[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TIM FRIEDMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 2006

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Mr. Tim Friedman's 
30 years of dedicated service in the U.S. House of Representatives and 
the Democratic Cloakroom.
  Now 30 years may seem like a long time, but really it's only 6 in 
``Tim Years.'' That is to say, six World Series wins resulting in rings 
for the Yankees. I have to wonder if Tim's retirement may have 
something to do with the prospect of Barry Sullivan's Boston Red Sox 
winning a few more World Series' and narrowing the Yankees' lead in 
titles.
  Now safe at home--quite literally--I can publicly disclose how I 
caused one blemish on Tim's otherwise perfect congressional record. The 
March Madness NCAA basketball tournament bracket was overseen by Tim 
for years, and he ran a tight ship. You were in by the deadline, or you 
were out of the pool--except for this one time.
  On a late flight home I realized that I had forgotten to put my entry 
in for the congressional NCAA pool. As soon as I returned to D.C., I 
petitioned the court of last resort, Tim Friedman, believing my cause 
was virtually hopeless, but imagining myself shooting that desperate 
last second three-pointer to win the big game.
  To my complete surprise, Tim allowed my desperate shot to count, and 
he allowed me to slip in my late entry. Even with his charity, I still 
managed to go 0 and out in the Big Dance! Still, I'll never forget his 
wisdom for letting me in, and my folly for believing I could handicap 
the results.
  Tim's sports enthusiasm--near-fanaticism, really--will be sorely 
missed around the Cloakroom. More than that, however, we will miss Tim 
Friedman's smile, his warmth and his gracious humanity. We hear a lot 
about world-class athletes. Tim Friedman is a world-class human being.
  It has been my distinct pleasure to work with him, an honor to know 
such a genuine and goodhearted man, and a sad but proud moment for me 
to say goodbye and best wishes.

                          ____________________