[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 204 (Thursday, December 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THANKING THEODORE R. BECHLTOL, JR. FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE 
                                 HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREGG HARPER

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 14, 2017

  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to one 
of the truly outstanding individuals who works at the U.S. Capitol, Mr. 
Theodore R. Bechltol, Jr.
  Better known to many of us as the Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol 
Grounds, Ted is responsible for preserving and maintaining more than 
290 acres of the historic landscape and infrastructure across the U.S. 
Capitol campus.
  Prior to being promoted to his current position in 2007, Ted served 
as the Deputy Superintendent for U.S. Capitol Grounds. As part of Ted's 
responsibilities, he ensures the routine and periodic landscape 
maintenance, comprehensive tree care, and upkeep of the supporting 
infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment are completed. Additionally, 
snow removal, trash collection, and support for major events, such as 
the annual December Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, are key 
responsibilities for supporting our U.S. Capitol campus. In total, Ted 
has taken part in 13 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree events.
  Throughout Ted's years at the U.S. Capitol, he worked hard to bring 
recognition to the historical significance of the grounds and helped to 
produce cultural landscape reports. His depth of knowledge about 
Frederick Law Olmsted, the American landscape architect who designed 
the U.S. Capitol Grounds, has changed how each section of the grounds 
are cared for, with a focus on historical horticulture.
  Ted has also consulted on historical horticulture work at many 
institutions throughout the east coast.
  Under his leadership, the U.S. Capitol Grounds have received 
designation as an accredited arboretum, a notable industry standard.
  On Friday, January 5, 2018, Ted Bechltol will retire from his 
position as Superintendent of the U.S. Capitol Grounds for the 
Architect of the Capitol.
  In retirement, he will be spending more time with his granddaughter, 
working on home improvement projects, and enjoy hiking and beach trips. 
He will continue to explore American history trails--he and his wife 
recently hiked Gettysburg and Civil War trails.
  Although we are sad to see someone with Ted's accomplishments leave 
the service of the institution, I offer him my sincere best wishes in 
his retirement.

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