[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 5, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  RETIREMENT OF MARTIN ``MARTY'' PAONE

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, secretary for the majority, Mr. Martin 
Paone, is leaving the U.S. Senate. I am personally saddened by Marty's 
decision because I have known and worked with Marty for nearly 30 
years. I take great pride in the fact that, as Senate majority leader, 
I hired young Marty to work in the Senate Democratic Cloakroom in 1979. 
Three years later, I promoted him to the floor staff of the Senate 
Democratic Policy Committee.
  In both positions, Marty performed his work for the Senate with 
incredible dedication and professionalism. In fact, in a floor 
statement I made on October 11, 1988, I acknowledged the ``disciplined, 
orderly thinking'' which Marty had brought to his work in the Senate, 
and complimented him on his ``calm demeanor under pressure.''
  I was most pleased, but not surprised, when Senate Majority Leader 
Mitchell selected Marty Paone to be assistant secretary for the 
majority, and Senate Majority Leaders Daschle and Reid chose him to be 
secretary for the majority. This last position, of course, is one of 
the most important positions in the Senate. The secretary for the 
majority is regarded as the Senate's ``chief legislative officer'' 
because the office digests and processes all legislative proposals 
which come before the Senate. Marty thoroughly mastered his difficult 
and demanding responsibilities. He has carefully studied the Senate's 
rules and precedents. He understands how this great institution really 
works.
  The dedication and diligence which Marty brought to every position in 
which he has served the Senate have only been enhanced by his friendly, 
helpful demeanor. Marty Paone was always on the job and at the top of 
his game.
  Mr. President, it will be hard to say goodbye, but I wish Marty and 
his lovely wife Ruby, also a Senate staffer, all the happiness in the 
world.

                          ____________________