[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 160 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H4437]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RESIGNATION AS PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

  The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication:

                                         House of Representatives,


                                Office of the Parliamentarian,

                               Washington, DC, September 11, 2020.
       Dear Madam Speaker: I am writing to inform you of my 
     retirement as Parliamentarian of the House, effective 
     September 30, 2020. It has been a great honor to serve the 
     House for more than 25 years. I am especially grateful for 
     the privilege of working with a professional and inspiring 
     team of colleagues.
       In addition to the daily counsel provided in the chamber of 
     this august body, our office's role in assisting the 
     invaluable work of the House Democracy Partnership is a 
     source of particular pride. The contributions of the HDP to 
     legislative strengthening and democratic reform have made a 
     lasting impact across the globe. The support provided by 
     successive Speakers and the tireless work of Representative 
     Price and the other members of the HDP are manifested in the 
     remarkable strides witnessed in the now 21 partner countries.
       I have been humbled to be part of the office's tradition of 
     nonpartisan education and scholarship about the procedures 
     and history of this House--the body closest to the people in 
     our Federal government. From complying with the statutory 
     requirement to publish the parliamentary precedents to hours 
     spent in the Hall of the House with Members, students, and 
     visitors, the office has been steadfast in our commitment to 
     transparency in the ``People's House.'' This commitment is 
     the bedrock of our democratic tradition.
       Finally, I thank my wife and family for their love and 
     support during my tenure.
           Sincerely yours,
     Thomas J. Wickham, Jr.

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