[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 21875]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ALTHIA HARRIS

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today I rise to honor a longtime 
member of my staff, Ms. Althia Harris, who has served over 30 years in 
the Senate. Ms. Harris has reached an incredible benchmark in her 
career, and I stand today to reflect on her service.
  Ms. Harris began working in the Senate on April 30, 1975, for 
distinguished Senator Philip A. Hart of Missouri. Just a few days 
before the end of his term, Senator Hart lost his battle with cancer on 
December 26, 1976. Ms. Harris then served Senator Adlai E. Stevenson 
III of Illinois for 5 years. Upon Senator Stevenson's retirement, she 
joined the office of his successor, Senator Alan J. Dixon. I was then 
lucky enough to inherit a most loyal and experienced Senate employee 
when Ms. Harris joined my staff in 1984.
  Upon joining my team, Althia initially helped with my transition from 
the West Virginia Governor's office to Capitol Hill. An immeasurable 
and invaluable aide, I am sure without Althia's able assistance the job 
would have taken much longer to accomplish. I know it would have been 
more difficult without a seasoned Senate staffer knowledgeable in how 
to really make things work in the Senate.
  On September 12, 1986, Althia began working part time in my office so 
she could take on new challenges in the private sector and other areas 
of government. She first worked for the Advertising Council and then 
for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA. At NASA, 
she continues to work as a contractor for the Office of Education. As 
an active member of her community, she has never abandoned her work 
here in the Senate.
  With continual service in my office for over 20 years, Althia is 
someone who has helped keep my office operation running with important 
day-to-day tasks. She is a lover of urban gardening, a collector of 
African art, and a domestic and international traveler.
  As Senators, we are each here to represent our respective States and 
to work on the needs of our constituents. But the work we do is 
directly dependent on those who support us--our staff who are always 
there, always pushing behind the scenes. Each and every devoted member 
of my staff helps me accomplish the job I am here to do, and Althia has 
made a real contribution to my work for over 20 years.
  I am honored to recognize Althia's devotion and service and to extend 
my deepest appreciation for her ongoing contributions. Althia is a true 
gem--the kind of person you are lucky to find and retain for what time 
they can give. It has been a wonderful 20 years.

                          ____________________