[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 153 (Friday, September 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E947-E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THANKING CHRISTOPHER MARTIN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 3, 2021

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my constituent 
Christopher Martin on

[[Page E948]]

his retirement this month after a career of more than thirty years as a 
distinguished Master Cabinet Maker for the U.S. House of 
Representatives. We depend so greatly on the talented carpentry staff 
to ensure that House offices are properly equipped to perform the 
people's work, and I want to thank all of those employees, like Chris, 
who are working hard to restore, maintain, and upgrade the furnishings 
of this historic building of more than two centuries.
  Chris aspired to be a woodworker from a young age, and he attended 
the St. Mary's County Technical Center, now called the Dr. James A. 
Forrest Career and Technology Center. After working on his family's 
tobacco farm and in several other jobs, including house-building, Chris 
applied for a job opening in the House cabinet shop. His father had 
worked for the Congress before serving in the U.S. military, and his 
mother, also previously in Congressional employment, drove him to the 
interview. Indeed, Chris grew up in a home steeped in public service 
and love of country.
  Impressing the manager with the breadth of his woodworking knowledge 
and his hands-on skills, Chris was hired on the spot, and he began 
serving as an Apprentice Cabinet Maker. He started out running service 
calls and soon advanced to the position of Journeyman. Chris honed his 
skills on the job under the tutelage of his former Managers--Art 
Baltrym, Peter Shipman, and Anthony Thompson--all distinguished 
furniture makers. One of his most memorable tasks included redesigning 
the furnishings in the historic office used by Rep. James Clyburn, now 
the Democratic Whip. This included constructing a custom desk, glass 
cabinets, and a matching credenza, all still in use today. The cabinet 
shop was often called to perform other tasks in the historic Hall of 
the House, and Chris and his co-workers spent many hours refurbishing 
the seats on the House Floor and installing safety measures to protect 
Members in the years after the 9/11 attacks. He also worked on the 
Floor of the House and on the Speaker's dais and podium.
  Chris has been the cabinet shop's Design Specialist for over ten 
years and has been responsible for designing every piece of constructed 
furniture during that time. He is considered an exceptionally valuable 
Master of the Trade. When reflecting on his achievements, Chris has 
cited countless committee-room renovations and his involvement in 
completing the equipment consoles on the daises in each of the House's 
committee rooms.
  Chris was here twenty years ago during the tragic 9/11 attacks and 
the evacuation of the Capitol complex. He was at work when an 
earthquake struck the District of Columbia, ten years ago, causing 
structural damage and cracks to the Capitol Building. Chris was also on 
campus during the fatal shootings of U.S. Capitol Police Detective John 
Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut on July 24, 1998, as well as, earlier 
this year, during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, when he and 
so many others had to shelter in place. Like so many others serving in 
House employment, Chris has been a firsthand witness to history and to 
the challenges and threats facing the Capitol and all who work here.
  During the COVID pandemic, Chris has taken a lead role in the shop. 
He has continued to demonstrate high standards with respect to building 
and design, and he has been assigning work, answering calls, attending 
meetings, and handling shop attendance during these trying times and 
while working to protect the health and safety of his co-workers. I 
continue to express my admiration for all of those, like Chris and his 
colleagues, who are working here during the pandemic to keep Congress 
operating and to help Members perform their jobs for the American 
people.
  Chris is retiring after an illustrious career in House employment, 
and I am told that he plans to spend more time pursuing his passions of 
fishing, hunting and drag racing while continuing to work part-time in 
electrical and woodworking. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in 
extending congratulations to Chris Martin for his many years of 
dedication, superb craftsmanship, and outstanding contributions to the 
U.S. House of Representatives, many of which we literally sit in today 
on this Floor. I join in wishing him a very enjoyable retirement and 
thank him for all of his hard work in service to this House and to our 
country.

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