[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12847]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TIM MITCHELL

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, if I can take a moment. I don't think 
people realize how many men and women on both sides of the aisle work 
so hard to make the Senate work, to keep things going. I've often said, 
only partially in jest, that U.S. Senators are merely constitutional 
impediments to the staff who do all the work. One of those people is 
Tim Mitchell.
  I have been here from the day he began, 25 years ago tomorrow. I know 
his wonderful wife, Alicia, and his son, Ben, who is in my grandson's 
class. We see them playing sports together.
  If I am ever feeling down about the prospects of the Red Sox, I 
simply ask Tim, and know the sun will come up tomorrow because Tim will 
point out we still have a chance because of this or that. I have also 
been at the White House with him when the Red Sox came to town with 
their World Series trophy.
  More importantly, Tim is a true professional, and one of the most 
honest people I've known. If it is bad news, he will give you the bad 
news, but he is so nice, it is almost acceptable. I can always go to 
him because he will keep confidences if we ask him to. He understands 
the Senate, every single aspect of the Senate, as well as anybody I 
have ever worked with and I have been here 42 years. He is a person 
that everyone who works for the Senate should model themselves after. 
He works very well with his Republican counterparts, and has the 
respect of all Senators.
  I don't want to embarrass Tim, but as the Dean of the Senate, the one 
who has served here the longest, I think it is safe for me to say that 
I know of no one finer. He is a wonderful person, and I commend him. I 
commend the sacrifices that Alicia and Ben have made, because there are 
some nights we are here very late. I know what it is like to miss a 
child's game, play or school event. Tim has had to do that. I would 
like to address this part to Alicia and to Ben. Ben, you should be 
extraordinarily proud of your father and Alicia, I know you love, 
respect and are proud of your husband.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.
  Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, before he leaves the floor, I note the 
very fine statement of the dean of the Senate Democrats, and I would 
just like to say that I want to ascribe to Senator Leahy's views and 
also be a charter member of the ``Tim Mitchell caucus.'' What a great 
name to give his public service. I thank you, Senator Leahy.

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