[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 30, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3077]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO NICK SELIMOS

 Ms. LUMMIS. Mr. President, in 1948, President Harry Truman 
famously said, ``If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog'' There 
is a very clear exception to President Truman's saying. All of 
Washington, especially those of us who work on Capitol Hill, have a 
wonderful friend nearby. He is the manager at The Monocle, Nick 
Selimos, who has greeted guests at the famous establishment for 50 
years.
  Just steps from the Capitol, The Monocle had always been a fine 
establishment, but Nick's charming personality and steadfast commitment 
to hospitality turned it into the iconic pillar of Capitol Hill it is 
today. Since his first day in 1974, much has changed in Washington, on 
Capitol Hill, and even at The Monocle, but Nick has been the one 
constant.
  His friendly face has greeted members of Congress taking a break from 
debating major pieces of legislation, foreign dignitaries visiting from 
every corner of the globe, and everyday Americans stopping in for a 
bite to eat after some sightseeing in the Nation's Capital. No matter 
who walked through the doors of The Monocle, Nick made them feel like 
his personal guests and made a point to remember them the next time 
they stopped by.
  He has lent an ear, told a story, and laughed with more Members of 
Congress than even most congressional leaders. Nick Selimos might be 
the one man in Washington whose friendly countenance and kind spirit 
transcend partisan politics and is mutually beloved by all.
  Had President Truman known Nick Selimos, the President's famous 
saying might have been, ``Unless you dine at The Monocle and have the 
privilege of knowing Nick Selimos, if you want a friend in Washington, 
get a dog.''
  Let us all raise a glass and cheers to Nick's 50 years at The Monocle 
and his remarkable positive impact on this city and our 
country.

                          ____________________