[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        JOE NOVOTNY'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2021

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, this week marks the end of an era as 
Joe Novotny concludes a thirty-year career in the House, the last ten 
as our Reading Clerk.
  In a sense, it seems longer than ten years in that he assumed that 
role naturally with such quiet competence. He was unflappable in the 
midst of often frantic activity. He is the face of a critically 
important and complex set of activities that keeps the House 
legislative process moving forward. Even when it seems like we're not 
doing much, it takes a lot of people and a lot of moving pieces to make 
it look that way.
  It's almost as though he was born for this important role, having 
literally grown up in the House. He was a House page, a program that 
allowed for so many young people to see firsthand the legislative 
process Hill.
  Joe's rise through the ranks culminated with his decade as House 
Reading Clerk. He has steadily and thoughtfully performed his duties in 
exemplary fashion. He has been personally warm and helpful, being a 
perfect representation for the many men and women behind the scenes 
that hold his place together.
  I, along with thousands of C-SPAN junkies, will miss Joe, and we all 
wish him the very best in the next chapters of his career and life.

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