[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S242-S244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING BARBARA A. O'MALLEY

  Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, today I rise to pay tribute to Barbara 
A. O'Malley, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, 
dedicated public servant, and a veritable institution here in the U.S. 
Senate. She passed away last month at the age of 93.
  Barbara Ann Suelzer, the daughter of Joseph and Martha Dix Suelzer, 
was born in 1928 and raised in Fort Wayne, IN. As a young woman, she 
was determined to learn how to fly. She obtained her pilot's license 
when she was 18, using $100 she received for graduating from high 
school to pay for the lessons, and later joined the Civil Air Patrol. 
She was also passionate about politics and especially about being a 
proud Democrat. She went to Washington to work for her local 
Congressman and met her future husband, Thomas Martin O'Malley, at the 
Young Democrats headquarters; they were married in 1954.
  Over the next 30 years, Barbara O'Malley raised six children--one of 
whom, Martin J. O'Malley, became Governor of Maryland. She was a 
devoted mother, grandmother to 15 grandchildren, and great-grandmother 
to 8 great-grandchildren.
  In 1986, with her children grown, Barbara O'Malley returned to 
Capitol Hill to work as a receptionist for another Barbara--Barbara 
Mikulski--who was elected to the Senate that year. She was ecstatic to 
work for a female Senator. At the time, there were just two female 
Senators: Senator Mikulski and Senator Nancy Kassebaum from Kansas. 
Barbara O'Malley stayed in the Senate for as long as Senator Mikulski 
did--30 years. During that time, she made the Mikulski staff, 
constituents, other Senators and their staff, and everyone else who 
visited the Mikulski office an extension of the O'Malley family. 
Everyone who knew her felt that bond.
  Mrs. O, as everyone affectionately called her, had an unwavering 
cheerfulness, a graciousness, and an uplifting spirit that made her one 
of the most admired figures on Capitol Hill and around Maryland. I 
always looked forward to seeing her when I would visit Senator 
Mikulski's office, which was located just around the corner from my own 
office. Everyone who knew her treasured her political acumen and 
institutional knowledge, not just of history and politics and Congress 
but of the very buildings themselves here on Capitol Hill. Her genuine 
devotion to public service reflected her strong values and character, 
which her own children have carried on in their own careers and in 
service to our State of Maryland and to all Americans. Her legacy will 
live on in the hearts of those she loved, befriended, inspired, 
counseled, and mentored.
  Mrs. O set so many fine examples for her family and everyone 
fortunate enough to know her. I work on retirement issues, and one 
thing experts recommend is for people to keep working if they enjoy 
their work and are able to continue meeting whatever challenges it 
presents. After Mrs. O spent 30 years raising her family, she returned 
to the workforce at an age when many people are retiring or close to 
retiring, and then she worked for 30 years, until she was 88. Mrs. O 
was a remarkable woman who gave enormously of herself. Myrna and I join 
the O'Malley family, Senator Mikulski and her staff, and so many other 
here in the Senate and across our State, in mourning the death of this 
wonderful woman, but more importantly, we celebrate and give thanks for 
her extraordinary life.
  As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ``To laugh often and much; to win the 
respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to 
earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of 
false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to 
leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden 
patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has 
breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.'' At 
home with her family, in her community, and here in the U.S. Senate, 
Mrs. O certainly succeeded.
  Mr. President, I am not the only person who would like to pay tribute 
to Mrs. O. Senator Mikulski, who served in the Halls of Congress for 40 
years--30 years in this body and 10 years in the House of 
Representatives--has provided a tribute. She is not only the longest 
serving woman in all of Congress but also the first Democratic woman 
elected to the U.S. Senate in her own right, the first woman to chair 
the Senate Appropriations Committee, an inductee into the National 
Women's Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of 
Freedom award from President Barack Obama. As we remember Mrs. Barbara 
O'Malley, this great public servant and longtime staffer to Senator 
Mikulski, I thought it would be appropriate to share Senator Mikulski's 
heartfelt tribute. I also have tributes from former Majority Leader 
Harry Reid; Senator Mikulski's chief of staff, Dr. Shannon Kula; the 
Acting Administrator of the National Aeronautics & Space 
Administration, Steve Jurczyk; and a statement from the Civil Air 
Patrol. I ask unanimous consent that these statements be printed in the 
Record following my remarks.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

 Statement of Senator Barbara A. Mikulski on the Passing of Barbara A. 
                                O'Malley

       For over 30 years I have had the good fortune to know one 
     of our state's greatest treasures, Barbara A. O'Malley, and 
     her passing on January 6, 2021 has left a hole in our hearts 
     the depths of the ocean wide.
       Barbara Ann Suelzer, the daughter of Joseph and Martha Dix 
     Suelzer, was born in 1928 and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 
     where she graduated from Central Catholic High School. During 
     World War II and while still in high school, she joined the 
     Civil Air Patrol, Group 523, earned her private pilot 
     certificate in 1946, and then remarkably went on to work in 
     the office of Flying Service.
       Shortly thereafter, Barbara Suelzer went to Washington, DC 
     to work for Rep. Edward Kruse and then a few years later, 
     while a committee woman at the Young Democrats, she met a 
     young Georgetown University Law School student, Thomas Martin 
     O'Malley. Their love of politics grew into a love for one 
     another and they were married in 1954. Together, they made a 
     home in Rockville, Maryland and raised six wonderful 
     children--four sons: Patrick, Peter, Paul and Martin 
     O'Malley, as well as two daughters, Bridget (O'Malley) Hunter 
     and Eileen (O'Malley) Schempp.
       To my amazing good fortune, her son, Martin O'Malley, 
     became my 1986 campaign field director and later he went on 
     to become Mayor of Baltimore City, Governor for the State of 
     Maryland, and even a democratic Presidential candidate. But 
     one of the greatest things Governor O'Malley did for me apart 
     from his own service, was that he recommended his mother 
     apply for the receptionist job in my new Senate office 
     starting in January 1987. It was my distinct pleasure to have 
     her on my staff until my retirement in January 2017.
       For all who knew her, Mrs. O, greeted every constituent 
     with kindness, care and consideration in what was after all, 
     the people's house. She had a great love of history, and she 
     knew the history of the Capitol. She knew every nook and 
     cranny, even the basement, and when school groups came to the 
     Capitol, it was Mrs. O who led the tour. She also developed 
     relationships with other staffers and loved playing poker--
     and became a legend for her skill at the game--especially 
     with other senators. Indeed, her love of flying combined with 
     her passion for history, inspired her volunteer work as a 
     docent for the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum for many years. 
     In 2016, Mrs. O was formally recognized by the U.S. Civil Air 
     Patrol during their 75th Anniversary Gala and received a 
     replica of CAP's 2014 Congressional Gold Medal for her 
     service during World War II.
       I, along with my entire office, counted on Mrs. O over the 
     course of 30 years. She was honest, kind, and looked out for 
     one and all. Her life was rooted deep in her Catholic faith 
     and together, we served the people of Maryland and this great 
     nation. My deepest condolences go out to the entire O'Malley 
     family and to her extended Mikulski staff family

[[Page S243]]

     who also feel her loss. May she rest in peace with her 
     beloved husband Thomas Martin.
                                  ____


 Statement of Senator Harry Reid on the Passing of Barbara A. O'Malley

       Barbara O'Malley was beloved on the Hill. Mrs. O had an 
     amazing love of politics, history, and the Capitol. She lived 
     an admirable life. She earned her private pilot's license as 
     a teenager and later served as Civil Air Patrol in World War 
     II. She worked on presidential campaigns and in public 
     service, working for decades in the United States Senate. She 
     was admired on both sides of the aisle. Mrs. O will be dearly 
     missed by all those privileged to have known her.
                                  ____


 Statement of Dr. Shannon Kula, Former Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator 
       Barbara A. Mikulski, on the Passing of Barbara A. O'Malley

       Barbara O'Malley, warmly known as ``Mrs. O,'' was our 
     source of joy and someone we counted on as always and was a 
     fierce defender of all of us as the BAMMER family. Every day 
     and in every way, Mrs. O was our rock. We counted on her 
     whether it was training new staffers, welcoming thousands of 
     visitors during inaugurations, sit-ins, war protests, or, 
     speaking with thousands of constituents on every policy and 
     political issue you could think of, day in and day out. Then, 
     just as she promised them, reporting to the Senator exactly 
     what they were saying. Every person counted and she took her 
     job seriously. She got us through the dark days of 9/11, 
     anthrax and ricin attacks. She helped us celebrate victories 
     whether it was successfully fighting for seniors who were due 
     their social security benefits, the passage of important 
     legislation on the Senate floor, or ushering in the holidays 
     with her famous homemade treats. We loved her resident 
     celebrity status too from legendary Senator poker games to 
     her visit with Tony Bennett. Everyone knew and loved Mrs. O!
       She looked out for staff in more ways than I can count. For 
     me, I started my days around 7:30 a.m. and it was a toss-up 
     whether she or I unlocked the doors each morning. In those 
     quiet moments, we'd catch up before the day began and the 
     rest of the staff arrived. Usually, she'd proudly share the 
     latest pictures of her children, grandchildren or great 
     grandchildren. Sometimes we'd then go to 8 a.m. mass together 
     at St. Joseph's across the street. She'd look after all the 
     office plants and helped me learn to grow mine--even reviving 
     the ones I thought were clearly long dead. Most days, I would 
     be running around the Capitol, the Senate floor, meeting 
     after meeting and couldn't get to my desk until 4pm-ish and 
     still had at least five or six hours of work ahead. But as I 
     began to dig out, and was hungry from not having lunch yet, I 
     would find a special Mrs. O tin of goodies waiting for me 
     along with a sweet reminder note that was her mantra: ``Keep 
     your eye upon the donut and not upon the hole.'' Her brownies 
     and Spritz cookies were favorites. We couldn't be more 
     grateful to have known her, worked alongside her, and to have 
     had her in our corner.
       Mrs. O embodied exactly what I believe the suffragettes 
     fought for 100 years ago. She not only did all that they 
     hoped for and more, but then reached back to bring more women 
     along with her toward this journey of a more perfect union. 
     She was bold, feared nothing and no one, a trailblazer who 
     literally learned to fly, raised and cherished a beautiful 
     family, had an incredible decades-long career in Congress, 
     followed her faith, never said an unkind word, and was 
     thoughtful and generous to everyone.
       I know this former pilot now rides on eagle's wings and 
     that is a comfort . . . but I, and so many, feel the hole, 
     despite the donut. Mrs. O will be greatly missed but 
     treasured in our memories always.
                                  ____


Statement of Steve Jurczyk, Acting Administrator, National Aeronautics 
    and Space Administration, on the Passing of Barbara A. O'Malley

       The National Aeronautics and Space Administration fondly 
     remembers Mrs. Barbara A. O'Malley, who was the first face 
     and voice encountered by 10 NASA Administrators and scores of 
     NASA staff in visiting or calling Senator Barbara A. Mikulski 
     for 30 years. Mrs. O'Malley is an honorary employee of NASA, 
     given her myriad interactions with Agency employees, her 
     close attention to Agency milestones and activities, and her 
     personal assistance in NASA interaction with the Committee on 
     Appropriations and Chairwoman Mikulski. Mrs. O'Malley greeted 
     dozens of NASA astronauts visiting Senator Mikulski and 
     attended all manner of NASA events--including commemorations 
     at the National Air and Space Museum, concerts at the Kennedy 
     Center for the Performing Arts, and launches at the NASA 
     Kennedy Space Center and Wallops Flight Facility. Mrs. 
     O'Malley is remembered for her wit, sparkling eyes, and ready 
     smile.
       NASA's condolences are extended to the O'Malley family and 
     extended Mikulski staff family.
                                  ____


Statement of the Civil Air Patrol on the Passing of Barbara A. O'Malley

       Civil Air Patrol (CAP) mourns the loss of one of its 
     original members from World War II, Mrs. Barbara Suelzer 
     O'Malley, of Timonium, Maryland. She joined CAP in 1943 as a 
     cadet while attending high school in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 
     stayed passionately involved with CAP throughout her life. 
     She earned her private pilot certificate as a teenager and 
     was a long-time aviation and space enthusiast. She loved 
     working with young people interested in aviation, 
     particularly CAP cadets and she later served as a docent with 
     the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. All this was 
     in addition to her exceptional and long career in politics.
       On December 1, 2016, during CAP's 75th Anniversary Gala at 
     the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Mrs. O'Malley 
     was presented with a replica Congressional Gold Medal (CGM). 
     She was one of only two to be so honored that evening. 
     Presenting the award was retired Senator Tom Harkin and CAP's 
     National Commander, Major General Joseph Vazquez. In the 
     audience was the Secretary of the Air Force, the Honorable 
     Deborah Lee James, among numerous other VIPs. The CGM was 
     given to CAP in 2014 for the unusual and heroic service of 
     its volunteers during World War II.
       Civil Air Patrol is truly grateful for Mrs. O'Malley's 
     dedication and service to CAP and our nation over her long 
     life.

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, I rise to honor Mrs. Barbara Ann 
O'Malley, who passed away last month at the age of 93 after a long life 
guided by kindness, strength, grace, and humility. Mrs. O'Malley--
affectionately known as Mrs. O to both Hill staffers and Members 
alike--served Maryland for 30 years in the office of former Senator 
Barbara Mikulski. The indelible mark she has left on our State and on 
Capitol Hill will endure for generations.
  Barbara Ann O'Malley was born a pioneer. In her youth, she hungered 
to fly and earned a pilot's license at the age of 16 on her own 
initiative. But it was in the arena of public service where she would 
soar. Inspired by her father's service as chair of the county 
Democratic Party where she grew up, Barbara started volunteering for 
political campaigns when she was still too young to vote. Her passion 
for public service brought her from Indiana to Washington, where she 
worked for Democratic Congressman Edward Kruse and later became the 
national committeewoman for the Young Democrats. And as a mother, 
Barbara O'Malley raised her three children on the value of serving 
others. Her son Martin grew up to be the mayor of Baltimore, Governor 
of Maryland, and a candidate for President of the United States.
  After her boys left home, Mrs. O'Malley turned to raising a new 
family on Capitol Hill. She spread kindness, collegiality, and 
community from the front desk of Senator Mikulski's office for three 
decades. She was notorious for dropping off treats at coworker's desks 
throughout the day, shuttling baked goods back-and-forth from the so-
called BAMtry, a cache of snacks that kept the staff running. And she 
gave moral nourishment to the team by sharing advice cultivated through 
years in politics. Legions of Hill staffers, from new hires to chiefs 
of staff, turned to her for counsel. But it wasn't just staff. Senator 
Mikulski likes to say that Mrs. O gave her the ``first briefing of the 
day'' when she walked into work. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Arlen 
Specter could often be spotted circling her desk just before heading to 
the Senate floor. And when I served in the House of Representatives, 
Mrs. O'Malley was always the first to warmly greet me on my way in to 
see Senator Mikulski, and I always relished the moment.
  If flying was her first love, then history was her second. She knew 
every fact, detail, and anecdote about the U.S. Senate, and for years, 
Barbara O'Malley's Capitol Hill tours were the hottest tickets in town. 
She guided Marylanders of all ages and interests through the halls of 
American democracy with trademark wit--never compromising between her 
reverence for the Senate and her taste for a good joke. At the front 
desk, she was known as the office historian, collecting the stories of 
constituents who passed through and maintaining a long catalogue of 
staff directories that she held onto throughout her life. She forged 
deep friendships and kept up with colleagues even after they left the 
office.
  That was Barbara O'Malley's gift. She saw the multitudes that live in 
all of us and treated each person who crossed her path like they were 
the first and last thing in the world. That talent for compassion made 
her the soul of the Senate for 30 years and makes this loss all the 
more painful for me and for my State. But though she has passed, her 
spirit survives. Barbara O'Malley's legacy lives on in the generations 
of Hill staffers, students, and

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public servants whom she taught and trained and who now serve 
throughout Washington and across the country.

                          ____________________