[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1789-E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF NEW MEXICO HOUSE CHIEF CLERK STEPHEN ARIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN RAY LUJAN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. BEN RAY LUJAN of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the distinguished career of New Mexico House Chief Clerk 
Stephen Arias, who is retiring at the end of the year.
   Mr. Arias began his career with the New Mexico Legislature in 1966 
and worked his way through the ranks of the House, starting as a clerk 
reading legislation, a payroll officer, and even a coat checker. In 
1983 he was elected House Chief Clerk by the majority caucus and has 
served in that position for the past 31 years. In that time, Mr. Arias 
became the third-longest serving legislative clerk in the country. 
Originally elected Chief Clerk under Speaker of the House Raymond 
Sanchez, Mr. Arias went on to serve under four subsequent speakers as 
he was re-elected time and again by the members of the House--a 
testament to the tremendous job he did over three decades.
   Although they may not receive a lot of attention, Chief Clerks are 
essential to the smooth functioning of the legislature. Chief Clerks 
are in charge of hiring seasonal staff, tracking and filing bills, 
maintaining and setting the House budget, keeping communication between 
the House and Senate chambers flowing smoothly, and helping incoming 
lawmakers and committees address constituent issues. Mr. Arias has done 
all these things and more during his tenure as Chief Clerk, and I 
applaud his tireless work ethic. I congratulate Stephen Arias on his 
remarkable career, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

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