[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 98 (Monday, July 24, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H5653-H5656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING TIM FRIEDMAN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the subject of my Special Order is Tim
Friedman, who as many of you know is the assistant manager of the House
Democratic Cloakroom.
I don't know where to begin. I don't know what I am going to do
without Tim being here. I think this is his last week and he is
retiring after so many years in the Cloakroom. But just to give you an
idea of some of the things that I don't know who is going to do these
things for me anymore: usually I bring my cell phone on the floor. And
he has to remind me that I am not allowed to have a cell phone on the
floor, so I have to put it in the back and leave it there. And I tell
him he doesn't have to answer it, but he usually answers it.
A lot of times late at night when we are doing Special Orders, those
of you who know that basically the food area in the back is closed, so
I have to ask him to open up the refrigerator and I leave a dollar in
the refrigerator and he gets me a Coke.
My beeper breaks down on a regular basis, and I have to leave it for
Tim to fix. Half the time it is not even broken, but he doesn't want to
tell me that I don't realize it is not broken so he just says, Oh,
yeah, I fixed it, even though it probably wasn't broken from the
beginning.
Let me see what else. I have made a list here. When we doze off in
the Cloakroom, that is big. Many of us, as you know, are here late at
night or even during the day. If we are tired, we lie down on the
couch, and he has to come around and gently nudge us to make sure that
we don't miss a vote. I don't know, the list goes on and on. I don't
even know where to begin.
Oh, my yellow pads. I always carry yellow pads and I use my blue
marker to cross things out. And a lot of times I leave them on the
seat, and then I will go back to my office and Tim will call me up and
say, Oh, Frank, you left your yellow pad. Come on down here and get it.
He is going to save it for me. So the list goes on.
The other thing is we have this triumvirate, or three people, who are
the managers here that, as far as I know, they have been here for as
long as I can remember, and that is Tim, Bob, and Barry. And I cannot
imagine what it is going to be like when we are missing one of them. So
it is not only Tim, but it is the fact that this triumvirate is going
to be gone or is going to be broken up, and I can't imagine who is
going to replace Tim because I always think of them as the three people
that I can always rely on. But the list goes on.
Have you ever noticed that Tim brings that green book, he brought it
down here today, that green book which we have to sign in, I guess, for
Special Orders. It goes back I don't know how many years. I mean, that
thing probably belongs in the Smithsonian Institution. It goes back 30,
40 years. Who keeps it, who gets that green book once you leave? I
guess it will have to be either Barry or Bob. Then the list goes on.
Let me say, Tim has an incredible sense of humor. Not only the Clerks
and the people that work behind us, but he as well as the other
managers have to stay late at night when we do Special Orders. And I
think you know that the Democrats are determined to fill every last
hour of Special Orders, and so he or Bob or Barry has to stay here very
late, usually until midnight because that is when they are cut off. And
I always come in and kid him and say, Are you working tonight? And I
tell him, Well, maybe I won't do the Special Order. And he says, Oh,
no, you can do it, you can do it. He doesn't really mean it. He hopes I
go home, but he tolerates us anyway. And he has a tremendous sense of
humor and makes us laugh, which is so important, particularly with all
the problems that
[[Page H5654]]
you have around this place. Having somebody with a great sense of humor
is really important, needless to say.
My staff think that Tim is more important than them. I mean, that is
what they will constantly tell me, because I call here all the time,
not only every day, not only every hour, but sometimes every five
minutes to see what is going on, and he never says, Why are you
calling? He is never grumpy. He is always like, Mr. Pallone, you
called. And he gives me an update on what is going on, and he never
makes me feel like I shouldn't call again, even though I probably
shouldn't.
So I could go on forever, Tim, but I just want to thank you for all
you have done not only on behalf of myself and not only on behalf of
the Democratic Members, but on behalf of all Members. I know others
told me that they want to enter statements in the Record, so that is
why I asked unanimous consent that the Record be kept open. You
certainly deserve your retirement. I can't believe you are retiring.
You don't look old enough to retire, but I know you are going to enjoy
your retirement.
Let me say a little bit of his history, if I could. He is a native of
Lackawanna, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He arrived in Washington in
1976 and started his career in the House in July 1976 under the
patronage of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. He worked as a doorkeeper
under the Honorable James T. Molloy from 1976 to 1982. In 1982, he
transferred to the Office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as
an assistant to Jack Russ, and Tim was appointed as assistant manager
of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985, before I got here, by then
Speaker Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the House.
Tim married, he actually got married a few years ago to Colleen Early
in 2003, probably one of the reasons he wants to retire, so he could
spend more time with his wife. And they are avid golfers. They are
building a home in Wallace, North Carolina. I know he can't wait to
enjoy his retirement, but we will sorely miss you and I personally
will, for sure.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, on July 19th of this year, Tim Friedman
achieved a milestone that Members ever reach: 30 years of service in
the United States House of Representatives.
Since he first arrived in Washington in 1976, Tim has been a denizen
of the House. In his first position, as Doorkeeper, he worked to keep
the House floor and its Members secure. He also served the House
Sergeant at Arms, until his formidable talents were recognized by Tip
O'Neill in 1985, and he was appointed Assistant Manager of the House
Democratic Cloakroom in 1985.
Tim Friedman has become part of the history of this institution: he
was the last ever Democratic pair clerk--a position that was
discontinued in 1995. He has served under five Speakers--and spent 19
years in the majority and nearly 12 years in the loyal opposition.
Tim has seen many Members come and ago, and been both a colleague and
friend to all. His skills in the cloakroom are only matched by his
skills on the golf course: I know that members of my caucus will be
particularly relieved that because of his retirement, Tim will not be
competing in any more House golf tournaments.
But he will have time to hone his game; Tim is retiring to Wallace,
North Carolina, where he will live on a 36-hole golf course.
As we salute Tim, we must also recognize his wife Colleen. Colleen is
also part of the House of Representatives family--she is the daughter
of Congressman Joe Early. As we all know, it is hard to balance a job
here with a life at home, and today as we salute Tim for his
dedication, we are appreciative of the sacrifice Colleen has made.
Upon his retirement, George Washington said, ``I am once more seated
under my own vine and fig tree . . . and hope to spend the remainder of
my days in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits yield to the
more rational amusement of cultivating the earth.''
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to wish Tim Friedman and Colleen a
similarly peaceful retirement.
Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tim Friedman,
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom, on his retirement
after 30 years of illustrious service to the United States House of
Representatives.
Tim's career has been a long and distinguished one marked by
outstanding accomplishments and the well-deserved esteem of Members of
Congress on both sides of the aisle. I am pleased to join with my
colleagues in wishing Tim and his wife Colleen many happy years of
fulfillment and rewards in their new pursuits.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Tim for all of his
kindness, assistance and support during my tenure in Congress, along
with my warmest personal regards. He will certainly be missed.
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the
life and work of an outstanding individual whom I feel fortunate to
have known for the last 9 years, Mr. Tim Friedman. He is being
recognized on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, on the occasion of his retirement
after 30 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Tim is originally from Lackawanna, NY, and began his career in the
U.S. House of Representatives in 1976. He started as a Doorkeeper and
in 1985 he was appointed Assistant Manager of the House Democratic
Cloakroom by then Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill.
My fellow Democratic colleagues and I agree that he has served us
extraordinarily well for the past 21 years in the Democratic Cloakroom.
Tim always made sure that I knew what legislative business was on the
schedule for the day, and was a great person to converse with in
between votes. But more importantly, Tim and I share a special bond as
fans of the greatest baseball team in history, the New York Yankees. I
will truly miss our bantering back and forth with Red Sox fans Mr.
Capuano and Tim's co-worker Barry Fisher. I know Tim will be missed by
all of my Democratic colleagues, even Mr. Capuano, whom he regularly
bested in important baseball debates.
Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to extend my best wishes to
a dedicated public servant. May he enjoy a very well-deserved
retirement. Tim, you will be missed.
Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a person
who has been a fixture of this institution for more than 30 years and
who has been a mainstay of our Democratic Cloakroom, and indeed, our
Democratic Party. I have always said that Members of Congress are only
as good as the staff that helps us because they are the ones who make
this Chamber run.
Tim Friedman is one of those few people who works behind the scenes
to make sure we do our job properly, that floor operations run smoothly
and our personal staffs are kept abreast of current legislative
activity and the legislative schedule. We thank Tim for making our jobs
easier and for being a trusted resource for Members and our offices.
Tim is from Lackawanna, NY, just outside of Buffalo. He is part of
that group known as the ``Buffalo Gang,'' the leader of whom is our own
former Doorkeeper of the House, Jim Molloy. In 1976, Tim came to
Washington and started to work for then-Representative Dan
Rostenkowski. Tim's first days on the job were not promising. His first
2 assignments were to drive the Illinois Congressman to different
events in Washington, and he got lost both times. After awhile, he
learned how to get around the city, and ever since, he has been
steering Members on the right course. Members have taken Tim's advice
on when to schedule their return home following legislative business,
when to take dinner breaks during late night sessions, and basically
how to plan their lives around the activity on the floor.
It is with mixed feelings that I pay tribute to Tim. I am saddened by
the fact we are losing his institutional knowledge, wizened guidance,
and a beloved friend. At the same time, I am happy for him as he and
his wife Colleen tee-off on a second career in their new home of
Wallace, NC. All of us on both sides of the aisle wish Tim and Colleen
well in their new adventure, and we hope that their move will exceed
their best expectations. One thing for sure is the golfing weather is
much better in North Carolina than here in Washington or certainly in
Buffalo. This is an important feature because both Tim and Colleen are
excellent and avid golfers, and their new home is surrounded by 2 golf
courses.
We are proud to know Tim, and we hope that he and Colleen will come
back and visit their friends from time to time, particularly during the
golf tournament season, to let us know how their lives are progressing.
We appreciate all the services you have rendered to this institution
and to the Members with whom you have worked. As you look to new
horizons, I would like to send you and Colleen off with these wishes:
May you always find good lies in the fairways;
May your shots sail clear over still waters; and
May nothing but eagles and birdies follow you for the all the
rounds of your life.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a
distinguished public servant, Mr. Tim Friedman, on the occasion of his
retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives and the House
Democratic Cloakroom.
Mr. Friedman has shown exceptional commitment to public service
throughout his career in the Democratic Cloakroom of the
[[Page H5655]]
House of Representatives. A native of Lackawanna, NY, Mr. Friedman
arrived in Washington in 1976 to start his career with the House of
Representatives under the patronage of the Honorable Dan Rostenkowski.
He began his career as a Doorkeeper and transferred to the office of
the House Sergeant at Arms in 1982, working as an assistant to the
Honorable Jack Russ. In 1985, Mr. Friedman was appointed as Assistant
Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom by Speaker of the House
Thomas P. O'Neill.
The last 30 years, Mr. Friedman has served the House as a tireless
and diligent worker. Under his guidance and hard work, the Cloakroom
has become a place fitting for the U.S. House of Representatives. He
has become an institution to those Members who have served this
legislative body and he will be deeply missed.
We wish Mr. Friedman well, and we all deeply appreciate his dedicated
and decent service. I will certainly miss him. I wish Tim and his wife
Colleen many good years, filled with family, friends, good health, and
plenty of golf. On behalf of my staff, myself and my lovely wife
Deborah: Thank you, Tim.
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
honoring a truly distinguished public servant. A man without whom our
jobs would be infinitely more difficult. Tim Friedman, for decades a
fixture of the House Democratic Cloakroom, will take his well earned
retirement.
Most people outside this building know nothing of the Cloakrooms. The
staff there provide information to Members on the program for the day,
the timing of votes, and myriad other details that go into the
operation of this institution. As we all try to juggle the demands of
committee meetings, visits from constituents, meetings with people
concerning legislation, and floor debates and votes, the Cloakroom is a
vital resource in making sure that everything runs smoothly.
In addition to being helpful, the staff of the Cloakroom have always
provided a friendly and congenial environment even when the workload
seems unmanageable, the pressure mounts, and tempers get short.
Tim has mastered the arcane science of the House. His voluminous
knowledge, his institutional memory, his up-to-the-minute understanding
of what is going on have more than once saved this Member, and many of
my colleagues, from losing track of the proceedings.
Tim has always managed the job with good cheer and good humor, even
when, perhaps, the circumstances might have called for a much different
response.
My colleagues and I will greatly miss Tim Friedman, although we wish
him well as he leaves this House. Tim, you will always have a home
here, and, should you ever get tired of relaxing and enjoying life, you
are always welcome back.
Congratulations and best of luck to you.
Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a not-so-closely-held secret
that Congressional staff plays a crucial and indispensable role in
making it possible for Members of Congress to carry out their
constitutional duties. That is certainly the case for Tim Friedman, who
will mark 30 years of service--15 terms, if he were a Member--to the
U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, 2006.
Tim is a true ``Man of the House.'' He began his career in 1976,
under Speaker Carl Albert. From his first job in the office of the
Doorkeeper, he transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms office where
he worked until 1985, when Speaker Thomas P. ``Tip'' O'Neill appointed
him as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985.
The Democratic Cloakroom is the crossroads of the Caucus, and Tim
Friedman stands right in the middle of the intersection. He has been a
constant source of information, wisdom and assistance, dispensed with
characteristic good humor there for the past 20 years. He is so
professional in his job that, like a great golfer, he makes something
very hard look easy.
Tim's distinguished service in the House Democratic Cloakroom has
touched the lives of countless Members--and staff members--of this
body. He plans to retire this September, and we all wish him and his
wife, Colleen, our very best. But we'll keep him for as long as we can,
because his absence will certainly leave a large void in the House
Democratic Cloakroom and in this wonderful institution that he has
served for so long.
Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, Tim Friedman has been a presence in the
Democratic Cloakroom and the House Floor for 3 decades, from which he
now retires as the Assistant Manager of the Democratic Cloakroom.
Tim is funny, charming, helpful . . . and is considered practically a
family member of the Democratic Members who rely on his understanding
of their varying needs and his expertise on the operations of the House
of Representatives.
He practically grew up in the House. He began his political career
with our colleague Dan Rostenkowski, who was an excellent tutor in the
world of real politics and practical applications of power. As a young
man, Tim was known as a little bit of a ladies man . . . and as an
adult, he is a loving husband to Colleen.
Tim's nickname is ``Hawk,'' for his amazing ability to spot people
anywhere in his line of vision. For someone whose everyday
responsibilities include spotting Members of Congress in the crowded
chamber, that is a useful skill.
Tim has the broad shoulders of Buffalo and the nuanced understanding
of government from his long time service on Capitol Hill. He has been a
mentor for thousands of young high school-aged Capitol Pages who pass
through our program and work for the Congress as messengers and
runners.
Working in the Democratic Cloakroom and on the Floor of the U.S.
House of Representatives is no easy task. The pace is either painfully
slow, or very fast with information and decisions moving and changing
rapidly.
So it takes a very special person to navigate those waters, a job Tim
has done with excellence over the decades he has served the Democratic
Leadership and the entire House of Representatives.
Tim, we wish you and Colleen good luck--and great golf. The entire
House of Representatives owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude and
wishes you well on the journey to Wallace, N.C., that you now take
beyond our marble floors and columns. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.
Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, Tim Friedman has been a friend of mine
since the first day I walked onto the House Floor 18 years ago. His
interest in, and service to, this and other Members of the House has
always been above and beyond the call of duty. As he heads to a well-
earned retirement a bit to our south, I want my dear friend Tim to know
that I will think of him often, and with tremendous gratitude for his
extraordinary service.
Thanks, Tim!
Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor someone who has
dedicated 30 years of service to this great institution. Those of us on
the Democratic side of the aisle know how much we have come to rely on
Tim Friedman who has spent the last 3 decades working in the House
Democratic Cloakroom.
One can imagine that after 30 years working on and around the floor
of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tim has just about seen it all.
Throughout it all, Tim has always been on hand to assist Members of
Congress with all requests, large and small. By working with us and
making it easier for Members of the House to fulfill their official
duties, Mr. Friedman has served the U.S. House of Representatives, the
United States Congress and his country admirably.
As he prepares to leave us, I wish him well and hope that his back
improves for a better back swing so that he can enjoy many good days on
the golf course. While all of us will miss seeing Tim day in and day
out, we are truly happy for him and wish him all the best as he enjoys
his well-deserved retirement.
Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tim Friedman for
his many years of heartfelt service and wish him best wishes on his
retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives and the House
Democratic Cloakroom.
Originally from Lackawanna, NY, outside of Buffalo, Mr. Friedman
began his career in the House of Representatives on July 19,1976 under
the patronage of the Honorable Dan Rostenkowski of Illinois. He worked
as a Doorkeeper from 1976 to 1982 under the Honorable James T. Molloy
before transferring to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms in
1982. There he worked as an assistant to the Honorable Jack Russ.
In 1985, Tim Friedman was appointed as Assistant Manager of the House
Democratic Cloakroom by the Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill, Speaker of the
House. Tim married Colleen Early in 2003. He is retiring to Wallace,
NC, where he plans to continue his love of golf.
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to recognize a man who has
dedicated his life to serving the people of the United States. I ask
you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating
Mr. Tim Friedman on his many years of devoted public service and thank
him for the many contributions he has made toward the well being of the
United States House of Representatives.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I join colleagues in paying a well-
deserved tribute to Tim Friedman who is retiring after 30 years of
distinguished service to this Congress. As Assistant Manager of the
House Democratic Cloakroom, Tim has had the heavy responsibility of
ensuring not only that Members get to the floor on time to vote but
that they know what they are voting for. His knowledge of the
intricacies of the voting process and House procedures has been
invaluable and he is leaving big shoes to fill.
Tim has also been responsible for supervising and mentoring the
thousands of pages who spend a large part of their time working
[[Page H5656]]
in the Cloakroom. As a father, I know how hard it is to get a couple of
teenagers to be responsible and do good work. I commend Tim's patience
in handling the hundreds of teens who rotate through the Cloakroom each
summer and school year.
A native of Lackawanna, New York, Tim came to Washington in 1976 and
worked first as a Doorkeeper, guarding the privacy of Members and
keeping the floor of this House secure. His talents were recognized and
in 1982 he transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms where he continued
his efforts to keep this House running in an efficient and productive
manner. In 1995, Speaker of the House Thomas P. O'Neill appointed him
to his current position of Assistant Manger of the House Democratic
Cloakroom.
Tim, you will be sorely missed but I know that you and your wife
Colleen are looking forward to a life of leisure in North Carolina. I
know you will enjoy having the time to play all the golf you want. I
played golf on your golf team at Andrews and had a barrel of fun. I
will always remember your friendship! Good luck and thank you for all
you have done for this institution.
Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tim
Friedman on his retirement after 30 years of service to the House of
Representatives.
Tim began his career on Capitol Hill on July 19, 1976, as a
doorkeeper under the Hon. James T. Molloy. In 1982, he began to work
for the office of the House Sergeant at Arms as an assistant to the
Hon. Jack Russ. Recognizing Tim's talents, knowledge, and understanding
of the intricacies of the House, he was appointed as Assistant Manager
of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985. Tim's friendly manner and
his wealth of experience has been an outstanding asset to the members
of the Democratic Caucus.
I sincerely thank Tim for the assistance he has given me and for his
dedicated service to the House of Representatives. I wish him and his
wife Colleen all the best for their future. He will be truly missed by
all.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Tim
Friedman upon his retirement from the House Democratic, Cloakroom. For
the past 30 years Tim Friedman has served with utmost distinction.
After moving from Lackawanna, NY, Tim arrived in Washington, DC, in
1976 to begin his career in the House of Representatives. He first
served for the Hon. Dan Rostenkowski before becoming a Doorkeeper under
the Hon. James T. Molloy from 1976 to 1982. In 1982, Tim moved to the
office of the House Sergeant at Arms before being appointed as
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985 by the Hon.
Thomas P. 0'Neill, Speaker of the House.
Since I came to Congress in 1988, I have gotten to know Tim Friedman
quite well. He is an upstanding man with strong character and high
principles. I am pleased to have worked with him.
In times of retirement, I am reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo
Emerson who said, ``The reward for a thing well done is to have done
it.'' Not only should Tim feel rewarded, but all of us who have
benefited from his long and successful 30 year career, an
accomplishment for which he deserves to be proud.
Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in offering congratulations
and gratitude for Tim's long and successful career in the House of
Representatives. I wish him well and hope he continues to achieve
happiness, health and success in his future endeavors.
Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tim Friedman on his
retirement from the House of Representatives and the House Democratic
Cloakroom.
Mr. Friedman, a native of Lackawanna, NY, arrived in Washington, DC,
in 1976 and started his career in the House of Representatives on July
19, 1976 under the patronage of Hon. Dan Rostenkowski. He worked as a
Doorkeeper under Hon. James T. Molley from 1976 to 1982 then
transferred to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as
an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ. In 1985, Mr. Friedman became the
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic cloakroom. His contributions
are immeasurable.
Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Tim Friedman. I
wish Mr. Friedman and his wife, Colleen, a relaxing retirement filled
with many rounds of golf. Thank you for your service to the House of
Representatives, and to our Nation.
Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker it is with great pleasure that I rise today
to bid farewell to Mr. Tim Friedman, a dear, trusted friend, who will
retire after 30 years of service to his country.
A native of Lackawanna, NY, Tim arrived in Washington in 1976, and
started his career in the House of Representatives on July 19, 1976,
under the patronage of the Hon. Dan Rostenkowski. From 1976 to 1982 he
worked as a Doorkeeper under the Hon. James T. Molloy and in 1982, he
transferred to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as
an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ. In 1985 Tim was appointed as
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom by the Hon. Thomas
P. O'Neill--Speaker of the House.
Mr. Speaker, the Democratic Cloak Room is a place of great importance
to all House Democrats. It is a place where we not only receive helpful
information on things such as bill language and the floor schedule, but
where we can take solace from the sometimes contentious debate on the
House floor.
Needless to say, it takes a special individual to contend with the
wide range of interesting personalities that make up the Democratic
Caucus. Tim has handled the job without breaking a sweat. Although, I
am quite sure he often tires of Member after Member asking the same
question--``when will we be done,'' he never makes it known. He is
always ready to provide Members with important information while
maintaining his affable disposition.
Perhaps what impresses me the most about Tim is his unwavering
loyalty. An avid Yankee fan, Tim openly professes allegiance to his
team despite the taunts of his fellow cloak room colleagues. Barry, a
passionate Red Sox fan and Bob, an Orioles/Nationals fan, frequently
hurl insults at Tim for his devotion to the Bronx Bombers. However,
like a true fan, he ignores their scoffs and simply reminds them of
Yankee dominance. As a Yankee fan and the team's Congressional
Representative, I appreciate Tim's steadfastness in the face of brutal
opposition. His dogged support of my hometown team has strengthened our
bond over the years.
Mr. Speaker, on a more serious note, Tim is a dedicated, hardworking
and reliable individual who will be truly missed by all who had the
pleasure of working with him. I wish him well on his retirement and ask
that my colleagues join me in bidding him farewell.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Tim Friedman
for his 30 years of dedicated service to the House of Representatives.
Tim began his career on July 19, 1976, working as a Doorkeeper to the
House Chamber under the Hon. James T. Molloy. After 6 years of helping
to oversee admission to the House floor and galleries, Tim went on to
work as an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ in the House Sergeant at
Arms office and eventually as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic
Cloakroom. Since my freshman term in Congress, his has always been a
friendly face and a trusted source of information about what is
happening on the House floor. Tim has been an active and integral part
of the last 16 sessions of Congress, and he deserves the highest
respect and recognition.
Outside of work, Tim spends most of his time with his lovely wife
Colleen and out on the golf course. I can speak for the rest of my
colleagues when I say that we all look forward to hearing about his
first hole-in-one.
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tim Friedman
on his retirement after a remarkable career. We truly appreciate your
hard work and dedication to our country, and I am sad to lose such an
outstanding public servant and close friend.
____________________