[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4443-H4444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BOB FISCHER

  (Mr. JEFFRIES asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Bob Fischer, a 
proud product of South Buffalo and the incredible manager of the 
Democratic Cloakroom, on his well-deserved retirement after almost four 
decades of serving the people's House.
  In 1987, Bob came to Congress not knowing how long he would stay or 
what kind of mark he would leave on this institution. But the Lord 
works in mysterious ways, and we are here today as Members of Congress 
to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for his distinguished 
contributions and dedication to this institution, the people's House, 
for nearly four decades.
  In fact, after almost four decades of service here in the people's 
House, it is clear to me that other than his family, the only entity 
that Bob loves more than the House of Representatives is the Buffalo 
Bills, who, in fact, are playing tonight.
  The work that we do as Members of Congress exists in the public 
domain, but the American people don't often get to see folks like Bob 
who keep this place running and who support the hundreds of 
Representatives and our staff with whatever we need.
  Whether providing updates to our offices, wrangling Members to make 
sure we are present for votes, or sharing information in real time, we 
can't do our jobs on behalf of the people without the Cloakroom. Bob 
has been the one who has kept the Cloakroom humming, with a steady 
hand, patience, expertise, professionalism, and heart and soul.
  Even through the terror and chaos of January 6, Bob was a calm and 
comforting presence, bravely helping to ensure that Members of Congress 
were safely evacuated off the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Bob for his courage and his heroism on that 
fateful day.
  Bob is one of the unsung heroes of the United States Congress, so it 
is especially fitting that he shares a name with one of the greatest 
unsung heroes in NBA history, Robert Horry, who was known as Big Shot 
Bob.
  Robert Horry was not a flashy player, but he was someone who played 
the game the right way and had an uncanny ability to make the right 
plays at the right moment, including in the NBA championships when all 
was on the line.
  He never made an All-Star game, never was elevated along with folks 
like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, or LeBron James. What is 
interesting is that Michael Jordan had six championships, Magic Johnson 
had five championships, LeBron James had four championships, but Robert 
Horry had seven, more than any of them, because he was always at the 
right place, at the right time, with the right moves, the glue that 
made these teams into champions.
  Mr. Speaker, that is what Bob has done for the House Democratic 
Caucus. He made the right play at the right time to ensure that the 
team delivered results for the American people.
  I know I speak for all of us as members of the House Democratic 
Caucus when I say that Big Shot Bob Fischer will be missed by all of 
us.
  Bob's family is here with us, including his wife, Julie; children, 
Christy and Emily; and parents, Robert and Kathy. We thank them for 
sharing their husband, their dad, and their son with us for the last 39 
years. We congratulate Bob on a well-deserved retirement.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), 
our great Speaker Emerita.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the leader in gratitude 
to Bob Fischer for decades of service to the Congress, many of them 
decades I was Speaker or leader. I know firsthand how indebted we are 
to him.
  I join the distinguished leader in saluting Bob's family and thanking 
them, as he did, for sharing Bob with us.
  As all of our staff who are here know, we never know when it is going 
to be a late night or an additional Saturday or whatever day. We thank 
them so much for sharing him.
  Mr. Speaker, today, we celebrate and thank Bob Fischer for his 
extraordinary service to the House of Representatives, especially the 
House Democratic Cloakroom, where he has been a trusted presence for 
decades. My colleagues know that.
  Bob's journey began with a leap of faith. After a spur-of-the-moment 
decision over lunch in 1987, he followed in the footsteps of his 
hometown mentor, Doorkeeper Jim Malloy. That is a legendary name here 
for those of us who have been here a long time.
  Bob found his way to Washington. It was supposed to be a short stay. 
Over time, Washington became home, and Bob became a fixture on Capitol 
Hill.
  Bob joined the Cloakroom staff in 1993. Through consistency, 
commitment, and professionalism, he earned the confidence of Members, 
staff, and colleagues.
  In the years since, he has been a trusted adviser, problem-solver, 
and calm presence during intense moments. He has been a resource for 
countless Members who rely on him. He was a valued part of my 
leadership team and now the distinguished leader's, soon-to-be 
Speaker's, leadership team, as well.
  Bob's work in the Cloakroom has gone far beyond logistical support. 
He

[[Page H4444]]

built relationships. He built trust. He built continuity in an 
institution that is ever changing. As former Buffalo Representative 
Brian Higgins, who preceded Tim Kennedy, has said, he became the go-to 
guy.
  Most importantly, as his colleagues know well, Bob did it all with 
grace, professionalism, and good humor, whether he was explaining floor 
procedures, helping Members navigate the often complex legislative day, 
or flipping on the TV to the Buffalo Sabres games.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob's departure now is bittersweet for us. We are sad to 
see him go, but we are deeply grateful for what he contributed and for 
the legacy he leaves behind. Bob has always sustained not just the 
function of the House but the spirit of service that undergirds it.
  As we honor Bob, let that be a message to all the staff who serve us 
that we appreciate what they do for the American people and for our 
democracy. We thank them all.
  Bob has made the Cloakroom in this House a better place. He has done 
it quietly, responsibly, and without fanfare. That kind of service is 
often invisible, but it is indispensable. Bob has strengthened the very 
fabric of the House.
  Today, as we wish him well, we honor not only his work but the spirit 
of loyalty and friendship he brought here.
  Before I end by congratulating Bob, I acknowledge Congressman Tim 
Kennedy for what he did in honor of Bob Fischer's name. He had Densmore 
Street in Buffalo, New York, named ``Bob Fischer Way.''
  Mr. Speaker, we congratulate Bob. We thank him. We wish him the very 
best in whatever comes next. We want him to know he will be very 
missed. I ask him to please not be a stranger to us.
  Let us all be grateful for the legacy and the leadership of Bob 
Fischer.

                          ____________________