[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 193 (Thursday, December 6, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7323-S7324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             THANKING STAFF

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I have a number of important topics to 
discuss this morning, but first and foremost, I want to personally 
thank everyone in this building who gave so much of their own time and 
energy to facilitate the rituals that filled this Capitol for the last 
several days.
  From the moment that news of President Bush's passing was made 
public, intricate plans were set in motion in both the House and Senate 
to arrange a public tribute worthy of a national treasure and a rare 
patriot like George Bush. Needless to say, the entire congressional 
family should be proud of the result.
  As our 41st President lay in state earlier this week, the Bush 
family, world leaders, and tens of thousands of Americans were welcomed 
to the Capitol to pay their respects. I know my colleagues will join me 
in thanking the

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great many people who helped make such a beautiful remembrance 
possible: to the staff of the Architect of the Capitol, all the offices 
under the Sergeant at Arms, the Secretary of the Senate and her team, 
and the Press Gallery; to the volunteers from my own staff and from 
other congressional offices who freely gave their time; to the staff of 
the Capitol Visitor Center who ensured that tens of thousands of people 
could share this experience; to the men and women of the Capitol Police 
who watch over us all; to the U.S. military, the envy of the world. 
Special thanks to Stef Muchow, my director of operations, who played 
such a tireless role in conducting this orchestra, going back through 
the entire weekend leading up to Monday, and to so many others who 
worked through the weekend and around the clock to help the legislative 
branch coordinate a dignified sendoff befitting this remarkable man 
whom we honor. I thank you, and the Nation thanks you.

                          ____________________