[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H5869-H5870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         RECOGNIZING PERSONNEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, many of us know that the House could not 
function without the professional nonpartisan personnel who ensure that 
we can do our job. We do at times as an institution pause and thank 
them, but now it is time for me to do it personally. I thank them for 
their commitment, dedication, and their hard work.
  It would be difficult to start without mentioning the Capitol Police. 
They are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Since 
my time here, some have fallen in the line of duty, others injured 
protecting those placed in their care. These are only the events that I 
know. I can only imagine the stories that they could tell. Thank you.
  I owe thanks to the Office of the Attending Physician. This concierge 
service helps us stay healthy and keeps us informed on how this job 
affects our health. There have been many times when I have watched them 
scramble to attend to the health needs of a Member or one of our 
visitors.
  In the Army we are fond of saying the Army moves on its stomach. So 
does the House of Representatives. We and our guests can find food in 
numerous locations. This morning, I picked up my breakfast right here 
in the basement of the Capitol. Lunch, who knows, but I do not fret 
that I will not be able to find something.
  When we depart for the day, the cleaning crew comes in. They are long 
gone by the time most of us arrive the next day.
  Mail and newspapers are dropped off by couriers. Lightbulbs are 
replaced. Pictures are hung up and, in my case, taken down. Photos are 
taken of us and our guests in major events.
  Audiovisual connectivity for Chamber and Committee activities, so the 
public can observe our deliberations, is ensured. And, again, as I 
observe this morning, the electronic voting system was turned on and 
checked.

[[Page H5870]]

  The recorder takes down every word, sometimes in the heat of a 
rhetorical exchange, which eventually helps the Chamber sort out the 
claims, reconcile them, and return to business.
  I also want to point out the friendly faces and voices from the 
Office of the Clerk of the House. Many of them are right in front of 
me, Mr. Speaker. These nonpartisan employees record, file, keep in 
order, track time, and help the Speaker or Speaker pro tempore identify 
Members and call on them.

  The wizard of the House is the Parliamentarian and his staff. I have 
known four over my career. They are the keeper of the Jeffersonian 
rules and precedents. Any Member who is smart and up to some trickery 
best run their idea by the Parliamentarian. They will not only provide 
great counsel, but will keep the discussion confidential.
  My thanks go to the Office of Member Services. They processed me in 
and are now processing me out. They are our office of human resources 
and, as with everything, as time passes, so do your needs. I have 
checked with them often over the years, and that has helped prepare for 
my departure.
  Also assisting me is the Office of House Ethics. The last thing I 
want to do is screw something up as I walk out the door. They, too, are 
24/7 and only a phone call away.
  Any time you create a list, you risk forgetting someone or some 
office. If I have done so, please forgive me. It has been a great ride, 
and the nonpartisan professional staff who cover the everyday 
activities deserve my thanks and, with that, I thank you.

                          ____________________