker's chair, thank you for being such a trusted and educated 
colleague.
  I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope that 
with the long hours of this job behind you, you will be afforded more 
time to spend with your husband and four children.

                          ____________________