[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12178]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING JAMES T. MOLLOY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Higgins) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the memory of James T. 
Molloy. Many in Washington knew Jim as the former, and last, doorkeeper 
of the House of Representatives. Western New Yorkers know Jim as a 
proud third-generation Irish American and career public servant.
  Jim was born on June 3, 1936. He was raised in South Buffalo and paid 
his way through Canisius College. He developed his strong work ethic in 
the grain elevators on the waterfront and as a member of the city's 
fire department. He also worked as a schoolteacher for the city of 
Buffalo and the city of Lackawanna.
  Jim came to Washington, D.C., in 1968 at the invitation of 
Congressman John Rooney. He managed the House Finance Office until 1974 
when he was elected doorkeeper of the House. He held this position 
until it was eliminated in 1995. As the last doorkeeper of the House, 
Jim was a member of an elite group. Only 34 people have served in this 
position in our 215-year history. He oversaw more than 400 employees 
and administered a budget of $6.8 million. He introduced Presidents and 
heads of State and coordinated 71 Joint Sessions of Congress.
  Regrettably, I did not have the honor of serving in the House of 
Representatives during Jim's tenure, but he was a friend and an endless 
source of help and advice. I have long been inspired in my own service 
by his strong commitment to this institution. In fact, numerous western 
New Yorkers were inspired to consider political careers thanks to Jim 
Molloy. It was well known that Jim had a particular affection for 
helping western New Yorkers visiting the Capitol and young Buffalonians 
looking for work in our Nation's Capitol as well.
  Jim was recognized on numerous occasions for his service. He received 
the Outstanding Citizen Award from the New York State AFL-CIO, the 
President's Award from the New York State Federation of Police, and the 
United States Senate Youth Alumni Association Outstanding Service 
Award. He received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Canisius 
College and was named Congressional Staffer of the Year by Roll Call. 
In 2005, I was a proud sponsor of legislation that was signed into law 
naming a post office on South Park Avenue in our shared neighborhood of 
South Buffalo after James T. Molloy.
  The loss of Jim Molloy will be felt for many years to come by all who 
knew him. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in 
honor of a servant of this institution, James T. Molloy.

                          ____________________