[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Remembering Michael Beaver

  Now, Mr. President, on another subject--indeed, a deeply somber one--
I would like to address a tragic loss we experienced in the Senate. 
Last week, Michael Beaver, a beloved member of the Senate family, 
passed away unexpectedly. We will all miss him dearly.
  Michael served us as the Assistant Parliamentarian of the U.S. 
Senate, following a prior record of accomplishment in his legal career 
and a vibrant life which was tragically cut short at the young age of 
39.
  I am sure I speak for all of us in saying our hearts go out to 
Michael's family, including his beloved wife, young children, and 
parents.
  Michael was known and admired by us all for his legal and 
parliamentary talents, as well as for his sharp wit and humor. 
Parliamentarians in the Senate work hard for the American people and 
often face long hours and extended debates. They are an integral part 
of the fabric that holds the Senate in order and allows us to achieve 
results. With Michael's talents and demeanor, our accomplishments were 
made all the more rigorous and our work all the more pleasurable.
  It was not unusual for Michael to provide comment or advice on Senate 
work in progress that included a unique and brilliant mixture of 
insight, wit, and humor. Succinctly stated, working with Michael was 
refreshing.
  Michael engaged with my staff and Members of the Senate on a daily 
basis when the Senate debated healthcare reform and then tax 
legislation. There were many late nights, and work often spilled over 
into the weekends. Michael was always there to help us through and 
would often make us smile with his ever-present sharp wit.
  Without the dedication of public servants like Michael, it would 
simply be impossible for the rest of us in the Senate to function as we 
should.
  Michael's passing is hard on all of us, from his colleagues in the 
Office of the Parliamentarian to every committee in the Senate, and to 
those of us who saw him regularly seated directly below where the 
Presiding Officer sits. We all benefited from his counsel.
  My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Michael's family in 
their time of grief. He will be sorely missed.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.