[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2338-E2339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SAYING FAREWELL TO HOUSE PARLIAMENTARIAN MUFTIAH McCARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to an 
outstanding member of the House Parliamentarian's office who is 
retiring today after nearly 30 years of service. Muftiah McCartin will 
be retiring from her position as Associate Parliamentarian. She will 
truly be missed.
  Muftiah has been a part of this institution longer than most Members. 
She began her career with the Parliamentarian's office in 1976, 3 years 
before I came to the House. She started as a Clerk and worked her way 
up to one of the senior positions in the office. As a Clerk, she 
continued her education and eventually earned her law degree. She 
became the first woman to be appointed a Parliamentarian in 1991. Her 
story is truly one of personal and professional excellence, initiative, 
and dedication to her responsibilities.
  Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Appropriations is particularly sad to 
see Muftiah leave. Her knowledge of parliamentary rules and precedents 
as they pertain to appropriations bills is unsurpassed, as is her 
knowledge of the budget process. The Committee has always had 
tremendous confidence in her skills and ability to proffer accurate 
advice. With numerous regular and supplemental appropriations bills 
coming to the House floor each year, the Committee relied on her 
expertise extensively. The words ``check with Muftiah'' were heard over 
and over again in the Committee's offices.
  The Committee's high admiration of Muftiah's professional skills is 
matched by the Committee's appreciation of the calm and composed manner 
in which she performed her duties. She is always approachable and 
willing to take time to work on any matter, even when the other demands 
on her time are huge. She always approaches her work with a smile and 
keeps her sense of humor. In addition to the professional relationships 
she developed with the staff of the Committee, many highly valued 
personal friendships arose during her time with us.
  Muftiah will now be able to spend more time with her family--her 
husband Terry, and her children Marissa, Elaine, Sandra, and Luke. She 
and her family have made a lot of sacrifices over the years. I hope 
that now she will have more time to attend her children's basketball, 
soccer, and baseball games as well as other family activities that are 
so important.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Members and staff of the Committee on 
Appropriations, I

[[Page E2339]]

want to wish Muftiah well as she embarks on this next phase of her 
life's journey. I also genuinely thank her for all that she has done 
for the House and for the Committee, and I want her to know that she 
will be missed.

                          ____________________