[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 170 (Wednesday, September 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1044]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THANKING MR. BOBBY SMALL FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 2021

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, for his retirement in September 2021, I 
rise today to thank Bobby Small for over 47 years of outstanding 
service to the House of Representatives.
  Bobby grew up in the District of Columbia, where he was enrolled in 
an experimental program at School Without Walls. Following graduation, 
he worked in construction for J. W. Bates & Son. It was through family 
members that he heard of an opportunity to work in Congress. He was 
hired by Ed Kelleher, and began work with the Labor Force, which 
eventually became the Logistics Group. Initially, the Clerk of the 
House oversaw this work, but when the Chief Administrative Officer 
(CAO) was established, he began working for the CAO. Bobby's hands-on 
approach and rapport with the staff led to an Assistant Supervisor 
position. He would eventually become the Supervisor and will retire in 
a Manager's position with Logistics & Support, supervising up to 20 
employees.
  Some of his former bosses include Cosmo Quattrone, Jerry Bennett and 
Walt Edwards, to mention a few. Bobby remarked that these were some of 
his favorite bosses and credited Cosmo and Jerry for grooming him and 
helping him to navigate the Logistics world. He remarked that they 
always gave good advice, treated him fairly and mentored him.
  Given his long House career, Mr. Small has witnessed and been 
involved in many events, notably his contribution during the October 
17, 2001 ``Response Project'' related to the anthrax attack. All 
Members, committees and staff were able to be relocated to an alternate 
location, and Mr. Small and his team were among those responsible for 
all logistical aspects of this project. He and his team were commended 
for making it possible to ensure that everyone remained safe and that 
the legislative business of the House of Representatives continued 
uninterrupted.
  Another big project that Bobby was involved with is the ongoing 
Cannon Renewal Project, which began in 2013. It is a 12-year project 
that he and the Logistics staff work on daily. While the oversight for 
this project remains with the Architect of the Capitol and the CAO 
Office Design and Move Services department, the Logistics group has an 
integral part to play in this multi-year renovation, moving and 
relocating furniture between offices.
  After such a long career, Bobby has collected many fond memories of 
his time in Congress. Chief among them is meeting the Tuskegee Airmen 
when they were honored in the Rayburn Committee Room. He has said that 
the meeting with the late Representative John Lewis was one of the 
highlights of his career, noting what an impressive man he was and how 
moving it was seeing the Memory Wall in John Lewis's office showing the 
history of the Civil Rights Movement.
  Years ago, Bobby met with a congressman from Cleveland, Ohio to 
discuss discrimination in Congress, making a case about diversity and 
highlighting a lack of opportunity in Congress. Bobby believes that 
following his meeting with the congressman, measures were taken to 
improve the House environment for diversity and inclusivity.
  The list of people he has worked with is long and distinguished--too 
many to mention. He has known some of his coworkers for many years, 
including, Lewis Maiden for over 40 years, Kevin Allison for 35-plus 
years and Steven Janifer, recently retired, who he supervised and knew 
over his entire work career.
  I have met Bobby on several occasions.
  Bobby has lots of hobbies, including fishing, hunting and watching 
sports. He is known to have a bit of a green thumb, raising fruits and 
vegetables, an activity he shared with his dad on an acre of land. In 
retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife 
and children and continuing to take occasional trips to the Caribbean, 
Hawaii and Hilton Head, South Carolina. When not traveling, he hopes to 
get involved in more volunteer work.
  On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to 
Bobby Small for his many years of dedication and outstanding 
contributions to the House of Representatives. We wish him many 
wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

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