[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H8499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING PATRICK O'DONNELL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Flood) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, during new Member orientation with 
the freshman class, which I now claim, we were addressed by the Clerk 
of the House of Representatives.
  She shared with us the history of her post and that, in 1789, the 
Clerk of the House of Representatives was named as the second officer 
following the Speaker of this storied institution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the great privilege today to rise and 
congratulate one of the Nation's longest-serving clerks of a State 
legislature in America's history.
  Just like yesterday, when we were impressed with the history of this 
institution, it goes without saying that institutions like this are 
sacred because of the work of the nonpartisan staff, the people who pay 
attention to the parliamentary procedure, the quiet ones that sit next 
to the loud ones, the clerks of the United States State legislatures 
and this body.
  Mr. Patrick O'Donnell lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, and he has had a 
distinguished career as clerk of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. 
In 1977, he became the assistant clerk. He became the clerk in 1978.

  Patrick has a record of defending the legislature as a unique 
institution in our United States. He believes in the process and has 
championed the vision of Nebraska voters when the voters changed to a 
unicameral back in 1937.
  As a former speaker of the Nebraska Unicameral, he taught me and 
hundreds of other legislators what a powerful and important role our 
branch of government should play in leading this Nation and our States.
  The Founders of this country envisioned the legislative branch as the 
most powerful branch of government. It was clear their intent was that 
the people directly elected in their districts should decide where the 
money is spent and the policies to be enforced.
  After 44 years on the job, Mr. Patrick O'Donnell is retiring now as 
the longest-serving clerk among his contemporaries in State 
legislatures across this Nation. Only a couple of past clerks have 
longer recorded tenures.
  It is my privilege and honor on this floor to recognize a clerk that 
has gone above and beyond for the people of his State and been a 
resource to clerks and legislators throughout the United States during 
his 44-year tenure.
  On behalf of the First District of Nebraska, congratulations and best 
wishes on your retirement, Mr. Clerk, Mr. Patrick O'Donnell of 
Nebraska.

                          ____________________