[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15554-15558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TIM FRIEDMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, the subject of my Special Order is Tim 
Friedman, who as many of you know is the assistant manager of the House 
Democratic Cloakroom.
  I don't know where to begin. I don't know what I am going to do 
without Tim being here. I think this is his last week and he is 
retiring after so many years in the Cloakroom. But just to give you an 
idea of some of the things that I don't know who is going to do these 
things for me anymore: usually I bring my cell phone on the floor. And 
he has to remind me that I am not allowed to have a cell phone on the 
floor, so I have to put it in the back and leave it there. And I tell 
him he doesn't have to answer it, but he usually answers it.
  A lot of times late at night when we are doing Special Orders, those 
of you who know that basically the food area in the back is closed, so 
I have to ask him to open up the refrigerator and I leave a dollar in 
the refrigerator and he gets me a Coke.
  My beeper breaks down on a regular basis, and I have to leave it for 
Tim to fix. Half the time it is not even broken, but he doesn't want to 
tell me that I don't realize it is not broken so he just says, Oh, 
yeah, I fixed it, even though it probably wasn't broken from the 
beginning.
  Let me see what else. I have made a list here. When we doze off in 
the Cloakroom, that is big. Many of us, as you know, are here late at 
night or even during the day. If we are tired, we lie down on the 
couch, and he has to come around and gently nudge us to make sure that 
we don't miss a vote. I don't know, the list goes on and on. I don't 
even know where to begin.
  Oh, my yellow pads. I always carry yellow pads and I use my blue 
marker to cross things out. And a lot of times I leave them on the 
seat, and then I will go back to my office and Tim will call me up and 
say, Oh, Frank, you left your yellow pad. Come on down here and get it. 
He is going to save it for me. So the list goes on.
  The other thing is we have this triumvirate, or three people, who are 
the managers here that, as far as I know, they have been here for as 
long as I can remember, and that is Tim, Bob, and Barry. And I cannot 
imagine what it is going to be like when we are missing one of them. So 
it is not only Tim, but it is the fact that this triumvirate is going 
to be gone or is going to be broken up, and I can't imagine who is 
going to replace Tim because I always think of them as the three people 
that I can always rely on. But the list goes on.
  Have you ever noticed that Tim brings that green book, he brought it 
down here today, that green book which we have to sign in, I guess, for 
Special Orders. It goes back I don't know how many years. I mean, that 
thing probably belongs in the Smithsonian Institution. It goes back 30, 
40 years. Who keeps it, who gets that green book once you leave? I 
guess it will have to be either Barry or Bob. Then the list goes on.
  Let me say, Tim has an incredible sense of humor. Not only the Clerks 
and the people that work behind us, but he as well as the other 
managers have to stay late at night when we do Special Orders. And I 
think you know that the Democrats are determined to fill every last 
hour of Special Orders, and so he or Bob or Barry has to stay here very 
late, usually until midnight because that is when they are cut off. And 
I always come in and kid him and say, Are you working tonight? And I 
tell him, Well, maybe I won't do the Special Order. And he says, Oh, 
no, you can do it, you can do it. He doesn't really mean it. He hopes I 
go home, but he tolerates us anyway. And he has a tremendous sense of 
humor and makes us laugh, which is so important, particularly with all 
the problems that you have around this place. Having somebody with a 
great sense of humor is really important, needless to say.
  My staff think that Tim is more important than them. I mean, that is 
what they will constantly tell me, because I call here all the time, 
not only every day, not only every hour, but sometimes every five 
minutes to see what is going on, and he never says, Why are you 
calling? He is never grumpy. He is always like, Mr. Pallone, you 
called. And he gives me an update on what is going on, and he never 
makes me feel like I shouldn't call again, even though I probably 
shouldn't.
  So I could go on forever, Tim, but I just want to thank you for all 
you have done not only on behalf of myself and not only on behalf of 
the Democratic Members, but on behalf of all Members. I know others 
told me that they want to enter statements in the Record, so that is 
why I asked unanimous consent that the Record be kept open. You 
certainly deserve your retirement. I can't believe you are retiring. 
You don't look old enough to retire, but I know you are going to enjoy 
your retirement.
  Let me say a little bit of his history, if I could. He is a native of 
Lackawanna, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. He arrived in Washington in 
1976 and started his career in the House in July 1976 under the 
patronage of Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. He worked as a doorkeeper 
under the Honorable James T. Molloy from 1976 to 1982. In 1982, he 
transferred to the Office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as 
an assistant to Jack Russ, and Tim was appointed as assistant manager 
of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985, before I got here, by then 
Speaker Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the House.
  Tim married, he actually got married a few years ago to Colleen Early 
in 2003, probably one of the reasons he wants to retire, so he could 
spend more time with his wife. And they are avid golfers. They are 
building a home in Wallace, North Carolina. I know he can't wait to 
enjoy his retirement, but we will sorely miss you and I personally 
will, for sure.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, on July 19th of this year, Tim Friedman 
achieved a milestone that Members ever reach: 30 years of service in 
the United States House of Representatives.
  Since he first arrived in Washington in 1976, Tim has been a denizen 
of the House. In his first position, as Doorkeeper, he worked to keep 
the House floor and its Members secure. He also served the House 
Sergeant at Arms, until his formidable talents were recognized by Tip 
O'Neill in 1985, and he was appointed Assistant Manager of the House 
Democratic Cloakroom in 1985.
  Tim Friedman has become part of the history of this institution: he 
was the last ever Democratic pair clerk--a position that was 
discontinued in 1995. He has served under five Speakers--and spent 19 
years in the majority and nearly 12 years in the loyal opposition.
  Tim has seen many Members come and ago, and been both a colleague and 
friend to all. His skills in the cloakroom are only matched by his 
skills on the golf course: I know that members of my caucus will be 
particularly relieved that because of his retirement, Tim will not be 
competing in any more House golf tournaments.
  But he will have time to hone his game; Tim is retiring to Wallace, 
North Carolina, where he will live on a 36-hole golf course.
  As we salute Tim, we must also recognize his wife Colleen. Colleen is 
also part of the House of Representatives family--she is the daughter 
of Congressman Joe Early. As we all know, it is hard to balance a job 
here with a life at home, and today as we salute Tim for his 
dedication, we are appreciative of the sacrifice Colleen has made.

[[Page 15555]]

  Upon his retirement, George Washington said, ``I am once more seated 
under my own vine and fig tree . . . and hope to spend the remainder of 
my days in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits yield to the 
more rational amusement of cultivating the earth.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to wish Tim Friedman and Colleen a 
similarly peaceful retirement.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tim Friedman, 
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom, on his retirement 
after 30 years of illustrious service to the United States House of 
Representatives.
  Tim's career has been a long and distinguished one marked by 
outstanding accomplishments and the well-deserved esteem of Members of 
Congress on both sides of the aisle. I am pleased to join with my 
colleagues in wishing Tim and his wife Colleen many happy years of 
fulfillment and rewards in their new pursuits.
  I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Tim for all of his 
kindness, assistance and support during my tenure in Congress, along 
with my warmest personal regards. He will certainly be missed.
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the 
life and work of an outstanding individual whom I feel fortunate to 
have known for the last 9 years, Mr. Tim Friedman. He is being 
recognized on Tuesday, July 25, 2006, on the occasion of his retirement 
after 30 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Tim is originally from Lackawanna, NY, and began his career in the 
U.S. House of Representatives in 1976. He started as a Doorkeeper and 
in 1985 he was appointed Assistant Manager of the House Democratic 
Cloakroom by then Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill.
  My fellow Democratic colleagues and I agree that he has served us 
extraordinarily well for the past 21 years in the Democratic Cloakroom. 
Tim always made sure that I knew what legislative business was on the 
schedule for the day, and was a great person to converse with in 
between votes. But more importantly, Tim and I share a special bond as 
fans of the greatest baseball team in history, the New York Yankees. I 
will truly miss our bantering back and forth with Red Sox fans Mr. 
Capuano and Tim's co-worker Barry Fisher. I know Tim will be missed by 
all of my Democratic colleagues, even Mr. Capuano, whom he regularly 
bested in important baseball debates.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to extend my best wishes to 
a dedicated public servant. May he enjoy a very well-deserved 
retirement. Tim, you will be missed.
  Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a person 
who has been a fixture of this institution for more than 30 years and 
who has been a mainstay of our Democratic Cloakroom, and indeed, our 
Democratic Party. I have always said that Members of Congress are only 
as good as the staff that helps us because they are the ones who make 
this Chamber run.
  Tim Friedman is one of those few people who works behind the scenes 
to make sure we do our job properly, that floor operations run smoothly 
and our personal staffs are kept abreast of current legislative 
activity and the legislative schedule. We thank Tim for making our jobs 
easier and for being a trusted resource for Members and our offices.
  Tim is from Lackawanna, NY, just outside of Buffalo. He is part of 
that group known as the ``Buffalo Gang,'' the leader of whom is our own 
former Doorkeeper of the House, Jim Molloy. In 1976, Tim came to 
Washington and started to work for then-Representative Dan 
Rostenkowski. Tim's first days on the job were not promising. His first 
2 assignments were to drive the Illinois Congressman to different 
events in Washington, and he got lost both times. After awhile, he 
learned how to get around the city, and ever since, he has been 
steering Members on the right course. Members have taken Tim's advice 
on when to schedule their return home following legislative business, 
when to take dinner breaks during late night sessions, and basically 
how to plan their lives around the activity on the floor.
  It is with mixed feelings that I pay tribute to Tim. I am saddened by 
the fact we are losing his institutional knowledge, wizened guidance, 
and a beloved friend. At the same time, I am happy for him as he and 
his wife Colleen tee-off on a second career in their new home of 
Wallace, NC. All of us on both sides of the aisle wish Tim and Colleen 
well in their new adventure, and we hope that their move will exceed 
their best expectations. One thing for sure is the golfing weather is 
much better in North Carolina than here in Washington or certainly in 
Buffalo. This is an important feature because both Tim and Colleen are 
excellent and avid golfers, and their new home is surrounded by 2 golf 
courses.
  We are proud to know Tim, and we hope that he and Colleen will come 
back and visit their friends from time to time, particularly during the 
golf tournament season, to let us know how their lives are progressing. 
We appreciate all the services you have rendered to this institution 
and to the Members with whom you have worked. As you look to new 
horizons, I would like to send you and Colleen off with these wishes:

     May you always find good lies in the fairways;
     May your shots sail clear over still waters; and
     May nothing but eagles and birdies follow you for the all the 
           rounds of your life.

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished public servant, Mr. Tim Friedman, on the occasion of his 
retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives and the House 
Democratic Cloakroom.
  Mr. Friedman has shown exceptional commitment to public service 
throughout his career in the Democratic Cloakroom of the House of 
Representatives. A native of Lackawanna, NY, Mr. Friedman arrived in 
Washington in 1976 to start his career with the House of 
Representatives under the patronage of the Honorable Dan Rostenkowski. 
He began his career as a Doorkeeper and transferred to the office of 
the House Sergeant at Arms in 1982, working as an assistant to the 
Honorable Jack Russ. In 1985, Mr. Friedman was appointed as Assistant 
Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom by Speaker of the House 
Thomas P. O'Neill.
  The last 30 years, Mr. Friedman has served the House as a tireless 
and diligent worker. Under his guidance and hard work, the Cloakroom 
has become a place fitting for the U.S. House of Representatives. He 
has become an institution to those Members who have served this 
legislative body and he will be deeply missed.
  We wish Mr. Friedman well, and we all deeply appreciate his dedicated 
and decent service. I will certainly miss him. I wish Tim and his wife 
Colleen many good years, filled with family, friends, good health, and 
plenty of golf. On behalf of my staff, myself and my lovely wife 
Deborah: Thank you, Tim.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring a truly distinguished public servant. A man without whom our 
jobs would be infinitely more difficult. Tim Friedman, for decades a 
fixture of the House Democratic Cloakroom, will take his well earned 
retirement.
  Most people outside this building know nothing of the Cloakrooms. The 
staff there provide information to Members on the program for the day, 
the timing of votes, and myriad other details that go into the 
operation of this institution. As we all try to juggle the demands of 
committee meetings, visits from constituents, meetings with people 
concerning legislation, and floor debates and votes, the Cloakroom is a 
vital resource in making sure that everything runs smoothly.
  In addition to being helpful, the staff of the Cloakroom have always 
provided a friendly and congenial environment even when the workload 
seems unmanageable, the pressure mounts, and tempers get short.
  Tim has mastered the arcane science of the House. His voluminous 
knowledge, his institutional memory, his up-to-the-minute understanding 
of what is going on have more than once saved this Member, and many of 
my colleagues, from losing track of the proceedings.
  Tim has always managed the job with good cheer and good humor, even 
when, perhaps, the circumstances might have called for a much different 
response.
  My colleagues and I will greatly miss Tim Friedman, although we wish 
him well as he leaves this House. Tim, you will always have a home 
here, and, should you ever get tired of relaxing and enjoying life, you 
are always welcome back.
  Congratulations and best of luck to you.
  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is a not-so-closely-held secret 
that Congressional staff plays a crucial and indispensable role in 
making it possible for Members of Congress to carry out their 
constitutional duties. That is certainly the case for Tim Friedman, who 
will mark 30 years of service--15 terms, if he were a Member--to the 
U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, 2006.
  Tim is a true ``Man of the House.'' He began his career in 1976, 
under Speaker Carl Albert. From his first job in the office of the 
Doorkeeper, he transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms office where 
he worked until 1985, when Speaker Thomas P. ``Tip'' O'Neill appointed 
him as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985.
  The Democratic Cloakroom is the crossroads of the Caucus, and Tim 
Friedman stands right in the middle of the intersection.

[[Page 15556]]

He has been a constant source of information, wisdom and assistance, 
dispensed with characteristic good humor there for the past 20 years. 
He is so professional in his job that, like a great golfer, he makes 
something very hard look easy.
  Tim's distinguished service in the House Democratic Cloakroom has 
touched the lives of countless Members--and staff members--of this 
body. He plans to retire this September, and we all wish him and his 
wife, Colleen, our very best. But we'll keep him for as long as we can, 
because his absence will certainly leave a large void in the House 
Democratic Cloakroom and in this wonderful institution that he has 
served for so long.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, Tim Friedman has been a presence in the 
Democratic Cloakroom and the House Floor for 3 decades, from which he 
now retires as the Assistant Manager of the Democratic Cloakroom.
  Tim is funny, charming, helpful . . . and is considered practically a 
family member of the Democratic Members who rely on his understanding 
of their varying needs and his expertise on the operations of the House 
of Representatives.
  He practically grew up in the House. He began his political career 
with our colleague Dan Rostenkowski, who was an excellent tutor in the 
world of real politics and practical applications of power. As a young 
man, Tim was known as a little bit of a ladies man . . . and as an 
adult, he is a loving husband to Colleen.
  Tim's nickname is ``Hawk,'' for his amazing ability to spot people 
anywhere in his line of vision. For someone whose everyday 
responsibilities include spotting Members of Congress in the crowded 
chamber, that is a useful skill.
  Tim has the broad shoulders of Buffalo and the nuanced understanding 
of government from his long time service on Capitol Hill. He has been a 
mentor for thousands of young high school-aged Capitol Pages who pass 
through our program and work for the Congress as messengers and 
runners.
  Working in the Democratic Cloakroom and on the Floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives is no easy task. The pace is either painfully 
slow, or very fast with information and decisions moving and changing 
rapidly.
  So it takes a very special person to navigate those waters, a job Tim 
has done with excellence over the decades he has served the Democratic 
Leadership and the entire House of Representatives.
  Tim, we wish you and Colleen good luck--and great golf. The entire 
House of Representatives owes you a tremendous debt of gratitude and 
wishes you well on the journey to Wallace, N.C., that you now take 
beyond our marble floors and columns. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.
  Mr. McNULTY. Mr. Speaker, Tim Friedman has been a friend of mine 
since the first day I walked onto the House Floor 18 years ago. His 
interest in, and service to, this and other Members of the House has 
always been above and beyond the call of duty. As he heads to a well-
earned retirement a bit to our south, I want my dear friend Tim to know 
that I will think of him often, and with tremendous gratitude for his 
extraordinary service.
  Thanks, Tim!
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor someone who has 
dedicated 30 years of service to this great institution. Those of us on 
the Democratic side of the aisle know how much we have come to rely on 
Tim Friedman who has spent the last 3 decades working in the House 
Democratic Cloakroom.
  One can imagine that after 30 years working on and around the floor 
of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tim has just about seen it all. 
Throughout it all, Tim has always been on hand to assist Members of 
Congress with all requests, large and small. By working with us and 
making it easier for Members of the House to fulfill their official 
duties, Mr. Friedman has served the U.S. House of Representatives, the 
United States Congress and his country admirably.
  As he prepares to leave us, I wish him well and hope that his back 
improves for a better back swing so that he can enjoy many good days on 
the golf course. While all of us will miss seeing Tim day in and day 
out, we are truly happy for him and wish him all the best as he enjoys 
his well-deserved retirement.
  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tim Friedman for 
his many years of heartfelt service and wish him best wishes on his 
retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives and the House 
Democratic Cloakroom.
  Originally from Lackawanna, NY, outside of Buffalo, Mr. Friedman 
began his career in the House of Representatives on July 19,1976 under 
the patronage of the Honorable Dan Rostenkowski of Illinois. He worked 
as a Doorkeeper from 1976 to 1982 under the Honorable James T. Molloy 
before transferring to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms in 
1982. There he worked as an assistant to the Honorable Jack Russ.
  In 1985, Tim Friedman was appointed as Assistant Manager of the House 
Democratic Cloakroom by the Honorable Thomas P. O'Neill, Speaker of the 
House. Tim married Colleen Early in 2003. He is retiring to Wallace, 
NC, where he plans to continue his love of golf.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to recognize a man who has 
dedicated his life to serving the people of the United States. I ask 
you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Mr. Tim Friedman on his many years of devoted public service and thank 
him for the many contributions he has made toward the well being of the 
United States House of Representatives.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I join colleagues in paying a well-
deserved tribute to Tim Friedman who is retiring after 30 years of 
distinguished service to this Congress. As Assistant Manager of the 
House Democratic Cloakroom, Tim has had the heavy responsibility of 
ensuring not only that Members get to the floor on time to vote but 
that they know what they are voting for. His knowledge of the 
intricacies of the voting process and House procedures has been 
invaluable and he is leaving big shoes to fill.
  Tim has also been responsible for supervising and mentoring the 
thousands of pages who spend a large part of their time working in the 
Cloakroom. As a father, I know how hard it is to get a couple of 
teenagers to be responsible and do good work. I commend Tim's patience 
in handling the hundreds of teens who rotate through the Cloakroom each 
summer and school year.
  A native of Lackawanna, New York, Tim came to Washington in 1976 and 
worked first as a Doorkeeper, guarding the privacy of Members and 
keeping the floor of this House secure. His talents were recognized and 
in 1982 he transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms where he continued 
his efforts to keep this House running in an efficient and productive 
manner. In 1995, Speaker of the House Thomas P. O'Neill appointed him 
to his current position of Assistant Manger of the House Democratic 
Cloakroom.
  Tim, you will be sorely missed but I know that you and your wife 
Colleen are looking forward to a life of leisure in North Carolina. I 
know you will enjoy having the time to play all the golf you want. I 
played golf on your golf team at Andrews and had a barrel of fun. I 
will always remember your friendship! Good luck and thank you for all 
you have done for this institution.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tim 
Friedman on his retirement after 30 years of service to the House of 
Representatives.
  Tim began his career on Capitol Hill on July 19, 1976, as a 
doorkeeper under the Hon. James T. Molloy. In 1982, he began to work 
for the office of the House Sergeant at Arms as an assistant to the 
Hon. Jack Russ. Recognizing Tim's talents, knowledge, and understanding 
of the intricacies of the House, he was appointed as Assistant Manager 
of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985. Tim's friendly manner and 
his wealth of experience has been an outstanding asset to the members 
of the Democratic Caucus.
  I sincerely thank Tim for the assistance he has given me and for his 
dedicated service to the House of Representatives. I wish him and his 
wife Colleen all the best for their future. He will be truly missed by 
all.
  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Tim 
Friedman upon his retirement from the House Democratic, Cloakroom. For 
the past 30 years Tim Friedman has served with utmost distinction.
  After moving from Lackawanna, NY, Tim arrived in Washington, DC, in 
1976 to begin his career in the House of Representatives. He first 
served for the Hon. Dan Rostenkowski before becoming a Doorkeeper under 
the Hon. James T. Molloy from 1976 to 1982. In 1982, Tim moved to the 
office of the House Sergeant at Arms before being appointed as 
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985 by the Hon. 
Thomas P. 0'Neill, Speaker of the House.
  Since I came to Congress in 1988, I have gotten to know Tim Friedman 
quite well. He is an upstanding man with strong character and high 
principles. I am pleased to have worked with him.
  In times of retirement, I am reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo 
Emerson who said, ``The reward for a thing well done is to have done 
it.'' Not only should Tim feel rewarded, but all of us who have 
benefited from his long and successful 30 year career, an 
accomplishment for which he deserves to be proud.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in offering congratulations 
and gratitude for

[[Page 15557]]

Tim's long and successful career in the House of Representatives. I 
wish him well and hope he continues to achieve happiness, health and 
success in his future endeavors.
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tim Friedman on his 
retirement from the House of Representatives and the House Democratic 
Cloakroom.
  Mr. Friedman, a native of Lackawanna, NY, arrived in Washington, DC, 
in 1976 and started his career in the House of Representatives on July 
19, 1976 under the patronage of Hon. Dan Rostenkowski. He worked as a 
Doorkeeper under Hon. James T. Molley from 1976 to 1982 then 
transferred to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as 
an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ. In 1985, Mr. Friedman became the 
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic cloakroom. His contributions 
are immeasurable.
  Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincere congratulations to Tim Friedman. I 
wish Mr. Friedman and his wife, Colleen, a relaxing retirement filled 
with many rounds of golf. Thank you for your service to the House of 
Representatives, and to our Nation.
  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to bid farewell to Mr. Tim Friedman, a dear, trusted friend, who will 
retire after 30 years of service to his country.
  A native of Lackawanna, NY, Tim arrived in Washington in 1976, and 
started his career in the House of Representatives on July 19, 1976, 
under the patronage of the Hon. Dan Rostenkowski. From 1976 to 1982 he 
worked as a Doorkeeper under the Hon. James T. Molloy and in 1982, he 
transferred to the office of the House Sergeant at Arms and worked as 
an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ. In 1985 Tim was appointed as 
Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom by the Hon. Thomas 
P. O'Neill--Speaker of the House.
  Mr. Speaker, the Democratic Cloak Room is a place of great importance 
to all House Democrats. It is a place where we not only receive helpful 
information on things such as bill language and the floor schedule, but 
where we can take solace from the sometimes contentious debate on the 
House floor.
  Needless to say, it takes a special individual to contend with the 
wide range of interesting personalities that make up the Democratic 
Caucus. Tim has handled the job without breaking a sweat. Although, I 
am quite sure he often tires of Member after Member asking the same 
question--``when will we be done,'' he never makes it known. He is 
always ready to provide Members with important information while 
maintaining his affable disposition.
  Perhaps what impresses me the most about Tim is his unwavering 
loyalty. An avid Yankee fan, Tim openly professes allegiance to his 
team despite the taunts of his fellow cloak room colleagues. Barry, a 
passionate Red Sox fan and Bob, an Orioles/Nationals fan, frequently 
hurl insults at Tim for his devotion to the Bronx Bombers. However, 
like a true fan, he ignores their scoffs and simply reminds them of 
Yankee dominance. As a Yankee fan and the team's Congressional 
Representative, I appreciate Tim's steadfastness in the face of brutal 
opposition. His dogged support of my hometown team has strengthened our 
bond over the years.
  Mr. Speaker, on a more serious note, Tim is a dedicated, hardworking 
and reliable individual who will be truly missed by all who had the 
pleasure of working with him. I wish him well on his retirement and ask 
that my colleagues join me in bidding him farewell.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Tim Friedman 
for his 30 years of dedicated service to the House of Representatives.
  Tim began his career on July 19, 1976, working as a Doorkeeper to the 
House Chamber under the Hon. James T. Molloy. After 6 years of helping 
to oversee admission to the House floor and galleries, Tim went on to 
work as an assistant to the Hon. Jack Russ in the House Sergeant at 
Arms office and eventually as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic 
Cloakroom. Since my freshman term in Congress, his has always been a 
friendly face and a trusted source of information about what is 
happening on the House floor. Tim has been an active and integral part 
of the last 16 sessions of Congress, and he deserves the highest 
respect and recognition.
  Outside of work, Tim spends most of his time with his lovely wife 
Colleen and out on the golf course. I can speak for the rest of my 
colleagues when I say that we all look forward to hearing about his 
first hole-in-one.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tim Friedman 
on his retirement after a remarkable career. We truly appreciate your 
hard work and dedication to our country, and I am sad to lose such an 
outstanding public servant and close friend.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend sincere 
congratulations to my friend Tim Friedman upon his retirement from the 
Democratic Cloakroom. Tim, a Lackawanna, NY native, has dedicated 30 
years of his life to service in the House of Representatives.
  Tim began his career in Washington in 1976 in the House of 
Representatives under Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. Shortly after, he 
worked under Doorkeeper James T. Molloy as a doorkeeper and in 1982 
transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms. In 1985, Tim was appointed 
to the House Democratic Cloakroom as Assistant Manager. For over 20 
years, Tim has been a constant presence in the Cloakroom, and has 
tirelessly worked on behalf of House Democrats.
  The Democratic Cloakroom has been like a home away from home for me 
over these past 19 months. It's been an honor and pleasure to have 
Buffalo guys in the Cloakroom--people like Tim Friedman and Bob 
Fischer, who have been terrific public servants in the House, and who 
have shown me the ropes and ways of the House.
  It is with great pride and gratitude that I stand here today to 
recognize Tim Friedman for his many years of service and for his 
commitment to Democrats, and the House of Representatives. I wish Tim 
and his wife Colleen many years of continued health and happiness.
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, somehow, I thought Tim and I would grow old 
together. For 30 years, he has always been there for us: friendly, 
informed, endlessly patient with our endless questions, and always 
ready with his wry smile.
  There will be a void now in the cloakroom, a physical gap that we all 
will feel. But more: there will be a void in our Caucus, where Tim has 
provided such competent guidance, continuity and wisdom.
  Godspeed, Tim. You have made a big difference here.
  Mrs. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Tim Friedman, who 
will be retiring after 30 years of service in the Democratic Cloakroom. 
My staff and I rely on the Cloakroom on a daily basis. The Cloakroom 
staff is reliable and knowledgeable and serves as the voice of reason 
during often chaotic times on the floor. Tim Friedman was a big part of 
the Cloakroom operations and I know my colleagues and I will miss 
seeing him everyday. But his retirement is certainly well-earned and I 
hope he enjoys the next chapter in his life.
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to join my colleagues 
in paying tribute to Tim Friedman on the occasion of his retirement 
from the House after 30 years of faithful service. Tim is a native of 
Lackawanna, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. He arrived in Washington in 1976 
and started his career in the House of Representatives on July 19, 1976 
under the patronage of the Hon. Dan Rostenkowski.
  He worked as a Doorkeeper under the Hon. James T. Molloy from 1976 to 
1982. In 1982 he transferred to the office of the House Sergeant at 
Arms. Tim was appointed as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic 
Cloakroom in 1985 by the Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Speaker of the House.
  Tim married Colleen Early in 2003. They are avid golfers and are 
building a home in Wallace, NC. I hope they have a splendid retirement 
in Down East, NC.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Tim Friedman, a great 
friend a great public servant. Next month, Tim will officially retire 
from the House of Representatives following 30 years of outstanding 
public service.
  Tim grew up in Lackawanna, New York, and came to Washington, DC in 
1976. That year, he began his distinguished career with the U.S. House 
of Representatives under the former Chairman of the Ways and Means 
Committee, Dan Rostenkowski. Tim served as a Doorkeeper in the 
Democratic Cloakroom for the Honorable James T. Molloy from 1976 until 
1982, when he began working for the Honorable Jack Russ. In 1985, 
Speaker Thomas P. ``Tip'' O'Neill appointed Tim as the Assistant 
Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom.
  In 2003, Tim married his wife, Colleen Early. Tim and Colleen are 
dedicated golfers and are building a home in Wallace, North Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a little-known fact outside of Washington that the 
Democratic and Republican Cloakrooms are vital to Congress' 
functioning. Dealing with Members of Congress on a daily basis is not 
an easy task, but Tim has kept our members running on schedule, kept us 
fed, and kept us smiling for years now, and he will be sorely missed.
  I am grateful to Tim for his tremendous service to the House of 
Representatives, and I wish Tim and Colleen the best of luck in his 
well-deserved retirement.
  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career 
contributions of Mr. Tim Friedman, Assistant Manager of the House 
Democratic Cloakroom and a public servant of the highest degree. For 30 
years, Mr. Friedman has served our country in some capacity

[[Page 15558]]

within the walls of Congress and he has served these years with dignity 
and decorum.
  As Mr. Friedman prepares to retire, I congratulate him and wish him 
the best. He has certainly earned the opportunity to kick up his heels, 
enjoy some time with his wife, and play a few rounds of golf. But as a 
Member of Congress, I must say that it is sad to see him go. For 20 
years, he has been a fixture in the Cloakroom--an institution as 
significant as the Cloakroom itself.
  Mr. Friedman will be missed, but his work ethic will continue on, 
through his co-workers who admire him, through the many pages who have 
looked to him for guidance over the years and through the Democratic 
Members of Congress themselves.
  I thank Mr. Friedman for his service and his commitment to the 
Democratic Cloakroom. The qualities he embodies--loyalty, 
trustworthiness, reliability--are getting harder and harder to find 
nowadays. May God bless this admirable man and his family as he begins 
this next chapter.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to honor 
Mr. Tim Friedman on the occasion of his retirement.
  Mr. Friedman, I wish many congratulations to you, and please accept 
my heartfelt thank you for your 30 years of service to the United 
States Congress.
  Over the years, you have been a close witness to some of the greatest 
reforms, oratories, and achievements in legislative history. We have 
looked to you for your advice and trusted you completely and 
unhesitatingly. You have been a confident of legislators, and your 
sagacity has no match.
  I have enjoyed and appreciated your good humor, good judgment, and 
your leadership in the Democratic Cloakroom. Throughout the early 
mornings and late nights, your very presence contributed solidity and 
strength to the proceedings of the day.
  Your service to your country will long be remembered by Members such 
as myself, and we will miss your compassion and your enthusiasm. Your 
hard work, dedication, and commitment are cherished.
  You have earned the respect, the admiration, and the affection of all 
of us who have worked with you. As you move forward to your next 
success, I have no doubt that you will make your compatriots proud and 
continue to fulfill your commitment to public service.
  All of my best wishes and blessings to you in your future endeavors.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Mr. Tim Friedman's 
30 years of dedicated service in the U.S. House of Representatives and 
the Democratic Cloakroom.
  Now 30 years may seem like a long time, but really it's only 6 in 
``Tim Years.'' That is to say, six World Series wins resulting in rings 
for the Yankees. I have to wonder if Tim's retirement may have 
something to do with the prospect of Barry Sullivan's Boston Red Sox 
winning a few more World Series' and narrowing the Yankees' lead in 
titles.
  Now safe at home--quite literally--I can publicly disclose how I 
caused one blemish on Tim's otherwise perfect congressional record. The 
March Madness NCAA basketball tournament bracket was overseen by Tim 
for years, and he ran a tight ship. You were in by the deadline, or you 
were out of the pool--except for this one time.
  On a late flight home I realized that I had forgotten to put my entry 
in for the congressional NCAA pool. As soon as I returned to D.C., I 
petitioned the court of last resort, Tim Friedman, believing my cause 
was virtually hopeless, but imagining myself shooting that desperate 
last second three-pointer to win the big game.
  To my complete surprise, Tim allowed my desperate shot to count, and 
he allowed me to slip in my late entry. Even with his charity, I still 
managed to go 0 and out in the Big Dance! Still, I'll never forget his 
wisdom for letting me in, and my folly for believing I could handicap 
the results.
  Tim's sports enthusiasm--near-fanaticism, really--will be sorely 
missed around the Cloakroom. More than that, however, we will miss Tim 
Friedman's smile, his warmth and his gracious humanity. We hear a lot 
about world-class athletes. Tim Friedman is a world-class human being.
  It has been my distinct pleasure to work with him, an honor to know 
such a genuine and goodhearted man, and a sad but proud moment for me 
to say goodbye and best wishes.

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