[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 127 (Friday, August 3, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1711-E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THANKING MR. ARTHUR ``ART'' BALTRYM FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2007

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his 
retirement on July 24, 2007, I rise today to thank Arthur ``Art'' 
Baltrym for over 32 years of outstanding service to the United States 
House of Representatives.
  Art began his career with the House in 1966 as a Congressional Page. 
After completing his education at St. John's University in New York and 
Georgetown University in Washington, DC, he graduated with a bachelors 
degree in Political Science. At that time, he returned to the U.S. 
Capitol and worked as a Capitol Police Officer.
  Art left the Capitol Police in 1971 to pursue a challenging 
opportunity to work for the Education and Labor Committee, where he 
worked for the next seven years. In January 1978, Art was hired by the 
Clerk of the House as a cabinetmaker for the former Property Supply 
department. Over the next 32 years, he was promoted to various 
positions and eventually became manager of the CAO Furnishings 
department. Art's accomplishments are far too lengthy to list in this 
tribute. However, two examples of his contributions are worthy of 
recognition.
  After the original Speaker's Chair was given to then Speaker Thomas 
P. (``Tip'') O'Neal for placement in his official library, the Clerk of

[[Page E1712]]

the House commissioned the construction of a replacement chair. Art was 
a key member of the team that hand-built the replacement Speaker's 
Chair. He personally spent numerous hours hand-carving the exquisite 
detail that is displayed on much of the chair. Another significant 
contribution was his oversight of the team which constructed the two 
hydraulic-controlled lecterns currently used today on the House floor.
  On a more personal note and equally worthy of recognition, Art has 
dedicated his life to making the CAO and the U.S. House of 
Representatives a better place. He has served as a tutor for the CAO's 
literacy program since its inception. He also serves his community by 
working as a ``Food for Others'' volunteer and assisting the Arlington 
Street People's Assistance Network. After his retirement, it is Art's 
goal to pursue more volunteer opportunities and to perform community 
services in order to continue making a difference in the lives of 
others.
  On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to 
Art for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to 
the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in 
fulfilling his retirement dreams.

                          ____________________