[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 77 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        RECOGNIZING CARLOS ELIAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM GRAVES

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 16, 2016

  Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I, along with Representative 
Wasserman Schultz, rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Carlos 
Elias on his retirement after 36 years of service to the federal 
government, 17 years of which were with the Architect of the Capitol.
  Carlos started his federal career in 1980 with the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers after graduating from the University of Puerto Rico. Carlos 
joined the Architect of the Capitol in 1999 as the Deputy 
Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol Building, and in 2001 was appointed 
to the position of Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol Building and the 
Capitol Visitor Center.
  As Superintendent, Mr. Elias oversees 1.5 million gross square feet 
and manages 250 employees. In addition to maintenance functions, he is 
responsible for repairs, modernization, improvements, conservation, 
preservation, and new construction activities.
  He also served as lead coordinator for the last four Presidential 
Inaugurations and he is responsible for the construction of the 
Inaugural platform, installation of the sound system, security fencing, 
and all other supporting infrastructure.
  Mr. Elias is overseeing the $60 million U.S. Dome Restoration 
Project, the first since 1959. Due to age and weather, the Dome had 
more than 1,000 cracks and deficiencies. The project was awarded in 
November 2013 and, with Mr. Elias' management, we expect it to be 
completed before the Presidential Inauguration--on time and under 
budget.
  Our subcommittee has come to depend on Carlos and his team for their 
exceptional customer service and reliability. In addition, Carlos has 
provided us with invaluable guidance and analysis throughout the years.
  Carlos' retirement constitutes a profound loss for the institution. 
He will not be easily replaced and will be sorely missed. We wish him 
and his wife, Ana, all the best in this next phase of their lives.

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