[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 37. Resignations]
[D. Resignations of Officers, Officials, and Employees]
[§ 10. Tributes]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
[Page 515-557]
CHAPTER 37
Resignations
D. Resignations of Officers, Officials, and Employees
Sec. 10. Tributes
Resignation of a congressional officer or employee may be announced
by a Member from the floor, with the opportunity taken to offer
tribute. -------------------
To the Chaplain
Sec. 10.1 On his retirement as Chaplain of the House, Dr. James Shera
Montgomery was elected Chaplain Emeritus and paid tribute.
On Jan. 30, 1950,(1) the House by resolution appointed
Dr. James Shera Montgomery, Chaplain of the House from Apr. 11, 1921,
to that date, as Chaplain Emeritus.
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1. 96 Cong. Rec. 1095-97, 81st Cong. 2d Sess.
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Mr. [John W.] McCORMACK [of Massachusetts]. Mr. Speaker, I
offer a resolution (H. Res. 453).
The Clerk read as follows:
Resolved, That immediately following his resignation as
Chaplain of the House of Representatives, James Shera
Montgomery be, and he is hereby, appointed Chaplain emeritus of
the House of Representatives, with salary at the basic rate of
[[Page 516]]
$2,350 per annum, payable monthly, to be paid out of the
contingent fund of the House until otherwise provided by law.
Following action on this resolution, Members spoke in tribute.
The Speaker then laid before the House the following communication,
which was read by the Clerk:
January 30, 1950.
Hon. Sam Rayburn,
House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
My Dear Speaker: It is with regret that I submit herewith my
resignation as Chaplain of the House, to take effect February 1.
Due to the condition of my health this becomes necessary.
Allow me to assure you of my great appreciation of our long
associations through these years; they will remain in my grateful
memory while time passes by. The Congress will always be very near
to my heart; may generous blessings of a loving Father abide with
each and every Member, officer, and employee is my prayer.
Ever faithfully yours,
James Shera Montgomery.
The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
There was no objection.
Sec. 10.2 On his retirement after 20 years as Chaplain of the House,
Dr. James David Ford was paid tribute by resolution electing him as
Chaplain Emeritus.
On Nov. 10, 1999,(1) the House adopted a resolution
electing as Chaplain Emeritus Dr. James David Ford, who was retiring
after 20 years service as House Chaplain.
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1. 145 Cong. Rec. 29493-96, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
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The resolution was read, as follows:
H. Res. 373
Resolved, That immediately following his resignation as
Chaplain of the House of Representatives and in recognition of
the length of his devoted service to the House, Reverend James
David Ford be, and he is hereby, appointed Chaplain emeritus of
the House of Representatives.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
To the Parliamentarian
Sec. 10.3 Lewis Deschler was paid tribute on the occasion of his
retirement as Parliamentarian of the House.
On June 27, 1974,(1) Speaker Carl Albert, of Oklahoma,
laid before the House the resignation of its Parliamentarian, the
Honorable Lewis Deschler, effective June 30, 1974, after more than 49
years of congressional service. The House then adopted a resolution
expressing its gratitude for Mr.
[[Page 517]]
Deschler's long service. The Speaker, Majority Leader Thomas P.
O'Neill, Jr., of Massachusetts, Minority Leader John J. Rhodes, of
Arizona, and other Members spoke from the floor in tribute. During his
remarks, the Speaker inserted in the Congressional Record a letter to
Mr. Deschler from the Vice President of the United States, the former
House Minority Leader, Gerald R. Ford, of Michigan.
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1. 120 Cong. Rec. 21590-95, 93d Cong. 2d Sess.
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The proceedings were as follows:
The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication
from the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives:
Washington, D.C.,
June 27, 1974.
Hon. Carl Albert,
The Speaker, House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as
Parliamentarian of the United States House of Representatives
effective at the close of June 30, 1974.
I am in my fiftieth year of service for the House of
Representatives, having come originally to this body as an employee
in 1925. In 1927 I became Assistant Parliamentarian and in January,
1928, I began my service as Parliamentarian of the House of
Representatives, service which has covered a period of more than
forty-six years.
This has been a wonderful experience, and I consider it to be
one of the great privileges which God has granted me that I have
served with nine Speakers: Honorable Nicholas Longworth, Honorable
John Garner, Honorable Henry Rainey, Honorable Joseph Byrns,
Honorable William Bankhead, Honorable Sam Rayburn, Honorable Joseph
Martin, Honorable John McCormack, Honorable Carl Albert.
No one ever becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives
unless he has great intelligence and ability and high probity, and
unless he commands the respect of his colleagues. All of these nine
Speakers were eminently qualified to follow and enhance the
traditions of the House of Representatives. Their wisdom, fairness,
and nonpartisanship in filling the high post of Speaker is shown by
the fact that from the beginning of the 70th Congress, in 1927,
there have been only eight appeals from decisions of the Speaker,
and in seven of these eight cases the decision of the Speaker was
sustained by the House of Representatives. On the one occasion when
the Speaker was overruled (on February 21, 1931), the House was
actually following the wishes of Speaker Longworth, for he in
effect appealed to the House to overrule him in order to correct
what he regarded as an erroneous precedent.
The challenges presented by my work as Parliamentarian have
been heightened by the caliber of the men and women who have served
in the House of Representatives while I have been associated with
it. Truly representing all parts of the country and all their
constituents, their individual and collective wisdom and their
unceasing dedication to this country and its Constitution have
always been a source of inspiration to me. I shall always treasure
the many deep and
[[Page 518]]
abiding friendships which have developed through my associations
with the Members over these years.
Along the way too it has been a pleasure to associate with the
talented and loyal officers and employees of this body, and I am
deeply grateful for the close friendships and wonderful working
relationships which we have had.
I shall cherish the firm and lasting friendships I have had,
Mr. Speaker, with the ladies and gentlemen of the media. In my
almost daily associations with them over many years, I have come to
know and respect their diligent efforts to report the news. I am
particularly grateful for the way in which they honored my requests
to protect my anonymity on those many occasions when they discussed
with me some of the complicated legislative problems which
confronted us from time to time.
The time comes in each man's life when he must determine what
his future may be under God's guidance and direction. I am
approaching my seventieth year, and my doctors have strongly
suggested that I retire from my duties as Parliamentarian. It is my
hope, Mr. Speaker, that in your good judgment you will find a
position where I may continue to advise and consult with you and
the new Parliamentarian, as well as continuing the important work
in which I am presently engaged of compiling the Precedents of the
House of Representatives.
I wish to thank you, Mr. Speaker, and through you all the
Members of this great body present and past, for your many
kindnesses and considerations.
Most respectfully submitted.
Lewis Deschler,
Parliamentarian, U.S. House of
Representatives. -------------------
RETIREMENT OF LEWIS DESCHLER AS PARLIAMENTARIAN
Mr. O'NEILL. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the minority leader, the
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Rhodes) and myself, I offer a
resolution (H. Res. 1202) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution as follows:
H. Res. 1202
Resolved, That the House of Representatives hereby tenders
its gratitude and expresses its abiding affection to Lewis
Deschler upon his retirement after more than 46 years as its
Parliamentarian, and recognizes that his unsurpassed service
and dedication to the House, his impartial counsel to Speaker
and Members, and his exceptional contribution to the operation
of its rules have immeasurably benefited this institution of
government.
The Speaker stepped down from the Chair for one of the many
tributes to Mr. Deschler and inserted in the Congressional Record a
letter to Mr. Deschler from the Vice President of the United States:
The Vice President,
Washington, June 27, 1974.
Hon. Lewis Deschler,
Parliamentarian, House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Lew: It was with a sense of sadness that I learned you had
decided to leave the place that has been a home to you for nearly
half a century.
When I first came to the House you had already become a living
legend in
[[Page 519]]
a sanctuary of great and noble men. It was not difficult,
especially for a freshman Congressman, to learn why you were so
highly regarded.
Suffice it to say, Lew, that you have served the House
Members--from the most junior to the most senior--with a degree of
professionalism and dignity that has been, and will continue to be,
an inspiration to us all.
Warmest best wishes for many years of happiness.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford.
Sec. 10.4 William Holmes Brown was paid tribute on the occasion of his
retirement as Parliamentarian of the House.
On Sept. 20, 1994,(1) Speaker Thomas S. Foley, of
Washington, laid before the House the resignation of its
Parliamentarian, the Honorable William Holmes Brown, effective Sept.
15, 1994, after 36 years of Congressional service (40 years of Federal
service including four years of active duty in the United States Navy).
After the letter of resignation was read and (ostensibly) accepted,
Minority Leader Robert H. Michel, of Illinois, and the Speaker each
spoke from the well in tribute.
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1. 140 Cong. Rec. 24850-52, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
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The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication
from the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives, which was
read:
U.S. House of Representatives,
The Speaker's Rooms,
Washington, DC, August 20, 1994.
Hon. Thomas S. Foley,
Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: In March of this year, I completed my
thirty-sixth year with the House of Representatives. In July, I
completed my twentieth year as Parliamentarian.
In the past few months, circumstances, both personal and
professional, have focused my attention on retirement. It has
been a difficult decision to reach, but I have concluded that
it's time for a change.
The office which I have been privileged to hold continues
to be both challenging and rewarding. It is fascinating to
encounter--almost daily--fresh interpretations of rules and
bill language which require constant evaluation of yesterday's
assumptions and conclusions. The House changes from year to
year, with new Members and staff and circumstances always
reshaping this institution; what does not change is the
reservoir of intellect and inventiveness which characterizes
those who work in the legislative branch of our government.
Daily interaction with such talented people makes the Congress
a uniquely fascinating place to work.
I could not have done this job without a lot of help,
without the love and support of my family, who have learned to
live with long hours and erratic schedules; without the
teamwork at the rostrum and in all the support offices of the
House; without the reservoir of personal commitment and
professional strength from my colleagues in the Office. Among
the Deputy and the assistant parliamentarians there is a wealth
of experience and talent. Their accumulated service totals over
80 years. Each is dedicated to the proposition that the rules
of this great institution should be applied
[[Page 520]]
and enforced without political considerations. All are open to
Members and staff with respect to the rules and precedents
which govern and guide the deliberations of the House and its
committees. They are all exemplary public servants; they can
and will continue to carry out the responsibilities of the
Office in a manner which reflects the best traditions of the
House. We share a lasting bond and I will miss these friends
whom I admire and care for so deeply.
I owe a great debt of gratitude to all the Speakers whom I
have been fortunate to know: Sam Rayburn, who first appointed
me as an assistant parliamentarian on the recommendation of my
legendary predecessor as Parliamentarian, Lewis Deschler; John
McCormack, who shared his anecdotes and love of the House
during long evening conversations in the Speaker's Rooms; Carl
Albert, who had faith enough in my abilities to appoint me as
Parliamentarian during a very tumultuous time in the history of
the House and has continued to be a valued mentor since his
retirement; Thomas P. `Tip' O'Neill, whose good humor and
warmth toward me survived some parliamentary decisions which he
must have found vexing; Jim Wright, whose eloquence and courage
are unflagging. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I must say how much I
have valued your friendship and support. You have always been
sensitive and faithful to the distinctions between political
and parliamentary decisions and your gavel has been both firm
and impartial. The opportunities you have given me to interact
with other parliamentary institutions, particularly with the
newly emerging democratic republics in eastern Europe, have
revealed new horizons which I hope to explore more fully in the
future. Programs to encourage and foster parliamentary
democracy in that area of our world are of critical importance.
The House can be proud of the contribution it is making to this
effort and if I can be of assistance in these endeavors I will
be available to do so.
I must acknowledge the courtesies and cooperation shown me
by the distinguished Minority Leader, Bob Michel. He has always
shown an appreciation of the role of our office and he and his
staff have been of inestimable support. To have known so many
of his predecessors, such distinguished men as Joe Martin,
Charley Halleck, John Rhodes and Gerald Ford, has been a rare
privilege. All of these Leaders have made the House a better
place and have left an indelible mark on its history.
I will miss the many friendships with Members that have
formed over the years. May I extend to them, through you, my
appreciation for their kindnesses.
With your concurrence, my termination as Parliamentarian
will be effective on September 15, 1994.
Very respectfully yours,
Wm. Holmes Brown.
The SPEAKER. It is with great regret that the Chair accepts the
resignation of the distinguished Parliamentarian of the House Wm.
Holmes Brown.
Pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. 297a, the Chair
announces that on September 16, 1994, he appointed Charles W.
Johnson as Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives to
succeed Wm. Holmes Brown, resigned.
{time} 1210 -------------------
A WARM FAREWELL TO WILLIAM H. BROWN, PARLIAMENTARIAN
(Mr. MICHEL asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1
[[Page 521]]
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker, I think the news that was just
announced here, that the Parliamentarian of the House is going to
retire, comes as a sad note for many of us who have known Bill
through all of these years, although I am happy that he is leaving
in a commensurate year with my own retirement. He could not be
leaving at a better time, from that standpoint.
However, things have changed since I first started in this
House. At that time the Parliamentarian was Lou Deschler, referred
to by those who dared to call him ``the Judge.'' He was a tough old
bird. He would not talk to staff, and he would hardly talk to
Members.
I remember one time I took him five different versions of an
amendment prohibiting food stamps for strikers and said, ``Okay,
Judge, one of these has got to be in order.'' And you see, he had
the only copy of all the precedents of the House from 1936 on in
his office, and he had all the power.
Bill Brown has changed all that. He and his staff have done a
magnificent job in compiling and publishing those the Judge had
kept hidden. He has done an excellent job organizing the Office of
the Parliamentarian and helping the membership. Many of the
precedents are now ``on-line,'' available through the House
Information System.
Bill was born in West Virginia, receiving a bachelor of science
degree from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in 1951. He received
his law degree from the University of Chicago, out our way in
Illinois, and served in the Naval Reserve with active duty in the
Persian Gulf, returning as a lieutenant commander in 1974.
Bill was first appointed Assistant Parliamentarian by Speaker
Sam Rayburn, and then became Parliamentarian in 1974 under Speaker
Albert, and has served under six Speakers of the House.
Bill has been a great Parliamentarian, but most do not realize
that he is also a farmer. He lives in a 200-year-old home on the
Oakland Green Farm, has expanded the log cabin with a stone
addition, and later a brick addition. Bill, I am not sure about the
aluminum siding you and your lovely wife Jean have now added.
The Browns do have one daughter, Sarah, who is currently
studying in Kenya.
Being a farmer and a Parliamentarian involves a lot of work. He
is often late coming in, as he has been birthing calves, or on
snowy days he has had to drive his tractor to a main road to get a
ride. You cannot miss his car in the Rayburn garage, as it looks
like he keeps it in the chicken coop all night.
Bill, we are sorely going to miss you, and can imagine you
reciting precedents to your cows as the Congress continues writing
new ones. I believe we will still use your expertise in attempting
to finalize the publishing of the Deschler-Brown precedents, which
I will always consider the ``Brown volumes.''
Taking Bill's place in the top spot is someone who I also have
known and argued with many a time, Charlie Johnson.
We have had a good laugh telling the story of when Charlie
first was
[[Page 522]]
working for the Judge, and Lou assigned Charlie the responsibility
of compiling old contested election cases. Charlie worked for
weeks, researching and writing, only to find out later that they
were all neatly compiled in Cannon's precedents.
Charlie still works harder than he needs to. He is a good guy
and a dedicated worker. He is the perfect choice. Charlie, I hope
you will last longer than Lehr Fess, who some of you may not know
lasted just a year.
Best to you, Bill, and we know, Charlie, John, Tom, and Muftiah
will carry on the strong tradition of professionalism and
cooperation that you
started. -------------------
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE WILLIAM HOLMES BROWN, PARLIAMENTARIAN,
ON HIS RETIREMENT
(Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, nothing gives me greater satisfaction
than to hear on this day of retirement of Bill Brown these
wonderfully warm words from the Republican leader, because I think
the lifeblood of any parliamentary body is the sense that our
debates and discussions, the votes and actions taken here, are
taken in a context of rules and observance, conventions and
procedures, that are fair to each Member of the body. Indeed, I
think the history of our House of Representatives, certainly in
this recent period, has been one of scrupulous adherence to the
rules.
As Speaker I have tried to follow that guide of fairness and
objectivity in every ruling I have made, and if I had any tendency
to veer from that, I would find resistance, very strong resistance,
from the Parliamentarians of the House, who are committed in an
almost religious sense to ensuring that the rules are absolutely
impartially observed here, I think there is a record, perhaps, of
the fact that this body has hardly ever overruled the Chair, and
that in those cases where there sometimes has been a question of
moving to override the Chair, Republican leadership has often
joined with our Members and Republican Members have joined with
Democratic Members in supporting the Chair.
Certainly no small part of the credit for this belongs to Bill
Brown. He has been an absolutely sterling Parliamentarian in every
way. He has served six Speakers. He has been in this body for
almost a longer period than virtually anyone. There are few Members
and very few professional staff who have served as long.
He begins his retirement with the best wishes and warm
affection of an overwhelming number of Members and those who serve
with him in aiding this body to achieve its objectives. He has
compiled, as Bob Michel says, the precedents of the House. They are
now available for all. He has in recent months been a special
resource of assistance to emerging parliamentary democracies in
Eastern Europe. I think he has found great satisfaction and
opportunity for additional service in that work.
Charlie Johnson, his very long-time Assistant Parliamentarian,
has our full confidence on both sides of the aisle,
[[Page 523]]
and I have made his appointment with great satisfaction; and if it
is time, in Bill Brown's judgment, to leave, that a successor as
worthy and able and committed and dedicated as Charlie Johnson
stands ready to assume the responsibilities.
Mr. Speaker, I want to extend again, not only on my own behalf
but on the behalf of all Members of this House, my thanks and my
appreciation and my warmest best wishes to Bill Brown, and every
success and happiness for him and Jean in the years that lie ahead.
Sec. 10.5 Charles W. Johnson III was paid tribute on the occasion of
his retirement as Parliamentarian of the House.
On May 20, 2004,(1) Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, of
Illinois, laid before the House the resignation of its Parliamentarian,
Charles W. Johnson III, effective May 31, 2004, after 40 years of
Congressional service. After the resignation was read, the Speaker,
from the floor, offered, and the House adopted, House Resolution 651,
expressing gratitude for Mr. Johnson's service, and the Speaker,
Majority Leader Tom DeLay, of Texas, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, of
California, and other Members took the floor in tribute:
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1. 150 Cong. Rec. 10618-29, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
RESIGNATION AS PARLIAMENTARIAN OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation as
Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives:
The Speaker's Rooms,
House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, May 20, 2004.
Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Speaker: After forty years of service in the Office of
Parliamentarian, I believe that the time is appropriate for me to
submit my resignation in completion of a wonderfully satisfying
career under seven Speakers. By this action, I shall with your
permission remain available to fulfill the requirement in law to
publish precedents accumulated during my tenure and that of my
beloved predecessor, the late Wm. Holmes Brown.
This decision is made especially difficult by the loyal support
and friendship you have shown to me, Mr. Speaker. You have enabled
my office to serve the House and all its Members at a time of
profound institutional change, by coping with new pressures and
realities while mindful of the importance of continuity of the
practices and precedents of the House and of the dignity and
integrity of its proceedings. Speaker Foley, who appointed me to
this position, other Speakers, and Minority Leaders, whose personal
friendships I have also cherished, have likewise been particularly
supportive of this office.
One need only refer to the prefaces of Hinds', Cannon's, and
Deschler's
[[Page 524]]
Precedents to gain a sense of the extent of the procedural
evolution in the House for the first 190 years of the Republic, and
then compare with that documented history the nature and pace of
more recent changes, to understand the enormity of contemporary
developments. Along the way, important matters of Constitutional
separation of powers and continuity of government have occupied
high profile status requiring the attention of my office. Numerous
incremental changes have considerably altered the procedural
landscape during my career. Examples include increased turnover in
Membership, committee seniority status, budgetary disciplines,
appropriations practices, an ethics process, televised proceedings,
multiplicity of committee jurisdictions, oversight and
authorization prerequisites, the impact of changing Senate
processes, disposition of matters in conference, review of
Executive actions, authorities to recess, to postpone and cluster
votes and consolidate amendments, an issue-specific super-majority
vote requirement, electronic capabilities, committee report
availabilities, five-minute rule and other special rule variations,
and the interaction between traditional spontaneity of the House's
proceedings and trends toward relative predictability of time
constraints and issues presented.
I believe that the longstanding tradition of the role of the
Chair in rendering impartial and proper decisions has been
maintained and appreciated despite the switch in party majorities
and despite occasional efforts to appeal various rulings. It has
been reassuring when bipartisan majorities understand and support
the rulings of the Chair solely on the basis of their propriety as
nonpartisan institutional standards with precedential significance.
Respect for appropriate means of disagreement remains the
foundation upon which so much depends. I express special gratitude
to those Members on both sides of the aisle who served as fair and
effective presiding officers during this time. We share a unique
bond.
In fact, my decision is made easier by the certain realization
that my office is immediately capable of providing all required
services to the House. That is made possible by the total
dedication and competence of my deputies, assistants and clerks.
Beyond the fact that they offer to the House more than 100 years in
cumulative nonpartisan professional experience, they are my dear
friends whose institutional loyalty and commitment have been
unfailing. Together, with frequent infusions of humor and with an
essential ability to communicate honestly with all who inquire,
they serve in the public interest. In retrospect many of my own
most valuable experiences were as Deputy and Assistant, in
furtherance of the office's collective response to questions. I am
particularly proud of the involvement of my office in the
preparation of the recodification of the Rules in the 106th
Congress working with a bi-partisan task force. By this letter
through you Mr. Speaker, I also wish to honor the many staff who,
over the years, have respected and protected the collegial
traditions of the House by their professionalism and by being true
to Speaker O'Neill's reminder of the abiding ``importance of being
nice''.
My affection for the House which began when Parliamentarian
Lewis Deschler hired me in 1964 has been
[[Page 525]]
sustaining. It has been nurtured by occasional skepticism, by the
never-ending nuances of questions and responses which have
confronted the House, by cherished relationships with Members and
staff past and present, and by exchanges with parliamentarians from
over the world. I expect to communicate the value of this unique
experience to young people contemplating public service. Thank you,
Mr. Speaker, for having permitted me this opportunity, and for your
friendship.
With your permission, this resignation will take effect May 31,
2004.
Very respectfully yours,
Charles W. Johnson,
Parliamentarian.
The SPEAKER. With great regret, the Chair accepts the
resignation of the distinguished Parliamentarian of the House,
Charles W. Johnson, effective May 31,
2004. -------------------
APPOINTMENT AS PARLIAMENTARIAN OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The SPEAKER. Pursuant to section 287a of title 2, United States
Code, the Chair appoints John V. Sullivan as Parliamentarian of the
House of Representatives to succeed Charles W. Johnson, resigned.
Will the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) kindly assume the
Chair. -------------------
EXPRESSING THE GRATITUDE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ITS
PARLIAMENTARIAN, THE HONORABLE CHARLES W. JOHNSON.
Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution (H. Res. 651)
expressing the gratitude of the House of Representatives to its
Parliamentarian, the Honorable Charles W. Johnson, and ask
unanimous consent for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 651
Whereas Charles W. Johnson was appointed to the Office of
the Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives in May 1964
and, over the ensuing 40 years has continuously served in that
Office under seven successive Speakers, the past 10 years as
Parliamentarian of the House of Representatives under the
appointments of three successive Speakers;
Whereas Charles W. Johnson has unfailingly endeavored to
apply pertinent precedent to every parliamentary question, in
recognition of the principle that fidelity to precedent
promotes procedural fairness and legitimacy; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson has institutionalized in the
Office of the Parliamentarian his demonstrated commitment to
consistency in parliamentary analysis: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives expresses its
profound gratitude to the Honorable Charles W. Johnson for his
unrivaled record of devoted service and steady, impartial
guidance as its Parliamentarian.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
parliamentary inquiry
Mr. [David] DREIER [of California]. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary
inquiry.
[[Page 526]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood).(2) The
gentleman may inquire.
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2. Ray LaHood (PA).
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Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, is a motion to table this resolution
in order at this time?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hastert), the distinguished Speaker, will control 1 hour.
Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume, after which I yield my time to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. DeLay) and ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control
that time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, 40 years ago Charlie Johnson, fresh
out of Virginia Law School, came to work for the Office of the
Parliamentarian. Little did he know that 40 years later, almost to
the day, he would be announcing his retirement from that same
office.
Charlie, we are going to miss you.
You have been a rock. You have advised seven different Speakers
and countless Speaker pro tems on how they should rule on various
parliamentary questions. You have advised thousands of Members and
even more staff in how to draft their amendments. You have given us
advice on committee jurisdiction, the favorite part of my job.
The Parliamentarian in the House takes on special significance,
more so than any other legislative body. You have to be exceedingly
fair and judicious, and have to be seen as fair and judicious by
both sides. And I know that is not always easy.
Charlie replaced Bill Brown as Parliamentarian. Bill started
the process of demystifying the precedents used by his predecessor,
Lew Deschler. That is a pretty good pedigree of institutional
knowledge. Charlie has continued to make the Parliamentarian's
office more accessible and more open to Members and staff.
Charlie is a man of many talents. He is dedicated to education
and talks endlessly about his beloved Camp Dudley, a place for kids
to learn about the great outdoors. He is a baseball fanatic, a
southpaw who pitches batting practice for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
And he has an avid interest in the English House of Commons. In
fact, he is writing a book with his counterpart in London comparing
our procedures with those of the Parliament.
I am sure he thinks he will get the chance to spend more time
with his lovely wife Martha and his two boys, Charles and Drew,
once he retires, but let us not kid ourselves. If I know Charlie
Johnson, I know he will keep as active as he ever has with his many
interests in many things.
I have asked John Sullivan to replace Charlie, and he has
accepted the offer. John is well respected by both Republicans and
Democrats and has served in the Parliamentarian's office since
1987. John is a graduate from the Air Force Academy and got his law
degree from Indiana School of Law. John is an avid college
basketball fan whose allegiance tends to flow to any team that
Bobby Knight coaches. John is an able successor to Charlie Johnson,
Bill Brown and Lew Deschler, and he will do a fine job.
[[Page 527]]
Once again, best wishes to Charlie Johnson in his golden years.
We wish you the best.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay)
is recognized.
Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield half of my time to the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) and ask unanimous consent
that she be allowed to control that time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
{time} 1015
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
To the gentleman from California's (Mr. Dreier) question as to
whether it was appropriate to table the resolution, I think we
should have tabled the letter.
Mr. Speaker, it is with personal and official pride that I rise
to pay tribute to Charles Johnson on his retirement as House
Parliamentarian and to thank him for his many years of outstanding
service to this body.
To praise Charlie Johnson is easy, and it is one thing that
brings Democrats and Republicans together. I have only served for
17 years of Charlie's 40, and during that time I have observed, and
we have all witnessed, profound changes in how this body conducts
its business. But through every change and difficult time, the
House has always been able to count on the expert, honest, and fair
advice of Charlie Johnson.
Charlie began his service in the House in 1964, as acknowledged
by the Speaker, shortly after graduating from the University of
Virginia Law School. When he was appointed House Parliamentarian in
1994, he joined a distinguished line that includes Clarence Cannon,
Lewis Deschler, and Bill Brown. Think of this, my colleagues:
Charlie is just the third Parliamentarian since 1928.
Respected on both sides of the aisle, Charlie was first
appointed by a Democratic Speaker, Speaker Tom Foley, and
reappointed by Republican Speakers Newt Gingrich and the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Hastert).
Charlie exemplifies the best of this House. With his
unquestioned integrity and keen intellect, he has consistently
maintained the highest standards of nonpartisanship and scholarship
for the Office of Parliamentarian. Charlie has guided us carefully,
but firmly, through turbulent floor debates; and he knows of what
we speak here and has provided sound and discreet advice to
individual Members and staff.
He has served as a mentor to the outstanding Parliamentarians
that serve under him, among them his respected successor, John
Sullivan. And we are all pleased with the Speaker's announcement
that John Sullivan will be named the Parliamentarian; and that, of
course, is the suggestion of Charlie Johnson. So respected is he
that he can even suggest his own successor.
On top of everything, Charlie Johnson is truly a kind man. The
Speaker and others will reference Camp Dudley, one of his acts of
kindness.
As a San Franciscan, and, Charlie, I am going to spill the
beans on you, I am delighted that Charlie is also a devoted San
Francisco Giants fan. But
[[Page 528]]
Charlie is not just a fan. When he leaves us, he will take up his
true calling as a major league batting practice pitcher, beginning
with a Dodgers-Expos game soon.
Perhaps, Mr. Leader, we can use our collective influence to
have this event covered by C-SPAN. Maybe we could just do it right
here on the floor and then it will be covered by C-SPAN.
Although Charlie will relinquish his daily duties here,
Charlie's dedication to this House, of course, will remain. Charlie
will continue the difficult, but essential, work on the Precedents
of the House of Representatives.
Earlier this week when the Speaker told me of the news of
Charlie's submitting this letter, which I agree should be tabled, I
received the news with mixed emotions. We all know how great
Charlie is as the Parliamentarian and what a great friend he is to
many of us, but of course we want to see him go on after 40 years
to fulfill himself personally in other ways. And so we know he will
teach professionally at the University of Virginia Law School and
he will collaborate with the Parliamentarian in the House of
Commons of the U.K. on a book of parliamentary procedures that will
surely be a great contribution on that important topic.
But I was delighted to hear Charlie talk about his own personal
plans. Of course he will have more time with his wonderful family,
and he is very lucky his grandchildren live in the region. In fact,
we are lucky his grandchildren live in the region because hopefully
that will mean that Charlie will visit us frequently.
As you leave us, Charlie, please go forth with the knowledge
that anyone who values the work of this House of Representatives
indeed values the work of democracy, is deeply in your debt, and
that goes well beyond those of us who have served here, with the
knowledge that you will be deeply missed and with the hope for us
that you will visit us often. Good luck to you. Congratulations.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you to your family for
sharing you with us.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed feelings that I come to the House
today to wish farewell to our respected and beloved Parliamentarian
Charlie Johnson. It is a happy day because it provides us with an
opportunity to recognize one of the true giants of the United
States House of Representatives and finally give one of our often
underappreciated officials his due and also because we know he is
on his way to a happy retirement.
But it is a sad day, as well, for the House is losing one of
its true institutions. For more than 4 decades, Charlie has
provided Members of both parties the benefit of his guidance and
his judgment and his experience. Charlie is an honest man, one of
the few in Washington whose staff can honestly claim that they
rarely make mistakes and honestly claim that they take
responsibility for them when they do.
For instance, when I took over as majority leader, Charlie and
I often butted heads over the length of floor votes. I urged the
Chair to gavel votes closely right at 15 minutes, even as Members
were scrambling to the floor
[[Page 529]]
to cast their votes. I thought that imposing a little discipline in
the voting would encourage a more efficient use of floor time in
the House.
But Charlie's experience taught him the value of tolerance and
understanding in these matters; and particularly during certain
votes late last year, I finally saw the wisdom of Charlie's way of
thinking in leaving some of those votes open. For those of you on
the other side of the aisle, that was a Tom DeLay's idea of a joke.
Along with Charlie's experience, we will also miss his undying
support for the Amherst College Lord Jeffs, which, to those of you
who follow the perennial NESCAC, the cellar-dwellers, know, is
vocal, enthusiastic, and honestly a little sad.
Seriously, Mr. Speaker, the job of the Parliamentarian is a job
of trust, of integrity, and of honesty. These are the qualities
without which no description of Charlie Johnson would be complete.
The House has been honored by his service, and we have been honored
by his presence.
Good luck, Charlie. God bless you and your family, and of
course we always thank you for your exemplary and distinguished
service to the House of Representatives and to this Nation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman
from California (Mr. Dreier) and ask unanimous consent that he be
allowed to control that time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the
very distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), ranking member
on the Committee on Rules. He and the Committee on Rules and staff,
as well as other Members, know full well the quality of the
excellence of the work of Charlie Johnson, and I ask unanimous
consent that he be allowed to control that time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. [Martin] FROST [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes
to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the Democratic whip.
Mr. [Steny H.] HOYER [of Maryland]. Mr. Speaker, I thank the
distinguished gentleman from Texas, the ranking member of the
Committee on Rules, for yielding me this time.
Those who will speak have been here for some years. Most of us
who speak are known as institutions. We love this House. We believe
this House plays a very unique role in this democracy. It is called
the People's house, a House to which one can be elected but not
appointed. It is a House where the passions and wisdom of the
people are joined in this crucible of decision-making process. It
is a House that is composed of persons of different views,
different regions, indeed different races and nationalities. It is
a House where our Founding Fathers designed American democracy to
be realized.
And in that context it is extraordinarily important to have a
House that plays by the rules. Our Founding Fathers knew that if we
were to have democracy, it would have to be governed by rules.
[[Page 530]]
The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), my good friend, the
former majority leader, is on the floor; and I have heard him say
so often that democracy is a substitute for war.
In that context, it is sometimes confrontational; and we need a
wise person helped by wise staff to, in effect, be the referee, to
say to both sides that we are a democracy and we resolve questions
in a peaceful way, perhaps animated, perhaps heated, but
nevertheless in a way that seeks to realize the dream of our
Founding Fathers, a dream which has been sustained now since 1789
because of people like Charles W. Johnson III. Not elected to serve
but selected, selected by persons who themselves are elected and
who know the value of this institution and the absolutely essential
position that Charles Johnson III was called to serve in.
I am not objective. Those of us who speak will not be
objective. We are his friends. We are his admirers. We are
appreciative of the service that he has given to this House but,
much more importantly, to this country. He is wise. He is also
thoughtful. He is also caring of the institution, its staff and its
Members but, most of all, of his country.
Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues to thank Charlie Johnson
for his service. Charlie's service will be long remembered. He will
write a book, and like his predecessors, that book will be used for
generations to come to help manage this center of democracy, the
people's House.
I somewhat lament the fact that Charlie is leaving and will be
replaced by John Sullivan, not because John Sullivan is not a
worthy successor, but because I prefer Gary Williams to Bobby
Knight, and Drew went to the University of Maryland and therefore
leavened Charlie Johnson's University of Virginia experience.
But, Charlie, as you leave, as we honor you, as we thank you,
we wish you Godspeed and wish you many years of the kind of
productivity and success that you have enjoyed here in this House.
You have been and continue to be a great American in the tradition
of your predecessors who ensured that the people's House would be
revered by its Members and respected by those it serves. Godspeed.
{time} 1030
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, this is a very challenging time for all of us,
because Charlie has been such a great friend and enormous asset to
this institution.
Many of us are proud to be institutionalists, and as the
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) said, I am one of them; and
there are an awful lot of people here who, over the last decades
have seen attacks made on this institution itself, but many of us,
you included, Mr. Speaker, have had a strong commitment to this
institution.
The Office of the Parliamentarian began in 1857 when Speaker
James L. Orr of South Carolina appointed Thaddeus Morrice as
``Messenger.'' Morrice was said to have a marvelous memory and his
ability to recall the House precedents and other decisions of the
Chair required him to be near the Speaker in his role as presiding
officer of the House.
[[Page 531]]
The title was later changed to ``Clerk to the Speaker,'' then
to ``Clerk at the Speaker's Table,'' and in 1927 to ``House
Parliamentarian.'' The first person to actually have the title of
Parliamentarian was Lehr Fess.
Today, we are honoring Charles W. Johnson III as he steps down
from that most important position. There are few people, including
those Members who have been elected to serve, who have contributed
more to this institution than Charlie Johnson.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, I believe that Charles W. Johnson III is
the greatest Parliamentarian to have served this House and our
country. His dedication and service to this great institution is
unparalleled in our history.
Oh, yes, great men have served before, as we have heard, but he
has distinguished himself from them by his desire and ability to
not only assist the Speaker and other presiding officers, but to
reach out and teach Members and staff the rules of this
institution.
Moreover, he has been an example as to how we should conduct
ourselves in office and in life. He has always been a gentleman who
has dealt with Members honestly and fairly. He has worked with
Members from both sides of the aisle evenhandedly and without
prejudice. His advice and counsel have always been sound and
thoughtful. He has been steady and consistent, even when there has
been turmoil in the House and in the country at large.
Charlie has helped this institution during some of the most
trying times that our country has endured. He has competently
served this House and our country by assuring that this great
Chamber proceeds in order when there has been chaos and conflict in
the world around us. He has been at our side from the Vietnam War
to the War on Terror.
There is not enough time to ever fully explain how much Charlie
has contributed. Every piece, every single piece of legislation,
every amendment considered, every motion, every floor event, every
law enacted over the past several decades, bears his mark. Who else
among us can actually say that?
I am humbled at the thought of how much he has done for me
personally as a Member of this body and as chairman of the
Committee on Rules. He has assisted me through major reforms and
minor jurisdictional squabbles.
But today I want to say thank you very much, Charlie, not only
for what you have done for me, but I want to thank you for what you
have done for this great institution, the greatest deliberative
body known to man and to our country as a whole.
Yesterday morning, not unusually, the House Committee on Rules
convened at 7 a.m. to proceed with consideration of the Department
of Defense authorization rule and the conference report on the
budget. At the end of that meeting, I joined with the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Frost), the ranking minority member of the
Committee on Rules, in asking for an agreement to be unanimous,
and, thank heavens for you, Charlie, no one did call a vote, but we
unanimously did pass a resolution that had been crafted by our able
Staff Director, Billy Pitts, who, as you know, is a great
institutionalist and very committed to this body, and Kristi
Walseth, who worked in fashioning the resolution.
[[Page 532]]
I should say that we actually have many more staff people on
the House floor, I think, than Members at this moment, because
there are so many staff members with whom you have worked closely.
I mentioned Billy Pitts, but I want to say on behalf of the
bipartisan staff membership of the House Committee on Rules,
working closely with you and your team, I see here on the floor
Seth Webb and a number of people from the Speaker's office who
work, I know, very closely with you. These staff members will not
have an opportunity to speak here on the House floor, but I know
that every single one of them would want us to express our
appreciation to you for your effort.
I would like to take just a moment to read the resolution,
which we overnight have gotten on parchment, and I am going to
personally present to you here. This was voted unanimously by the
Committee on Rules at 7 o'clock, foggy, yesterday morning.
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III has served the House of
Representatives with dedication and devotion in the Office of
the Parliamentarian since May 20, 1964; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III learned the Rules,
practices and precedents of the House under the tutelage of
Lewis Deschler, who served the House as Parliamentarian from
1928 until 1974, and his good and great friend W. Holmes Brown,
who served as the House Parliamentarian from 1974 until 1994;
and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III has used those lessons to
honorably serve as a universally respected Parliamentarian of
the House from 1994 until today; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III has, as a teacher of House
rules, its practices and precedents, taught respect for the
institution of the United States House of Representatives to
countless Members of Congress and their staff; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III has provided to the
Committee on Rules countless hours of advice and counsel as
well as assistance in its work as the traffic cop of the House;
and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III has ensured that the Office
the Parliamentarian will continue to operate with the high
standards and non-partisan manner that he and his predecessors
have demanded by assembling a knowledgeable, skilled and
experienced staff who serve as a vital part of the operation of
the House; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III, or ``Charlie'' as he is
known in the House, will continue to serve the House as he
continues the work of Lew Deschler and Bill Brown by finishing
the Precedents of the House; and
Whereas his good humor, kind smile and love of baseball
will be missed by all who know him in the House of
Representatives; and
Whereas Charles W. Johnson, III will officially retire from
the United States House of Representatives on May 20, 2004,
exactly 40 years after he first came to this body: Now,
therefore be it
Resolved, That the Members of the Committee on Rules
express their deep and lasting appreciation for the service
Charles W. Johnson, III has given to the Committee, the House
of Representatives and the people of the United States of
America.
I look forward to giving this to you personally, Charlie.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
[[Page 533]]
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you and the Democratic leader for
bringing this resolution to the Floor this morning so that Members
of the House may pay tribute to our friend Charles W. Johnson.
Charlie is taking leave of his position as Parliamentarian of
the House today, exactly 40 years after he began as a young lawyer
fresh out of law school in the Parliamentarian's office. On his
last day in the House it is only fitting that the Members of this
body can take the floor to pay tribute to him and express our
gratitude and our friendship.
To say that Charlie is a creature of the House or a servant of
this institution does him a disservice, for without him, many of us
would never have learned the intricacies of the Rules of the House,
its practices and its procedures. Without his sage advice and
counsel, so many of us, as well as our staff, would be lost in the
maze of legislative practice.
His office, just off this floor, is more than just an office;
it has served as a focal point for discussions both pointed and
prosaic, political and procedural, but always, always, non-
partisan.
Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, Charlie is the institution. During
his 40 years as a Parliamentarian, he has served Democratic
Speakers and Republican Speakers. He has shown fairness to all and
malice to none. Not an easy task, where tempers can run high and
where blame is easily cast.
He has served through peace and war and through times of great
national triumph and tragedy. Charlie has always risen to the
challenge, and in doing so, has challenged so many of us to do so
as well.
Charlie took over the job as the Parliamentarian in 1994
following the retirement of his dear friend and colleague Bill
Brown. Just as Bill was a voice of calm, deliberative reason, so is
Charlie. Far too often we, as Members, fail to recognize the
importance of those qualities in the people who ensure that the
business of the House can proceed, regardless of which political
party holds the majority. I know that it is often the case with
regard to Charlie and the entire staff of the Office of the
Parliamentarian.
Charlie is so good at what he does that he makes the job look
easy. But I, for one, know it is not. But his talents, his
intellect and his love for this institution have made our job as
legislators all the more easy, and I am grateful.
When I was first elected to the House 26 years ago, I became
only the second freshman Member in the 20th century to take a seat
on the Committee on Rules. Had it not been for Bill and Charlie, my
acclimation to that difficult post would have been far more
difficult. I know because of their patient tutelage, their
willingness to just sit down and talk, their careful guidance, my
knowledge of the Rules and how to use them now runs both deep and
wide.
I want to take just a moment, Mr. Speaker, to kind of talk
about my personal experience with Charlie and his office.
From time to time, I, my staff, would go to see Charlie and we
would ask very direct questions, questions that were vital to
formulating strategy on our side of the aisle. What he would do
would be to respond to every question and to answer every question
truthfully. He did not go beyond that. He
[[Page 534]]
did not try to suggest what strategic steps we should take. He only
answered what we asked. And I know he did that for the other side
as well.
He was truly acting in the best, non-partisan position in
helping us as partisans understand what we could and could not do.
But he never went beyond that. He never said, ``By the way, you
know, you could do this also.'' And that is the role of a
Parliamentarian, to answer truthfully the questions of both sides
of the aisle, and then let those Members on both sides of the aisle
figure out where they go with the information.
I cannot tell you how important that is to the functioning of
this body and how important it has been to me as a Member to know
that I can go to someone and get an honest answer; who will answer
my questions, but who will not necessarily go beyond that. And I
respect that.
I know we will all miss Charlie, but I also know we all wish
him well. He has earned the respect of hundreds of Members and more
staff than he can count. He is a man of the House and a deep and
true friend of the House. He has ensured that his office will
continue to serve the House by assembling a talented staff.
I owe him so much, and there are not words to express my deep
gratitude and affection. I can only wish you the best, Charlie. And
while I know he has taken great pains to ensure the institution
will go on without him, I know it will not be the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I am happy to yield 1
minute to my friend, the gentleman from Sanibel, Florida (Mr.
Goss), the very distinguished vice chairman of the Committee on
Rules.
Mr. [Porter J.] GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished
chairman for yielding me time.
I too wish to associate myself with the praise and gratitude
for the man and his service to our institution. I would
characterize Charlie as the true north on the compass of this
institution and the man who had the good judgment to understand
when magnetic declinations were in order. He has had seasoned
patience with seasoned Members, and he has had extraordinary
patience with new Members, to try to explain how things happen
here. I think many of us feel that his personal judgment is as much
a hallmark as the knowledge of the institution, which is matched by
none.
The reason I asked for time to speak is that Charlie will
always be in my memory on a fateful day in this country, September
11, 2001. The Speaker of the House desired that the House be opened
for a prayer on that fateful day even as events were transpiring
around us. It was not the right time, there was concern about
precedent. Parliamentarians always worry about precedent.
{time} 1045
Charlie found a way for us to get the House opened, the prayer
said, and the House evacuated. And I have, to this day, that
official Record hanging on my wall in my office and it will always
be a memory of my life. Because I think it was very important that
that day was recorded that way about this
[[Page 535]]
institution, and it would not have happened without him, of course.
Charlie is well regarded here and overseas, as we know. I have
talked to parliamentarians, as I am sure others will testify, who
come and wonder how this democracy works; how the people's House
works. He has imparted that knowledge and wisdom and judgment
around the globe, and I have heard it expressed many times from
visitors who come here.
He has added value. He has brought credit to our institution.
We are going to miss you a lot, Charlie, and I wanted to say
thanks.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the dean of the House.
Mr. [John D.] DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great personal
sadness about the departure from this institution of a great
friend, wise counselor, mentor, and superb public servant. I do
speak, however, with pride about the accomplishments of Charlie
Johnson, who has served us, the House, and his country well.
He is in all particulars a great patriot and a great American.
He has been wise counselor to us, mentor; he has given us good
advice; and he has seen to it that we understood the history and
the traditions of this institution.
He has served us in the great traditions of Clarence Cannon,
Lewis Deschler, Bill Brown, and now the fine work which he has
done. He is going to be missed by this institution. He has served
as an example to all of us and to those who will follow in his
particular task as Parliamentarian.
It has been his responsibility to see to it that the House
function as it should, in accord with the great traditions that we
have here of respect, of decency, and of love of this institution.
And for that and all of the other things that we can say good about
Charlie, we have to recognize that we should say thank you; that we
should say well done; that we should wish him well for what it is
that he has accomplished.
The House is a better institution for his wonderful service to
this body. And all of us here, as individual Members, particularly
those of us who have had frequent occasion to consult with him
about the rules, about the traditions, about how this institution
does work and how it should work have a special reason to be
grateful to him and to have a special burden of gratitude to him
for what he has done.
I am proud, indeed, that he has been my friend. I am grateful
to him as my mentor. I am appreciative to him of his wise counsel
and guidance. And I know that I am not alone in feeling a singular
debt of gratitude to my good friend, our Parliamentarian, as he
leaves us.
I would note that other Members have these same feelings and
all have good reasons. And I would note that the House of
Representatives is a better institution, and one more in keeping
with the traditions and with the principles and practices, and in
keeping with what it is we would like to say it was, a great
institution, the House of the people, and a place which serves all
of us.
All of us have reason to miss him, and we will indeed. We will
wish him well. We will pray that God will be
[[Page 536]]
good to him and that He will give him many years to enjoy a
reflection upon the great service which he has given to this great
country.
I say again to him, Charlie, well done, good and faithful
servant. You have made this a great institution, and we are all
grateful to you. Thank you, my friend.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).
Mr. [Thomas E.] PETRI. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sense of real
loss that I first heard the news that Charlie Johnson was leaving
after so many years of dedicated service to all of us in the House,
and I want to take this occasion to join with my colleagues in
paying tribute to him today.
I personally take great comfort in seeing Charlie each day at
his post on the Speaker's podium, monitoring our proceedings,
guiding the Member who has been appointed to preside over the
House, and making the determinations and rulings needed to keep
this House running in a manner that respects the rights and the
privileges of all Members. I know that we are in good hands.
The person who serves as Parliamentarian influences the daily
activities of the House, and though not known by many Americans,
has had a great impact on some of the most dramatic moments that
have occurred in this Chamber. From his perch, he literally has a
front seat to history. I am sure at times he found himself in
situations he never expected; but through it all, his behavior was
beyond reproach.
Perhaps what impressed me most as I got to know Charlie over
the years was his commitment to and interest in parliamentary
procedure, not only here in the U.S. but in other legislative
bodies as well. Charlie often traveled to consult with others and
has participated in conferences and hearings explaining our rules
and procedures.
Speaking from my own experience, he joined us on trips to
London as part of the British-American Parliamentary Group. He
spent at least part of the time consulting with his counterpart in
the British Parliament regarding a cooperative project on
parliamentary procedures and comparing the two institutions.
Charlie was an educator. In addition to writing and editing
books about parliamentary procedure, he spent a lot of time meeting
with school kids and others to explain how our House works and the
importance of parliamentary procedure and its literal impact on the
history of our House and this Nation.
As he leaves us, we can thank him too for the way he ran the
Office of Parliamentarian and mentored the deputy and assistant
Parliamentarians under his direction. His deputy, John Sullivan,
will become the Parliamentarian next month. This also reflects well
on the standards Charlie set for his office.
I will miss Charlie, but I will value always his integrity,
professionalism, his attention given to each Member no matter what
party they may have represented, his principled advice and conduct,
his love and respect for the House and its traditions, and, most
importantly, for his friendship.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Missouri (Mr. Gephardt), the former Democratic leader of the House.
[[Page 537]]
Mr. [Richard A.] GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I found out something I
did not know about Charlie today. I found out from our leader that
he is a San Francisco Giants fan. If I had known that, I would not
have come today.
On a more serious note, I have had some time lately to do some
things that I usually have not had time to do, so I have been
watching on television the early part of the proceedings here in
the House, and I hear these rules being explained. I have tried to
put myself in the shoes of an average citizen, and I think it is
gobbledygook, and I do not understand what they are talking about.
But that really is the magic of this place.
As the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) said earlier, I am
fond of saying that politics is a substitute for violence. It
really is. And the only thing that allows us to resolve our
differences peacefully is that we have a process. We have rules. We
have laws. We have parliamentary procedure. And that process is
what makes this place work and makes democracy work in our country.
The keeper of those rules has been our subject today, Charles
Johnson. He has done it, in my view, as well as it can be done. He
has always been fair. No one questions his judgment or his
enunciation of the precedents of the House, whether it comes down
in your favor or it does not. He is a professional. No one ever
doubts his knowledge or his dedication to knowledge about the
process.
Finally, his character, his human character, has been
impressive to everybody who has come in contact with him. Whether a
Member, staff, people visiting, everyone knows that this is a man
of great character.
I guess the best story I can tell to kind of sum up my feelings
about Charlie is that we had a common friend, someone that I went
to Northwestern University with and was one of my best friends
there, wound up at the University of Virginia Law School and became
a friend of Charlie's. So we, in that common friendship, got
somewhat of a personal relationship; and we, unfortunately, saw our
friend die of cancer some years back. But even with that personal
relationship I had with Charlie, I never, ever felt that in
anything he did while I was leader or in anything I have done here
was anything other than fair. Never prejudiced. Never giving in to
human relationships. Always calling it the way he saw it and making
judgments on the process, which is at the heart of our democratic
experiment, fairly and with honesty and good character.
Charlie, we truly will miss you. We welcome the successor, who
is going to do a great job; and we wish you the greatest time in
retirement that anybody could ever have. Thank you.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to yield 2 minutes to
the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), a Member who has chosen
to retire at the end of this term but has served extraordinarily
well on both the Committee on International Relations and the
Committee on Financial Services.
Mr. [Doug] BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
California for yielding me this time and for his statement.
It is people that make an institution function, that make it
great, that sustain and build respect for it; and
[[Page 538]]
Charles W. Johnson is certainly one of those people. He has helped
the Congress respect and assert the best traditions and decorum of
the House.
I said to him, Charlie, you cannot retire before I do. I will
miss you too much. And yet I guess we were born in the same vintage
year. Nevertheless, we have great respect for John Sullivan, and we
look forward to his service here as Parliamentarian.
I think it was just a few minutes ago that the distinguished
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) said Charlie Johnson is not
only a knowledgeable man but he is a wise man and a caring man, and
that is certainly the case. I respect the contributions so much
that he has made to help young people who have less advantages than
most others.
Charles Johnson has had a tremendous and very positive impact
on the U.S. House of Representatives during his service here, 40
years to the month in the Office of the Parliamentarian, and 10
years as our Parliamentarian. Tremendous service!
I remember a day back on January 21, 1997. I do not preside
over the House that much, but it has been my lot to preside on some
of the most difficult days, and I recall that difficult and
historic day. And it was the strategy and advice of Charles Johnson
that helped set the tone and the order and demeanor of the House
that day, through me, which was so crucial. I thank him for that
and for so many other occasions.
It has been my privilege to travel with Charlie as I led the
House delegation to the NATO-Parliamentary Assembly, and not only
going to Brussels but, as the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri)
said, visiting the House of Commons where Charles Johnson is very
well known. Charlie has lots of friends there and in the leadership
of the House of Representatives.
If Charlie and this Member ever talk about nonessential things
here, like sports, we have talked about college football. And I
have never until yesterday really known how much of an interest
Charlie Johnson had in baseball. But I think I am shortly going to
join him as a fan of the San Francisco Giants. A couple of years
ago, the Wall Street Journal ran a piece on the chronic shortage of
left-handed batting practice pitchers in major league baseball. So
shortly thereafter, Charlie's ability to throw strikes from the
port side was tested as he auditioned and then he started pitching
for the Los Angeles Dodgers when they came to Camden Yards to play
the Orioles. Then he pitched for them in Philadelphia, helping the
Dodgers, and soon they became better hitters of left-handed
pitchers.
If it had not been for yesterday's rework of the schedule
because of rain, I understand he would have been doing the same
thing for the Dodgers in the Phillies' new stadium. So that is a
remarkable side of Charlie that I did not know about at all.
Mr. Speaker, as he leaves here, our outgoing Parliamentarian is
going to be working with the recently retired Clerk of the British
House of Commons, William McKay, on an updated comparative book on
Parliament and Congress. Charlie's appreciation of the value of
comparative studies through his work with counterparts in other
countries, especially with that Mother of all Parliaments, has
played an essential role in the development of programs of mutual
exchange. You have
[[Page 539]]
heard that already referenced. People on every continent know
Charlie Johnson because they have worked with him in their
parliamentary efforts. So he is going to be working with Sir
William in that respect.
Mr. Speaker, if it were consistent with American tradition, we
would make you Sir Charles. But, nevertheless, we know that this is
going to be another major contribution and it has some impact here.
As you leave the House, Charlie Johnson should feel good to know
that the recently established Office of Interparliamentary Exchange
reflects his interest in improving not only the conduct of
activities here in this parliament but in parliaments around the
world.
{time} 1100
So Charlie Johnson, best wishes to you and your family. Thank
you for your public service and your service to the U.S. House of
Representatives. You will be greatly missed.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Obey).
Mr. [David R.] OBEY. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry, is it
correct that the Speaker accepted Mr. Johnson's resignation?
The SPEAKER pro tempore. (Mr. LaHood). The gentleman is
correct.
Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I appeal the ruling of the chair.
Mr. Speaker, I often refer to Archie the cockroach. This is my
political bible, and Archie has something for almost every
occasion. One thing he said once was ``Boss, I believe the
millennium will come, but there is a long list of people who have
to go first.'' I think Charlie misunderstood. Charlie, Archie was
not talking about you, and I hope you reconsider.
Mr. Speaker, for 40 years Charlie has been at the center of
every effort of this institution to live up to the responsibility
which it has to the oldest democracy in the world. Democracy can
thrive only when all of our citizens believe that there is at least
one place, some forum to which they can go in order to make their
case and to have their arguments heard. They do not have to win,
but they have to know that there is a place where they will receive
a fair hearing. When that happens, democracy thrives; and when it
does not, democracy dies a little.
I think more than anyone in this institution, Charlie Johnson
has dedicated himself to see to it that on this floor, democracy
thrives. He has been dedicated to the proposition that the rules
ought to be applied in a way that enabled the majority to meet
their responsibilities to govern and at the same time to enable the
minority to offer and be heard on its alternative visions.
To the extent that the House has on occasion not been used that
way, the fault certainly does not lie on the shoulders of Charlie
Johnson. Charlie Johnson, I think, has met his responsibility to
the institution, to the country, to both political parties; and we
are all the better for it.
I know people have said a lot of good things about him today,
and I know that on occasions like this people often exaggerate. For
instance, I understand that Charlie's own wife was watching this on
C-SPAN, and she heard so many good things about him that she
[[Page 540]]
rushed to the Chamber to see if we were talking about the same
fellow. We are, Charlie. We are all talking about you. If Dick
Bolling were here, who was my mentor in this place and who as a
Member I think knew more about the rules than any other Member I
ever knew, if Dick Bolling were here today, he would say, ``Well
done, thou good and faithful servant.''
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 \1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from Savannah, Georgia (Mr. Kingston), the very
distinguished vice chairman of the Republican Conference.
Mr. [Jack] KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to say a few remarks
about our great friend and departing parliamentarian. If Members
think about the world we live in today and all the technology and
all the feats of engineering, we take so much for granted. We get
in our cars, and our cars are almost a mechanical and a computer
platform now, and we never marvel, we never question. We just flip
a switch, and we expect something to happen. We take it all for
granted.
That is somewhat how we are as we come down to the floor of the
House. As 435 independent contractors, we come down here and we
expect bills to be on the table, we expect to have a learned staff
who can ask why a certain amendment was germane and why it was
allowed and why it was not allowed. We expect to have some
professionals who can keep their eyes on our distinguished brethren
and sisters on the Committee on Rules, for example.
We need a neutral body as our motions flow that can say this is
how the procedure must go on. And I think the House should be very
proud of what Charlie and his entire team have done and all of the
staff members that make this body click. Lord knows what would
happen if we did not have this. We might look like the U.S. Senate.
I do not know if my words will be taken down, Charlie. I know
there is a whole list of things I am not supposed to say. For
example, I cannot turn to my friend, David Obey or John Lewis and
say, John. I have to say my distinguished friend from. Right now,
this is like fingernails going against a blackboard. He keeps
Members like me who can be somewhat flippant, who might say the
wrong thing, who may deserve to have words taken down. He is the
guy who says I may agree with what he just said about the fellow
Member of the House, I might agree with his politics, I might
disagree, but I am going to stick with the rule books. We need to
have somebody like that. And he keeps people like the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) watching that clock.
There was a great TV commercial of Motel 6 years ago. Tom
Bodett made famous the line, ``I am going to keep the light on for
you.'' I always liked that because my mom would keep the light on
for us when we were teenagers going home because the light
represented security, the light represented home and wisdom and
fairness. Charlie has kept the light on for all of us for many,
many years, a source of wisdom, a source of fairness, a bright spot
no matter what the legislative agenda of the day was; and we thank
Charlie for all of his hard work.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Waxman).
[[Page 541]]
Mr. [Henry A.] WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, so much of the time in this
institution in recent years has been partisan, rancorous comments
back and forth, difficult feelings among the Members; and this
year, which is an election year, has exacerbated all of that. So it
is important to note that Democrats and Republicans are joined
together because what we are all experiencing is a significant loss
for this institution, for the people's House, the House of
Representatives.
Charlie Johnson has served as an integral part of the
legislative process, and I feel privileged to have had the
opportunity to work with him over the years. We have been the
beneficiaries of his intellect, thoughtfulness, and integrity time
and time again. Several years ago, Charlie noted that his
predecessor, William Brown, had set a standard of ``intellectual
vigor, sharing of information, and a sharing of responsibility with
a grace that was accompanied by a total devotion to the House of
Representatives.'' Charlie has more than met that standard.
He does serve an important role, but it is more than just the
role he serves. He has embodied the person that all of us can look
to as one who will judge the issues with fairness based on the
rules, based on the idea that laws govern not just individuals, and
that when he makes his determination on all of the precedents and
the exact wording of the rules, we know that is the course that we
all have to agree to.
I came here from the California State legislature, and I think
many legislatures are like this, the speaker has complete control.
The speaker gets to appoint the Members to the committees and the
chairmen, and assigns the members' offices and staff, and the
speaker can make the rulings, and it is the speaker's authority
alone to make the rulings.
So when I came here, I was surprised to find out that the
Speaker could not just make a decision that benefited those of us
on a certain side of the issue. He had to go to Charlie Johnson to
find out what the rules were, and he had to abide by that decision.
I have come to realize how important that is for an institution
to be able to have someone with such integrity and knowledge that
we can look to to be the final say on what the rules are because we
have to follow the rules in this institution and in a country that
looks to the rule of law as essential.
I have come to recognize that as important, just as I have come
over the years to recognize even the importance of seniority, which
I more and more appreciate the longer I am here.
I want to say that I have not only benefited from Charlie's
wisdom and advice but from his friendship. I have not had the
opportunity to travel with him. Maybe now that Charlie is leaving,
we will have to go on an Elder Hostel trip together because we are
advancing in age. He has been a terrific friend to me, someone I
have tremendous respect for, and it is shared by everyone in this
institution. He is certainly going to be missed.
This is a change that many of us hoped we would not see, not
only with Charlie's absence but a change in his guidance for all of
us; and I join all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans,
liberals and conservatives, in supporting this resolution to thank
him for a job well done.
[[Page 542]]
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 \1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from Buffalo, New York (Mr. Quinn), another Member who
unfortunately has chosen to retire at the end of this term.
Mr. [Jack] QUINN. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues
this morning, mostly in leadership positions, who have come to the
floor this morning, Charlie, to talk about your wisdom and fairness
and work ethnic; and I want to associate myself with their remarks,
of course. But I am one of those dozens of the Speaker pro
tempores. Charlie has made us all look good, both on C-SPAN and
back home for our constituents, and for our colleagues here in the
Chamber.
I was in the chair one day and some rule question came up.
After I answered it, my mother called me on the phone and said,
``How did you know all of those rules so quickly?''
I said, ``It was easy, Charlie Johnson was there.''
She said, ``Who is he?''
I said, ``Well, he is the guy that does the trick. He talks
into the microphone so you hear him, but so nobody else hears him,
and he explains the rules.''
Charlie, on behalf of all of the Speaker pro tempores, some
with a little more experience than others, who you have made look
good across the country and in front of our colleagues, I want to
thank you for knowing those rules, for sharing those rules, and for
keeping this place a place of order when we are in the chair trying
to keep order.
I guess the trick for you then and your staff is to be heard,
but not to be heard when you do your job best. And I would submit
to my colleagues here in the Chamber that we all can take a lesson
from this gentleman as he leaves us. When we do our business, we
should try to be heard, and maybe not be heard so loud during those
times of emotion, during those times of debate, during those times
of political arguments, to be heard, of course, but to not be
heard. And Charlie, for that service to us as that group of people
that chair these sessions, and on behalf of all our constituents
across the country, I want to say thanks for a job well done. We
appreciate it. We will always remember you.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).
Mr. [John M.] SPRATT [Jr.]. Mr. Speaker, I have served in the
House for more than half of the 40 years that Charlie Johnson has
served as Parliamentarian. As a matter of fact, I had just become a
Member of the House with no more than 3 weeks of experience when I
wandered onto the floor one day, having mistaken the bells and
thought there was about to be a vote.
Before I could get off the floor and go back about my business,
Charlie beckoned me to the chair; and the next thing I knew I was
wielding the gavel, presiding over the House, never having done
that before in my life. I was never more thankful to have someone
who knew what he was doing sitting behind me whispering
instructions, and I have been thankful ever since that Charlie
Johnson was in that position.
{time} 1115
For all those 22 years that I have known him, his chair behind
the Speaker, his office across the hall have
[[Page 543]]
been sources of civility in a House that is often contentious,
sometimes bitter and pugnacious and embattled. For all those years,
the Parliamentarian has been an authority that everyone in this
House, both sides of the aisle, have recognized and respected
because his rulings and his advice and his good judgment have
always been based on precedent and on sound thinking.
His office made him powerful. Anyone who became the
Parliamentarian of the House would be powerful inherently, but his
knowledge, his ability and his manner made him authoritative. The
House could not be the House that the Framers intended us to be,
the people's House, without sometimes passionate, hard-hitting
debate; but the House could not operate in that mode, sometimes
pushing the envelope of civility, without a referee that everybody
trusted and respected. For a long, long time, Charlie has been such
a referee.
My respect for Charlie Johnson on our side, the Democratic side
of the aisle, was established over the years and well-founded, but
his great ability, his inherent decent fairness, was recognized to
his credit and theirs when our Republican colleagues moved into the
majority and made him their Parliamentarian, too. He proved his
fairness, his basic inherent fairness, by serving both parties
without ever breaking stride. I do not think anyone in the years
that I have served here has ever accused him of bending with
partisan winds. Charlie Johnson has called them the way he saw them
for the last 40 years.
The House of Representatives is losing, we should not fool
ourselves, a huge amount of institutional memory with the loss and
retirement of Charlie Johnson. Four decades in the
Parliamentarian's office, 10 years as Chief Parliamentarian, and
during all those 40 years he has embodied those qualities that we
need most in a parliamentarian: erudition and evenhandedness, great
authority and great good humor, too, and overall a keen
understanding of this great institution of the Republic.
He has made the people's House deserve its name. He has helped
us make this complex system that we call democracy work and work
well.
Though he is leaving, he leaves behind him a legacy that will
inform the proceedings of this House for a long time to come, and
he is leaving a well-trained staff of Parliamentarians.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The time of the gentleman
from Texas (Mr. Frost) has expired.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent, in light of
the fact that we have so many requests to talk about Charlie, that
we extend the debate on this for an additional 5 minutes; and I
would like to yield that 5 minutes to the control of my friend from
Dallas, Texas (Mr. Frost).
The SPEAKER pro tempore. (Mr. LaHood). Without objection, there
will be an additional 5 minutes.
There was no objection.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 additional seconds to the
gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).
Mr. SPRATT. Mr. Speaker, I remember when John Sullivan was
first appointed and moved from the House Committee on Armed
Services. The day after he took his office as the Deputy
Parliamentarian, the staff on the
[[Page 544]]
House Committee on Armed Services concocted a convoluted
parliamentary problem, which I presented to him as an innocent
junior Member of the House, which John was immediately stumped by
before he realized that it was all a hoax. Today, if we presented
him that Gordian knot, I think he could probably cut it.
Charlie, you have taught us not just the procedures of the
House and taught us well, but you have taught us the reasons that
those rules must prevail. That is a legacy that will last for a
long, long time. I think the brooding omnipresence of Charlie
Johnson will loom over this House for a long time to come.
Thank you for everything you have done for us and this great
institution.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry), who often presides very ably
over this institution.
Mr. [Mac] THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, Members come to this
Congress with a policy agenda or a political agenda. We spend our
time and effort trying to make some change we think is good for the
country. Yet there is something bigger and more enduring than any
one of us or any one of our issues. That something is the
institution of the House of Representatives.
I believe that every elected Member has a responsibility to
that institution, but it is the professionals who serve as the
officers and staff of the House that make sure it is preserved and
protected. They serve the House and the Nation day and night
through heated debates and even through long, dull special orders.
Nobody has served this House more faithfully and more nobly
than our Parliamentarian, Charles Johnson. He is smart and
insightful as his job required, but he also has the integrity to be
trusted by both sides of the aisle during heated debate and
controversial rulings. He has a sense of history and, I think, a
sense of responsibility for this institution going back 217 years
to the Constitutional Convention on through today and on through
generations to come.
The House has been in good hands during Charlie Johnson's
tenure, and part of his legacy, part of his lasting influence, will
be felt through his successor. I join in expressing sadness at his
leaving, but also admiration and gratitude for his service.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Georgia (Mr. Lewis).
Mr. [John] LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my
colleagues in paying tribute to and saying a word of thank you to
Charles Johnson, the distinguished Parliamentarian of the House of
Representatives.
This is my 18th year of serving in this House, and this Member
can testify to the fact that Charles Johnson has been a fair,
hardworking, committed and dedicated public servant. When new
Members were given the chance to preside over the House, he was
always patient and eager to help Members make it through the
process. The House is a better House, and the country is a better
country because of Charles Johnson.
It is my belief that when historians pick up their pens and
write the history of this House during the latter
[[Page 545]]
part of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century,
they will have to write that a man called Charles Johnson made a
lasting contribution to maintaining order and peace in this House.
But he did more than maintain order and peace with his talents,
skills and ability. He helped guide this House through some of the
most important and sometimes bitter debates and discussions.
Charles Johnson has helped guide this House through the discussion
and debate on voting rights, civil rights, Medicare, the Higher
Education Act, war and peace.
I want to join my colleagues to thank Charles Johnson for all
of his good work and for his contribution toward the strengthening
of our democracy. Charles Johnson, Mr. Parliamentarian, we wish you
well in the days and years to come.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to yield 1 minute to
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
Mr. [Steven C.] LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, when we are all here
on the floor, there are often calls for regular order. The fellow
who has kept regular order has been Charlie Johnson during my 10
years.
A lot of platitudes have been spoken and they are all well
deserved. I want to extend my voice in saying thanks for giving me
the guidance when I have had the honor of presiding over the House
from time to time.
I do want to tell just one quick story in the minute that I
have been given because the majority leader made sort of a joke
about the 3-hour vote on prescription drugs and some Members in the
House, when they scream regular order, because we are all busy, we
do not take time to read the rules, do not know that the votes are
a minimum of 15 minutes and not a maximum of 15 minutes.
But I can recall during a rather contentious vote the
Republicans were up 206-204 and time had expired. A rather excited
Member from the West Coast, California, came running up, it was not
the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), and said, ``You've got
to close this thing down. We have to win this vote. You need to
shut it down.''
We looked and saw that earlier in the day 420 Members had
voted, we were about 10 Members short; it was late in the evening,
everybody was out having dinner, coming back; it was raining in the
Capital. Charlie Johnson then said, ``When you're in the minority,
you understand that you're not going to win a lot of votes here,
and when you're in the majority you can and probably should win
most votes, but what you can't do when you're in the majority is
steal a vote. We need to keep this vote open to make sure that
those 10 Members who voted just a half an hour ago have the
opportunity to be here and cast their ballots.''
We wound up winning and the Member on that occasion who was
excited came up later and apologized for screaming. Charlie Johnson
has been fair, fair to the Republicans, fair to the Democrats, and
I shall miss him very much.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
Maryland (Mr. Cardin).
Mr. [Benjamin L.] CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I take this time to say
thank
[[Page 546]]
you to Charlie Johnson for his public service. He has never been
elected as a Member of this body, but he has had as much influence
as anyone who has ever been elected to this House in preserving the
traditions of this great democratic institution, and I thank him
for that. His contributions go well beyond the 40 years of service
because what he has done in his service will be a lasting tradition
in this body and will serve future generations.
He cannot duck a single tough issue, but he has ruled every
time on the basis of sound precedent without partisan
considerations. He is a person of the highest integrity, an
encyclopedic mind, a person who is totally committed to our country
and this legislative body.
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to take this 1 minute as one Member
of this body to thank Charlie Johnson for what he has done to make
this great institution a better place for the future.
I thank you, I thank you for your friendship, and I thank you
for your commitment.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 1 minute to
my good friend, the gentleman from Atlanta, Georgia (Mr. Isakson).
Mr. [Johnny] ISAKSON. Mr. Speaker, I, first of all, associate
myself with all the kind remarks that have been made about Charlie,
but I thought back to my first day here. I was elected on a special
election, came in, I knew no one, and it was a hustle and bustle.
Charlie Johnson was the guy who got me through that in what was a
blur to me.
Secondly, I am reminded of how great this institution is, and I
am reminded of three silent factors the public never sees. First is
the sconce of Moses that looks down upon the Speaker as an
inanimate object, but as a constant reminder of the integrity we
all need. Second is our Founding Father, George Washington, whose
portrait hangs on this side of our Capitol to remind us of where we
come from.
The third silent but very present, day in and day out, person
that guides the integrity of this most important institution is the
quiet but effective leadership of Charlie Johnson. This institution
has been blessed to have leaders of great capability from elected
office, but from that seat next to the Speaker, we have been
blessed to have a man who has the excellent commitment to fairness,
integrity, responsibility and the preservation of this Republic,
and that is Charlie Johnson.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from New York (Mr. McNulty).
Mr. [Michael R.] McNULTY. Mr. Speaker I am honored to stand
here today and associate myself with the remarks of Speaker Hastert
and Leader Pelosi and all of the other Members in thanking Charlie
Johnson for his 40 years of outstanding service to the House of
Representatives and to the country.
When I first came to the Congress in the 1980s, I served on a
regular basis as one of the Speaker pro tems. At that time I knew
very little about parliamentary procedure and almost nothing about
the House rules. I thank Charlie and my friend the late Bill Brown
and John and Tom and Muftiah and Gay and all of the others who
helped through the years to educate
[[Page 547]]
me about the House rules and to have that wonderful experience
which, incidentally, I hope I have again someday.
Charlie, I would sum it up this way: You are the very
definition of outstanding public service. I wish you good health
and happiness for many, many years to come.
general leave
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, we have many, many Members who want to
have an opportunity to be heard on this and so, at this moment, I
am going to ask unanimous consent that general leave be provided so
that all Members may include statements in the Record upon Charlie
Johnson's retirement.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my friend
from Texas (Mr. Frost) be given an additional 1 \1/2\ minutes for
debate.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 1 minute to my
very, very good friend, the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Simpson).
Mr. [Michael K.] SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman
for yielding me this time.
Charlie, we are certainly going to miss you. Sometimes that
does not seem like enough, but all of the Members of the House and
the fellow staff members here in the House are certainly going to
miss you. Sometimes simple words are the best.
Parliamentary procedure, as has been stated here, the Rules of
the House equally and uniformly applied to all, are what make this
emotional and sometimes polarized place work. Charlie and I have
sometimes disagreed about the interpretation of those rules and we
have debated it a little bit. Yielding to the superior wisdom of
Charlie, I found out that you can end debate with a nondebatable
motion here in the House, but if we were back in Idaho, you could
not do that. We have had some very interesting debates.
I always found, when I practiced dentistry, that when I was
hiring a new chairside assistant, it was sometimes often easier to
hire somebody that had no experience because then you did not have
to untrain them before you retrained them. Sometimes I think
Charlie's toughest job here is to take some of us who have been
presiding officers in State legislatures and untrain us of the
rules that we learned in our State legislatures before he retrained
us about the Rules of the House.
I know that you have done a fantastic job. We have all enjoyed
working with you. Sometimes the measure of an individual's
performance is what those around him think about the job that he
has done. As I have talked to other staff members here, I can tell
you one of the things that was said yesterday, someone said, ``If I
had to think of one word to describe Charlie, it would be
`integrity.''' That is not a bad legacy to leave.
Thank you, Charlie. We are going to miss you.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
[[Page 548]]
Mr. [Bill] PASCRELL. Charlie, you have served your country and
you have served this wonderful House. At a time when we have lost
something in terms of ritual and ceremony, you have always brought
us back to reality.
{time} 1130
Thomas Jefferson, I am sure, would be very proud of you. Our
laws and our rules are based upon what he wrote.
We were brought together 8 years ago when I came into this
House by a mutual friend. It was the right move. The first person I
met on this floor was Charlie Johnson.
And I know you have wished well your successor. I know he will
do well. I know John will do very well. This is a great
institution, Charlie, and we will never forget how you served your
country.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from
Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).
Mr. [Earl] BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, we have talked about the
contribution that our friend Charlie Johnson has made to the rules
of the House, and that he has provided the context to understand
the rules. But I think the thing that I have come to appreciate is
the human face that he puts on it. It is the dimension provided by
the outstanding men and women who make this place work behind the
scenes, that we all come to appreciate.
Charlie, you epitomize those people; and ultimately it is that
human face that is going to provide the strength to make sure that
the House follows through on the path that you have charted so ably
in the past 40 years. We greatly appreciate your contributions.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Peoria, Illinois (Mr. LaHood), who, as has been pointed out,
time and time again so ably presides over this institution as
Speaker pro tempore.
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I think people watching this would
find it kind of odd that I would have to step down off the podium
in order to speak, but Charlie would never allow me to speak from
up there because it is not according to the rules of the House.
And I think people would find it odd that Charlie cannot speak
today. Charlie has spoken many, many times on this floor through
those of us who have had the great opportunity and privilege to
serve as Speaker pro tempore. But it is not according to the rules.
And if it is not according to the rules, it does not happen. And if
it is not according to the rules by Charlie Johnson, it does not
happen.
I was quoted in CQ as saying that Charlie runs the House, and I
hope our leadership does not take offense at that; but Charlie
really has run the House for many years, and thank goodness for
that.
I think many people do not realize that in 1994 not one of us
in the majority presided. When we were sworn in in 1995, not one of
us in the majority had ever presided over the House. And if it were
not for the magnificent work of Charlie and his entire staff, think
of the chaos that could be created when we turn over an entire
House to a new majority of people who obviously maybe know a little
bit about
[[Page 549]]
the rules but not much. And if it were not for the great work of
Charlie and all of his people, think of the kind of chaos.
And we were dealing with some really important issues here. I
know you do not like to hear about the Contract with America, but
that was the agenda for 3 months, and that was major legislation.
And we could not have done it, and those of us who had the
privilege early on of presiding could have never done it. It would
not have been possible for us if we had not really paid attention
to Charlie Johnson and the people that work in his office, and they
really are the ones that allow us to do the things that we were
able to do throughout the 10 years that we have been in the
majority.
When people say to me, How did you get so good at presiding? It
is a very simple answer. I listened to Charlie Johnson. That is the
answer. And when one listens to Charlie, they get good advice.
I want to say one word about these jobs that we have: we could
not do without the kind of spouses that allow us to do them, and I
want to say a word about Martha. Martha is here.
And, Martha, I want to say to you, thank you for giving us this
extraordinary human being who has given us so much. We are in your
debt for the kind of, I think, tolerance that you have lent to the
job that Charlie has done, the long nights, the late nights, and
the good work.
Charlie, job well done. Godspeed.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from Washington (Mr. Baird).
Mr. [Brian] BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, on the night of September 11, I
began to think about what might happen if this institution were to
perish in an attack, and I asked, who should we talk to to learn
the answer to that question? And the answer to that was Charlie
Johnson.
Charlie, I want to thank you and your entire staff for your
help on that issue but, more importantly, for how you help us every
single day.
People around the country see us disagree and bicker all the
time here, and they say is there not anything you people can agree
on? Today, my friends, we have agreed on something. We have agreed
to honor this magnificent individual, his service to our country
and the principle of the rules that keep our democracy, our
Republic, and this great body functioning.
I thank you, Charlie, and I thank my colleagues for their great
words today. Godspeed, Charlie.
Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).
Mr. [Ron] KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding
me this time.
Charlie, they say that politics is a sea of conflict. If that
is true, then you have been the steady hand that has guided this
ship of state, our democratic process, through so many years of
calm and troubled waters. You will be missed. We have appreciated
your service. You are the epitome of what public service is all
about.
And, as I encouraged Terry just before his retirement, and I
have enjoyed the conversations that we have had in regards to the
tradition and the history and the culture of this place, I
encourage you to record your memories and
[[Page 550]]
maybe put it in book form to share with the rest of the world
because in so many ways, you are also the repository of a lot of
the knowledge and memories that are embodied in this place.
So we all wish you well today. We wish you Godspeed and may you
have a very long and happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman
from Georgia (Mr. Linder), the chairman of the Subcommittee on
Technology and the House of the Committee on Rules.
Mr. [John] LINDER. Mr. Speaker, when the Republican transition
occurred in December of 1994, I was charged with the responsibility
of interviewing people and finding hires for the top five positions
in the House, and one of those was Parliamentarian. I frankly came
at it with some suspicion. If someone could be working so long for
the other party in control, could that person be fair? And he
convinced me over two meetings that his job was not to be fair or
unfair, but to know the rules. He has proven that he does, with an
even hand; and I join all my colleagues in thanking him in his
service to his country.
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I would like to close again by expressing appreciation on
behalf of all of the many staff members here in this institution
who work so closely with Charlie Johnson, all of those who are
working for us here today and the members of committee staffs and
personal staffs who have worked so closely with him.
And I would like to close by sharing with our colleagues a note
that was handed to me a few minutes ago. It says: ``Dear Charlie,
thanks for your 40 years of service to the House and our country. I
wish you all the best. Keep your arm loose. We may need to call you
in from the bullpen.'' This is a handwritten note from the
President of the United States, George W. Bush, which I will give
to you, Charlie, as soon as we have the resolution. . . .
Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time,
and I move the previous question on the resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
To the Legislative Counsel
Sec. 10.6 The Legislative Counsel, Ward M. Hussey, and the Deputy
Legislative Counsel, Lawrence E. Filson, were paid tribute on the
occasion of their respective retirements on the same day.
On Mar. 1, 1989,(1) Speaker pro tempore Earl Hutto, of
Florida, laid before the House the resignation of its Legislative
Counsel, Ward M. Hussey, and a response thereto from the Speaker, James
C. Wright, Jr., of Texas. The House then considered and adopted House
Resolution 97, expressing its gratitude for the service of
[[Page 551]]
Mr. Hussey and for the service of Lawrence E. Filson, who also was
retiring as Legislative Counsel.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 135 Cong. Rec. 3084-87, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
2. For the resignation of Ward M. Hussey as Legislative Counsel, see
Sec. 9.3, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESIGNATION AS LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hutto) laid before the House the
following resignation as legislative counsel of the House of
Representatives:
U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, February 16, 1989.
Hon. Jim Wright,
Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as Legislative
Counsel of the United States House of Representatives effective at
the close of business February 28, 1989.
Sincerely yours,
Ward M. Hussey,
Legislative Counsel.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will read the following
communication from the Speaker:
The Clerk read as follows:
U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, DC, February 21, 1989.
Mr. Ward M. Hussey, Esq.
Legislative Counsel, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Ward: I have received your letter of February 16, 1989,
stating that you shall retire as Legislative Counsel to the House
of Representatives effective on February 28, 1989. I accept your
resignation with profound appreciation for the devoted service you
have rendered since 1946 to the House and its Members and, indeed,
to the Nation.
The Office of Legislative Counsel has come a long way since its
origin as the Legislative Drafting Service in 1919. It has become
one of the essential institutions of the House, a truth that is
ably demonstrated by the nearly universal reliance of Members and
committees on its professional services. Especially under your
leadership, the Office has flourished as a reservoir of expertise
from which Members of the House can draw the nonpartisan advice and
assistance that is indispensable to the clear, faithful, and
coherent expression of legislative policy. The example you have
set, since 1946 as a consummate legislative draftsman and since
1972 as the foresighted head of the Office, bespeaks a blend of
skill and dedication that, in my expertise, is unsurpassed.
I know I speak for the entire House of Representatives when I
say that you leave here with our admiration, our respect, our
gratitude, and our heartfelt wishes for may years of happiness and
much success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Jim Wright,
The Speaker. -------------------
EXPRESSING GRATITUDE OF THE HOUSE FOR THE SERVICE OF WARD M.
HUSSEY AND LAWRENCE E. FILSON
Mr. [Dan] ROSTENKOWSKI [of Illinois]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a
resolution
[[Page 552]]
(H. Res. 97) expressing the gratitude of the House of
Representatives for the service of Ward M. Hussey and Lawrence E.
Filson, and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the resolution.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 97
Whereas Ward M. Hussey was appointed to the Office of the
Legislative Counsel in November 1946 and Lawrence E. Filson was
appointed to that Office in October 1949;
Whereas Ward M. Hussey and Lawrence E. Filson have provided
83 years of service to the House of Representatives as members
of the Legislative Counsel;
Whereas Ward M. Hussey has served as the Legislative
Counsel for 17 years and Lawrence E. Filson has served as the
Deputy Legislative Counsel for 17 years;
Whereas Ward M. Hussey has been the principal draftsman of
all the Federal income tax laws beginning before the enactment
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954; and
Whereas Lawrence E. Filson has been the principal draftsman
of all major social security laws since 1954, including the
original medicare and medicaid and supplementary security
income laws, the Congressional Budget Act, and significant
housing legislation: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives expresses its
gratitude to--
(1) Ward M. Hussey and Lawrence E. Filson for their
combined service to the House of 83 years, and
(2) the Office of the Legislative Counsel for its 70 years
of assistance in the drafting of legislation considered by the
House.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Illinois [Mr.
Rostenkowski] is recognized for 1 hour.
Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of debate, I
yield 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Archer], and
pending that, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House pays a well-
deserved tribute to two men who are leaving one of the least
publicized yet most important offices on Capitol Hill. Yesterday,
Ward Hussey, the legislative counsel for the House, and Larry
Filson, the deputy counsel, retired. Their combined service in the
Office of Legislative Counsel amounts to a total of 83 years. Their
contribution to the work of the House of Representatives is
immeasurable.
The Legislative Counsel Office is one of the most important and
respected on Capitol Hill. The House depends on the office at every
stage of the legislative process: From the drafting of a bill for
introduction to the final version of conference agreements. It is
there that our decisions are translated into statutory language.
The Office of Legislative Counsel enjoys a reputation for
professionalism and fairness that is unrivaled on Capitol Hill.
Ward Hussey and Larry Filson helped establish the office's
tradition of excellence.
Ward Hussey joined the Office of Legislative Counsel in 1946
after his World War II service in Okinawa. His service experience
setting up a postal system for civilians led him to consider
[[Page 553]]
a job with the Government. This in turn led to a lifetime of public
service and personal sacrifice.
Ward has often told us how difficult it was in those early days
when, as the most junior staff person in the office, he would
always get the last carbon copy from the old typewriters: A copy so
faint and smeared that it was barely readable. But Ward persevered,
and on March 1, 1972, he became only the fourth House Legislative
Counsel since the office was established in 1918.
The Committee on Ways and Means has come to know Ward as the
country's most knowledgeable expert on the Internal Revenue Code,
but when he first joined the staff, he did not work on tax
legislation. In fact, early in his career he helped draft the
Marshall Plan, and its statement of purposes, which established the
framework for the rebuilding of post-war Europe.
In 1952, however, he began to work exclusively on tax
legislation. This occurred, in Ward's own words, because no one
else in the office wanted to work on tax bills. Knowing of the many
frustrations to be encountered in this area, I can understand why
no one wanted to draft tax legislation.
Soon after becoming the ``tax man'' at legislative counsel,
Ward began a 9-month effort rewriting the entire Internal Revenue
Code. His product became the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Thirty-
two years, and many tax bills later, Ward once again rewrote the
entire Tax Code when he directed the drafting of the Tax Reform Act
of 1986. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has a very special meaning for
me. Its enactment would have been impossible without the expertise
and energy of Ward Hussey and his staff.
Larry Filson, a graduate of Park College and Columbia Law
School, joined the Office of Legislative Counsel on October 1,
1949. He became assistant counsel in 1952 and deputy legislative
counsel in 1972. Larry has drafted legislation in many areas of
Federal law, using in his early days a now antique Royal manual
typewriter.
A sampler of the landmark laws that reflect Larry's drafting
skill would include--
(1) All of the major Social Security laws since 1954, including
the original Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental security income
laws,
(2) The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958,
(3) The Congressional Budget Act of 1974,
(4) The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Acts of both 1985 and 1987, and
most recently,
(5) The Family Support Act of 1988.
Over the years, countless members and their legislative
assistants have not only been helped, they've been saved because of
Larry's expertise. Many a stalled legislative drafting session has
been salvaged by Larry taking a draw of his pipe and saying, ``I
think what you're really trying to do is this.'' As if by magic,
the right words would appear.
Mr. Speaker, it is a rare occasion for the House to adopt a
resolution of this sort, but I can think of no more deserving
recipients of this honor. The careers of Ward Hussey and Larry
Filson are an example of public service at its finest. I know that
all of my colleagues join me in thanking them for their service to
their country and to this House.
[[Page 554]]
Ward, Larry, we will miss you and we wish you all the best.
{time} 1440
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. [Bill] ARCHER [of Texas]. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I'm very grateful for this opportunity to join
Chairman Rostenkowski in offering this resolution honoring Ward
Hussey and Larry Filson.
Their retirement today from the Office of Legislative Counsel
is indeed a reflective occasion for those of us who have worked
with these two gentlemen over the years.
Yes, it gives us a great chance to say a heartfelt ``thank
you'' to these men who absolutely epitomize what it means to toil
in the background. It also, however, represents a sad moment, when
we must witness the passing of an era.
``Ward Hussey'' and ``Larry Filson'' are not household names in
this country * * * and, unfortunately, relatively few Americans
will ever know about the contributions that they have both made to
this Nation during their distinguished careers.
That's the way they wanted it. In fact--in an interview several
years ago--Ward commented that one of the specifications for his
job is a ``passion for anonymity.''
That may be a rare commodity in the Nation's Capital, but, in
truth, it's one of the noble traits of these two men--which allowed
Ward and Larry to be so successful in carrying out their
responsibilities.
They are, and have been throughout their long careers, true
professionals who epitomize the definition of public service.
Both of them could have shined in careers in the private
sector, and enjoyed far greater financial rewards for their labors.
They chose instead to focus their brilliance on helping the
Congress put into workable language the ideas we generate that
affect the lives of all Americans.
Described by a close friend of mine as the quintessential wise
man on the Social Security Act, Larry Filson, Deputy Legislative
Counsel, has been known to insiders as Mr. Social Security.
He has drafted all of the major additions to the Social
Security Act since the early 1950's.
That includes the Social Security Disability Program, the
Medicare Program, the Supplemental Security Income Program, and, of
course, the major Social Security Amendments of 1983.
Those who have had the pleasure of working with Larry in the
late hours of final drafting sessions appreciate not only his
expansive program knowledge and professionalism, but also his
affable, accommodating nature and his dry wit.
Larry will be missed by all of us. He is a gentleman and the
consummate scholar of the Social Security Act.
Likewise, no one will ever surpass the knowledge of the
International Revenue Code possessed by Ward Hussey, House
Legislative Counsel.
While one of his greatest achievements was the drafting of the
post-
[[Page 555]]
World War II Marshall plan, he is, without a doubt, known now as
Mr. Tax Code.
A key writer of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, he drafted
all of the additions to that document, as well as its replacement,
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
His ability to frame complex tax concepts in simple legislative
language is legendary.
Former tax staffers refer, with reverence, to Ward's way of
rising from his chair during a heated debate in a drafting session,
going to the chalkboard and outlining, in a now silent room, the
essential elements of a solution.
A significant part of the lasting contributions of these two
men will not be found just in the printed words they drafted.
They also have served as teachers and counselors to other
generations of dedicated public servants, who in turn have carried
on their commitment to precision in putting legislative action into
the written law.
They never lost sight of the importance of that vital step in
carrying out the will of the people, through their elected
officials in Congress.
Ward and Larry, we hope that this Resolution honoring you on
the occasion of your retirements, conveys how grateful we and the
Nation are for the service you've rendered.
Neither you, nor your contributions to our Nation, will be
forgotten.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman
from California [Mr. Thomas].
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hutto). Without objection the
gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] will control the balance of
the time.
There was no objection.
{time} 1450
Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Pickle].
Mr. [J.J. (Jake)] PICKLE. Mr. Speaker, it is good that we are
going to take this time today to pay our respects to these two
senior officials. Some of the people who might be listening to any
replay of this might wonder, ``Why would you single out two people
when there are hundreds and hundreds of people up here on the
Hill?''
But there are occasions, however, when we should do this, for
here are two people who really helped to mold legislation over the
years for the betterment of the Republic.
I marvel at times because I wonder how can we get legislation
that we vote on for final passage when we have labored for months
and months on a particular bill, formulated a policy, and then said
conceptually this is what we have agreed to. We go home at midnight
and the next day at noon a 200-page bill is prepared for us to vote
on in legal form. Now, that sounds like almost an impossibility,
and it is. Sometimes there are little flaws made, but can you
imagine the years and years of training it takes to be able to
master that type of a project. We could not do it if we did not
have veteran people like Ward Hussey and Larry Filson.
Larry, I know from personal experience, helped us draft the
Social Security reform bill of 1983 and has kept
[[Page 556]]
with it over the years. We can all be proud that the trust fund is
solvent. In fact, unfortunately, it is being looked upon as a
potential source of funds for other uses. But we have done a good
job with the 1983 legislation and Larry Filson is to be commended.
Ward Hussey has been here for 43 years. You must have gone back
to even before Jamie Whitten came to the Congress, about the same
time, so you are older almost than the Capitol Dome.
Well, it makes us feel good that we have had people who are
professional. You two are typical of people who make the Congress
look good. You have drafted legislation that has been in the public
interest. The Nation is proud of you and those of us who work with
you on the committee give you our special thanks.
Mr. [William M.] Thomas of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield
myself such time as I may consume.
I consider myself a junior member of the firm, and so in my
remarks I will reflect on what I find to be a constant amazement,
and that is those of us who are out front, for example on the Ways
and Means Committee, and get all the attention, all of the picture
time and all of the ink time in producing what people consider the
law of the land, have to understand and appreciate that it is very
much like making a movie. Those people who are up there on the
screen are only up there on the screen performing a very small part
of what puts them up on the screen. What we have had in Ward Hussey
and Larry Filson are the finest directors, the finest cameramen,
the finest sound men, the finest stage men. They are everything
else that makes a motion picture a motion picture.
When we argue the concept in a tax bill and we do argue the
general concepts, they have to take what is sometimes a fairly
vague message and not only put it into legislative language, not
only make sure that the sound is in synchronization with the
picture on the screen, but also make sure that what is said fits in
with what is becoming a far more complex world than was the case
just a few years ago, and that is if a desired change in one area
affects something else that is already on the books, do you fit it
in while making it a whole? That is if the sound and picture are in
sync, is it in focus? Is the color correct? Are there people on the
stage making noises that we do not know about that show up on the
film? All of that has been their responsibility, without the
credit, without the spotlight, but with the dedication to not only
make us look good, but somehow beyond what I consider human
resources be virtually infallible in doing that job, not in months,
not in weeks, not even sometimes in days, but required to perform
within hours and always doing it with no complaint and with total
accuracy. Those are the kind of people that are in our employment.
We do not often put the spotlight on them.
I would like to take this opportunity once again in saluting
Ward and Larry to reflect on all the other employees who perhaps
have not had as critical a job for as long a time, but perform just
as admirably.
So from a junior member of the firm, thank you. I do not know
who in the world figured out both of you retiring at the same time,
but talk about loss of
[[Page 557]]
institutional memory, I am worried about a work product for a few
years until we get some people up to speed. Having said that, I
know you have trained people underneath you to perform as admirably
as you have.
Thank you for your years, thank you for your contribution,
thank you for making us look as good as we are, and as the author
says in the book, these folks made it all correct and if there are
any mistakes, they are attributable to us, not them.
Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Guarini].
Mr. [Frank J.] GUARINI. Mr. Speaker, let me rise and add my
voice to these well-deserved commendations to Ward Hussey and Larry
Filson.
For more than 80 years, they have served this House. They have
served our country with distinction. For more than eight decades
they have embodied the highest ideal of public service. Often under
great pressure and always with integrity and skill, they have
served in the front lines of democracy, helping the wheels of
government turn.
Those on the Ways and Means Committee have a special feeling
for Larry and Ward. From the Marshall Plan to the Tax Code, from
the space program to Social Security, we can see the helpful hand
of these two distinguished gentlemen.
In a free country, it is often the quiet, unheralded voices
that give meaning and substance to the ideas of freedom. Others get
the credit, while their accomplishments live on in the laws of our
land.
Year after year, day after day, and hour after hour, on law
after law, Ward Hussey and Larry Filson have stood on the front
lines, and indeed in the trenches.
My friends, wish you both well. We will miss you. The House
will miss you. Our Nation will miss you, your talents, your energy
and your skills.
Today's commendation is a tribute, a statement of appreciation,
a statement of thanks. Because of you, America is a better place
and our Nation is grateful for your service.
In a free country that perhaps is the greatest accomplishment
and compliment to all or any of our public servants.
Good luck. We wish you success and happiness in your future
endeavors and in your retirement. The best to both you two fine
splendid gentlemen. . . .
general leave
Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend
their remarks on House Resolution 97, the resolution now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of
the gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. [William] THOMAS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.
The previous question was ordered.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
DESCHLER-BROWN-JOHNSON PRECEDENTS
Ch. 37
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