[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 176 (Friday, November 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE STEPHEN T. AYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY

                              of nebraska

                  in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 2, 2018

  Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and pay 
tribute to the Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, the 11th Architect of the 
Capitol, on his retirement after 21 years of service to the United 
States Congress.
  Stephen started his career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. In 
1997, Mr. Ayers joined the Architect of the Capitol as an Assistant 
Superintendent for the Senate Office Buildings. He served in several 
capacities over the next decade before his appointment as Architect of 
the Capitol in May 2010.
  As Architect of the Capitol, Mr. Ayers is responsible for overseeing 
the well-being of the buildings and structures that Americans 
understand as icons of American history including: the House and Senate 
Congressional Office Buildings, the Capitol Visitor Center, the Library 
of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Thurgood Marshall Federal 
Judiciary Building and the crown jewel of the portfolio the United 
States Capitol. Additionally, the care and improvement of more than 570 
acres of grounds are under the supervision of the Architect of the 
Capitol.
  During his tenure, Mr. Ayers oversaw the restoration of the U.S. 
Capitol Dome, a major undertaking that repaired and restored the most 
recognizable symbol of liberty and democracy in the world. The dome was 
completed under budget and ahead of schedule. Other notable projects 
under Mr. Ayer's tenure include the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial project, 
as well as the launch of the Cannon House Office Building renewal.
  The Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee has come to depend 
on Stephen and his team for their hard work and professionalism. As Mr. 
Ayers departs his post; the leadership, dedication, and bright smile he 
brought to work day in and day out will be missed.
  I wish Stephen and his wife Jennifer, all the best in this next phase 
of their lives.

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