[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 37. Resignations]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 349]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations



[[Page 349]]



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    Commentary and editing by John V. Sullivan, J.D., Andrew S. Neal, 
J.D., and Robert W. Cover, J.D.; manuscript editing by Deborah Woodard 
Khalili.
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A. Introduction

    Sec. 1. Scope of Chapter
    Sec. 2. Background

B. Resignation of a Member From the House

    Sec. 3. Procedures and Forms
    Sec. 4. Reason for Resignation; Inclusion in Letter of Resignation
    Sec. 5. Conditional Resignations; Timing

C. Resignations From Committees and Delegations

    Sec. 6. Procedures and Forms
    Sec. 7. Reason for Resignation
    Sec. 8. Resignations From Delegations and Commissions

D. Resignations of Officers, Officials, and Employees

    Sec. 9. Procedure
   Sec. 10. Tributes





[[Page 351]]

                      

[Page 351]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
                            A. Introduction
 
Sec. 1. Scope of Chapter



    This chapter covers resignations from the House of Representatives 
(with occasional illustrative instances from the Senate). Also 
addressed are resignations from committees, boards, and commissions and 
resignations of certain officers and staff of the House.
    Because the process of resignation relates to a number of other 
House procedures, the reader may wish to consult other chapters, 
particularly those dealing with the assembly of Congress (Ch. 1, 
supra), party organizations in the House (Ch. 3, supra), officers, 
officials, and employees (Ch. 6, supra), committees (Ch. 17, supra), 
and House-Senate conferences (Ch. 33, supra).


                        

[Page 351-353]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
                            A. Introduction
 
Sec. 2. Background

    The resignation of a Member from the House, whether presented to 
the executive authority of the State concerned or to the Speaker of the 
House, becomes effective on its stated terms and ordinarily may not be 
withdrawn.(1)
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 1. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 1213 and 6 Cannon's Precedents Sec. 65 
        (addressing whether a proposal to withdraw a resignation may be 
        privileged). Extracts from the Judiciary Committee report in 6 
        Cannon's Precedents Sec. 65 state without citation that 
        resignations are ``self-acting'' and may not be withdrawn. In 
        one case a Member was not permitted by the House to withdraw a 
        resignation. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 1213. However, the House 
        has allowed withdrawal in the case of defective resignation. 6 
        Cannon's Precedents Sec. 229 (Member had not actually 
        transmitted, or withdrawal had overtaken, letter of 
        resignation); Sec. 5.1, infra (Member had transmitted 
        resignation to improper State official). A Member may appoint a 
        future date for his resignation to take effect and, until the 
        arrival of the date, participate in the proceedings of the 
        House. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1220-1225, 1228, 1229; 6 
        Cannon's Precedents Sec. Sec. 227, 228; Sec. 5.1, infra. The 
        modern practice of resignations with prospective effective 
        dates has engendered a possible distinction between those 
        including explicit language of irrevocability and others (see 
        Sec. 5, infra). For a State to prospectively perceive a vacancy 
        by reason of a prospective resignation, it presumably must be 
        assured that the resignation is irrevocable. A Member may 
        include in a letter of prospective resignation a statement of 
        intention that the resignation be ``irrevocable'' in order to 
        allay any concern about the prospect of withdrawal. See 147 
        Cong. Rec. 9892, 107th Cong. 1st Sess., June 5, 2001; 149 Cong. 
        Rec. 1750, 1751, 107th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 27, 2003; and 
        Sec. 5.1, infra. In some cases executive authorities of States 
        have been able to issue writs of election on the basis of time-
        contingent resignations, thereby producing Representatives-
        elect to fill vacancies almost immediately (see Sec. 5.1, infra 
        [Rep. Neugebauer succeeding Rep. Combest]). In at least one 
        case a Representative-elect was chosen to fill a vacancy even 
        before the vacancy existed in fact (see Sec. 5.1, infra [Rep. 
        Sullivan succeeding Rep. Largent]). In Sec. 5.6, infra, a 
        resignation was effective on the election of a successor 
        (Virginia; Dec. 1, 1944). In Sec. 5.7, infra, a resignation was 
        effective on the scheduling of a special election (South 
        Carolina; Jan. 18, 1965). In Sec. 5.12, infra, a delayed 
        effective date for a resignation was disallowed (New York; Nov. 
        26, 1951).

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[[Page 352]]

    Acceptance of the resignation of a Member is unnecessary, and the 
refusal of the executive authority of a State to accept a resignation 
does not operate to continue membership in the House of the individual 
who submitted the resignation.(2)
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 2. 6 Cannon's Precedents Sec. 65.
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    The resignation of an individual from office as a Representative 
creates a vacancy in the representation in the House of Representatives 
from the resigned Representative's State within the meaning of clause 
4, Sec. 2 of art. I of the Constitution, such that the executive 
authority thereof may issue a writ of election.(3)
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 3. On occasion a Member who resigned has been reelected to the same 
        House. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1210, 1212, 1256; 111 
        Cong. Rec. 1452, 89th Cong. 1st Sess. Jan. 28, 1965; 111 Cong. 
        Rec. 13774, 89th Cong. 1st Sess., June 16, 1965; 129 Cong. Rec. 
        114, 98th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 6, 1983; and 129 Cong. Rec. 
        2575, 89th Cong. 1st Sess., Feb. 22, 1983.
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    Letters of resignation are presented as privileged.(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 1167.
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    A Member may submit his resignation whenever he or she considers it 
necessary, whether the House is in session or adjourned. A resignation 
ordinarily becomes effective on its stated terms or on receipt by the 
executive authority of the State concerned. The fact that the House is 
not in session to receive notification of a resignation does not delay 
a resigning Member's appointment to another office.(5)
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 5. Compare 117 Cong. Rec. 32413, 92d Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 20, 1971 
        and 117 Cong. Rec. 32239, 92d Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 17, 1971 
        (relating to the appointment to the Senate of Mr. Robert T. 
        Stafford [VT], who previously had submitted his resignation to 
        the House). See also Sec. 5.11, infra, where the resignation of 
        Rep. Melvin R. Laird (WI) bearing the date of his swearing in 
        as Secretary of Defense, was laid before the House two days 
        later.

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[[Page 353]]

    The first resignation from the House took place in 1791, after 
lengthy debate as to its permissibility.(6) The British 
Parliament did not allow resignations,(7) and it was 
asserted in the House that the U.S. Congress should adhere to this 
practice. However, the view prevailed that there was little analogy 
between the House of Representatives and Parliament and, further, that 
the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit the resignation of a Member of 
Congress.
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 6. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 1230.
 7. See Todd, Alpheus, Practices and Privileges of Parliament, Rogers & 
        Thompson, Toronto, 1840, pp. 89-91.
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    It is desirable that a Member's resignation be sent to the House as 
well as the executive authority of the Member's State. It is necessary, 
on one hand, for the executive authority of the State to know when a 
Member resigns so the executive authority can fulfill the 
constitutional obligation to issue a writ of election to fill the 
vacant seat and, on the other hand, for the House to know of the 
resignation so that its records may accurately reflect the current 
membership.(8)
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 8. U.S. Const. art. I, Sec. 2; Rule XX clause 5(d), House Rules and 
        Manual Sec. 1024b (2007).
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    A Member who is resigning generally submits the Member's 
resignation simultaneously to the House and to the executive authority 
of the Member's State. When this is not done, it is customary for 
whomever has received the resignation to notify the 
other.(9)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. Sec. 3.2, infra. See also Ch. 8, Sec. Sec. 9.1-9.3, supra. When a 
        Member purports to resign directly to the Speaker, rather than 
        to the pertinent official of the Member's State, the Executive 
        authority of the State concerned is notified. House Rules and 
        Manual Sec. 22 (2007). When a Member does not inform the House, 
        the Executive authority of the Member's State has done so. 2 
        Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1193, 1194; 6 Cannon's Precedents 
        Sec. 232. On occasion the House has learned of the resignation 
        of a Member by the presentation of credentials of the Member's 
        successor. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1195, 1356. When the 
        fact of a resignation has not appeared either from the 
        credentials of a successor or otherwise, the Clerk has been 
        ordered to inquire, or the House has ascertained the vacancy 
        from information given by other Members.

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[[Page 354]]

                        

[Page 354-373]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
               B. Resignation of a Member From the House
 
Sec. 3. Procedures and Forms


    A Member customarily resigns from the House by transmitting a 
letter of resignation directly to the executive authority of the 
Member's State and customarily informs the House that he has done so by 
letter to the Speaker, the latter communication being satisfactory 
evidence of the Member's resignation.(1)
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 1. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1167-1176; 1 Hinds' Precedents 
        Sec. 567. When the executive authority of the State concerned 
        takes cognizance of a resignation, that executive declares a 
        vacancy and issues a writ of election to fill it. U.S. Const. 
        art. I, Sec. 2, clause 4; Ch. 8, Sec. 9, supra.
            The House in the 108th Congress changed Rule XX clause 5 to 
        codify the longstanding practice that the whole number of the 
        House is reduced when a vacancy arises. The change also 
        provided that the Speaker announce such reduction (without 
        appeal) and lay before the House any documentation he might 
        deem pertinent. See 149 Cong. Rec. 9, 10, 108th Cong. 1st 
        Sess., Jan. 7, 2003. The House also adopted changes to Rule I 
        clause 8(b), House Rules and Manual Sec. 632 (2007) for the 
        event of a vacancy in the Office of Speaker. See Ch. 38, 
        Sec. Sec. 1, 2.2, 
        infra.                          -------------------
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Resignations Submitted to the Executive Authority of a State; Procedure

Sec. 3.1 A Member properly submits his resignation from the House to an 
    official designated by State law and simply informs the House of 
    his doing so, the latter communication being satisfactory evidence 
    of the resignation,(1)  and the Speaker lays before the 
    House a letter from a Member transmitting a copy of his resignation 
    by letter to the executive authority of his State.
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 1. 1 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 567.
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    On Jan. 20, 2004,(2) the following proceedings occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 150 Cong. Rec. 65, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation 
    from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, January 14, 2004.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                   Capitol Building, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed is a copy of my official resignation 
    letter that was sent to the Governor of South Dakota and the SD 
    Secretary of State.

[[Page 355]]

        I will be resigning from the House of Representatives effective 
    11:59 p.m. on January 20, 2004.
        Please let me know if there are any further formalities which I 
    must perform or accomplish to effectuate this resignation.
        Thank you for all the courtesies you have extended to me and 
    the people of South Dakota.

            Sincerely,
                                               William J. Janklow.

            Enclosure.

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, January 14, 2004.

                                                   Hon. Mike Rounds,
                                           Governor of South Dakota,
                                                         Pierre, SD.
                                                  Hon. Chris Nelson,
                                                 Secretary of State,
                                                         Pierre, SD.

        Dear Governor Rounds and Secretary of State Nelson: I wish to 
    inform you that because of present circumstances, I am and will be 
    unable to perform the duties incumbent upon me in representing the 
    people of South Dakota as their US Representative.
        Therefore, I wish to inform you that I will resign from the 
    House of Representatives effective 11:59 p.m. on January 20, 2004.
        Representing the people of South Dakota in all the capacities 
    that I have over the years has brought a treasure of memories and 
    friends. This includes the year I have spent in the US House.
        I am thankful to the people of South Dakota for the courtesies 
    they have shown me.

            Sincerely,
                                               William J. Janklow.

    On Sept. 11, 1991,(3) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House.

 3. 137 Cong. Rec. 22616, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.

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                                                   Washington, DC,

                                               September 11, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                              Speaker, U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: By the attached letter to Governor Robert P. 
    Casey, I have tendered my resignation as a Representative in 
    Congress for the 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania 
    effective at the close of business September 11, 1991.

              Sincerely,

                                              William H. Gray, III

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Sept. 8, 1982,(4) Speaker pro tempore Melvin Price, 
of Illinois, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House.
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 4. 128 Cong. Rec. 22856, 97th Cong. 2d Sess.

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                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, D.C., August 25, 1982.

                                         Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It is with considerable and understandable 
    regret and deep sadness that I submit my resignation as a 
    Representative of the 14th Congressional District of New York. Copy 
    of my statement is enclosed.
        All good wishes.

              Yours sincerely,

                                                    Fred Richmond.


[[Page 356]]





                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, D.C., August 25, 1982.

                                                    Hon. Hugh Carey,

                                        Governor, State of New York,

                                                      New York, N.Y.

        Dear Mr. Governor: It is with considerable and understandable 
    regret and deep sadness that I submit my resignation as a 
    Representative of the 14th Congressional District of New York. Copy 
    of my statement is enclosed.
        All good wishes.

              Yours sincerely,

                                                    Fred Richmond.

    On June 3, 1980,(5) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House.
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 5. 126 Cong. Rec. 13005, 96th Cong. 2d Sess.

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                                                     June 3, 1980.

                                          Hon Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.

                                               Speaker of the House,
                                           House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign from the Office of the 
    Representative for the 13th Congressional District of Michigan, 
    effective immediately.
        In further compliance with applicable statutes, I have also 
    sent the same letter of resignation to the Honorable William 
    Milliken, Governor of the State of Michigan.

              Sincerely,

                                             Charles C. Diggs, Jr.

    On Sept. 3, 1975,(6) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House, as 
follows:
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 6. 121 Cong. Rec. 27201, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.

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                                Washington, D.C., August 14, 1975.

                                                   Hon. Ray Blanton,

                                       Governor, State of Tennessee,

                                                    Nashville, Tenn.

        Dear Governor Blanton: This is to respectfully inform you that 
    I am hereby resigning my seat as Tennessee's Fifth District 
    Representative to the United States House of Representatives 
    effective this date.

              Sincerely,

                                                Richard H. Fulton.



                                                September 3, 1975.

                                                    Hon Carl Albert,

                              Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives

                                               2205 Rayburn Building

                                              Washington, D.C. 20515

        Dear Mr. Speaker: On August 14, 1975, I transmitted my letter 
    of resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, Fifth 
    Congressional District of Tennessee to Honorable Ray Blanton, 
    Governor, State of Tennessee.

              Respectfully,

                                                Richard H. Fulton.

    On Jan. 23, 1969,(7) Speaker John W. McCormack, of 
Massachusetts, laid before the House the following resignations:
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 7. 115 Cong. Rec. 1571, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 21, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,


[[Page 357]]


                            Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the governor of Wisconsin my resignation as a Representative in 
    the Congress of the United States from the 7th district of 
    Wisconsin.

                                    Melvin R. Laird.(8)
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 8. Parliamentarian's Note: Rep. Laird's nomination to be Secretary of 
        Defense had been approved by the Senate on Jan 20, 1969 (Senate 
        Legislative Day of Jan. 10, 1969). See Sec. 5.11, infra, for 
        further information regarding the timing of Mr. Laird's 
        resignation.                          -------------------
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                     RESIGNATION OF A MEMBER FROM THE HOUSE

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication:

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 21, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please consider this my formal resignation 
    from the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United 
    States in which I have served for the past four years as the Member 
    from California's 27th District. This resignation is to be 
    effective at the close of business, January 21, 1969. As you know, 
    the reason for this resignation is that I have accepted the 
    position of the Lieutenant Governor of California.
        At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank 
    you and all of my colleagues for your kindnesses, for your 
    cooperation, and above all for the privilege of knowing and working 
    in this, the greatest legislative body in the world.
        Kindest personal regards.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Ed Reinecke,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On May 4, 1964,(9) the Chair laid before the House 
communications which the Clerk read as follows:

 9. 110 Cong. Rec. 9946, 88th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                                      May 1, 1964.

                                                Hon. John McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my office as Representative 
    in the Congress of the United States from the Fifth District of 
    South Carolina.
        I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted to 
    the Governor of South Carolina my resignation as Representative in 
    the Congress of the United States from the Fifth District of South 
    Carolina.
        With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant,

                                               Robert W. Hemphill.



                                                      May 1, 1964.
                                   His Excellency Donald S. Russell,

                                         Governor of South Carolina.

        Sir: I hereby tender my resignation as a Member of the House of 
    Representatives in the Congress of the United States from the Fifth 
    District of South Carolina.

                                               Robert W. Hemphill.

[[Page 358]]

    On June 19, 1952,(10) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communications, which were read by the Clerk:
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10. 98 Cong. Rec. 7661, 82d Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, D. C., June 18, 1952.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

          Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the Governor of Texas my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the 
    Seventh District of Texas, effective midnight June 30, 1952.
        A copy of my letter to the Governor is enclosed herewith.

              Respectfully yours,

                                                      Tom Pickett,

                                               Member of Congress.

        [Enclosure.]

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, D. C., June 18, 1952.

                                                 Hon. Allan Shivers,

                                     Governor of Texas, Austin, Tex.

        Dear Governor: I hereby tender to you my resignation as a 
    Member of the House of Representatives in the Congress of the 
    United States from the Seventh District of Texas, effective 
    midnight, June 30, 1952.

              Respectfully yours,

                                                      Tom Pickett,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On May 12, 1938,(11) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following notice of resignation:
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11. 83 Cong. Rec. 6775, 75th Cong. 3d Sess.
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                                  Washington, D. C., May 11, 1938.

                                           Hon. William B. Bankhead,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg to inform you that I have this day 
    transmitted to the Governor of Kentucky my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Eighth 
    District of Kentucky, effective May 12, at 10 o'clock a. m. eastern 
    standard time.
        With kindest regards,

              I am truly,

                                                   Fred M. Vinson.

Resignations Submitted to House; Procedure

Sec. 3.2 A resignation submitted in the first instance to the Speaker 
    is laid before the House and spread upon the Journal, and the 
    executive authority of the State is notified of the vacancy if this 
    has not already been done by the Member.

    On Apr. 22, 1991,(1) Speaker pro tempore Dale E. Kildee, 
of Michigan, laid before the House a resignation submitted by a Member

[[Page 359]]

to the Speaker rather than to the executive authority of his State, a 
copy of the letter to the Speaker having been transmitted to the 
Governor.
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 1. 137 Cong. Rec. 8742, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
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                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, April 19, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                  Speaker of the House, The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign the office of Representative 
    for the Second Congressional District of Arizona, effective May 4, 
    1991.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Morris K. Udall.

        cc: Gov. Fife Symington.

    On Aug. 8, 1988,(2) Speaker pro tempore Paul E. 
Kanjorski, of Pennsylvania, laid before the House a telefacsimile of a 
letter from a Member informing the House of his resignation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 134 Cong. Rec. 21026, 100th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 5, 1988.

                                                    Hon. Jim Wright.
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                  H204, The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as the Representative from 
    the 19th Congressional District, effective immediately.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Mario Biaggi,

                                               Member of Congress.

*

                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 5, 1988.

                                                   Hon. Mario Cuomo,

             Governor of the State of New York, Executive Chambers, 
                                                         Albany, NY.

        Dear Governor Cuomo: I hereby resign as the Representative from 
    the 19th Congressional District, effective immediately.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Mario Biaggi,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Mar. 9, 1982,(3) Speaker pro tempore Dale E. Kildee, 
of Michigan, laid before the House a resignation submitted by a Member 
to the Speaker rather than to the executive authority of his State.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 128 Cong. Rec. 3557, 97th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                    March 5, 1982.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                                        The Speaker,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my office as a Representative 
    in Congress from the 30th Congressional District of California 
    effective at 12 o'clock Noon on Tuesday, March 9, 1982.

              Very truly yours,

                                              George E. Danielson,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Apr. 29, 1981,(4) the Speaker laid before the House a 
resignation submitted by a Member to

[[Page 360]]

the Speaker rather than to the executive authority of his State.
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 4. 127 Cong. Rec. 7815, 97th Cong. 1st Sess.
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                                  Washington, D.C., Apr. 29, 1981.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective at the adjournment of the House on 
    Tuesday, May 5, 1981, I hereby resign as a Member of the House of 
    Representatives. I have also today notified the Governor of the 
    Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of my action.
        It has been an honor for me to serve the people of 
    Pennsylvania's Third Congressional District as a Member of this 
    body. I leave with nothing but the highest respect for this House 
    and with great appreciation to all of its members for the advice 
    and support that has been given me during my tenure here.
        It is my prayer that each Member will be granted special 
    insight as they deal with the difficulties facing our nation.

              Respectfully yours,

                                               Raymond F. Lederer,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER. The Chair will notify the Governor of the 
    Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of the resignation.

    On Sept. 1, 1976,(5) the Speaker laid before the House a 
resignation submitted by a Member to the Speaker, who secured an order 
of the House to notify the Governor.
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 5. 122 Cong. Rec. 28887, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
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                                                September 1, 1976.

                                                Hon. Carl L. Albert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Sir: I hereby resign my office as Representative in 
    Congress of the United States from the 18th district of Ohio, 
    effective immediately.

              With great respect,

                                                    Wayne L. Hays.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the Speaker will notify the 
    Governor of the State of Ohio of the resignation of the gentleman 
    from Ohio.
        There was no objection.

    On July 12, 1957,(6) a Member submitted his letter of 
resignation to the House, whereupon the Speaker was authorized to 
inform the Governor of the State concerned.(7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 103 Cong. Rec. 11536, 85th Cong. 1st Sess.
 7. See Sec. 5.7, infra, where a Member resigned directly to the House, 
        the Governor not having acted on the Member's previous letter 
        of resignation.
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        The SPEAKER. The Chair lays before the House the following 
    resignation:

                                                    July 12, 1957.
                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                      The Capitol, Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my office as Representative 
    in the Congress of the United States from the 13th District of 
    Pennsylvania, effective September 1, 1957.

[[Page 361]]

        It would be remiss of me if I did not state how much I have 
    appreciated your many courtesies to me during the past years.
        With great respect, I am,

              Very sincerely yours,

                                         Samuel K. McConnell, Jr.,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                    13th District of Pennsylvania.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the Speaker will notify the 
    Governor of the State of Pennsylvania of the resignation of the 
    gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. McConnell].
        There was no objection.

    The Speaker's letter notifying the Governor of the resignation was 
as follows:

                                                    July 12, 1957.

                                  His Excellency George M. Leader,
                                         Governor of Pennsylvania,
                                         Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

        Sir: Honorable Samuel K. McConnell, Jr. on Friday July 12, 
    1957, submitted his resignation as a Representative in the Congress 
    of the United States from the Thirteenth District of Pennsylvania, 
    effective September 1, 1957, and pursuant to the order of the House 
    of Representatives of Friday July 12, 1957, I have been directed to 
    so inform you.

              Very truly yours,

                                              Speaker Sam Rayburn.

Sec. 3.3 The Speaker has laid before the House a copy of a letter of 
    resignation from a Member to the executive authority of his State 
    or a communication from an executive authority attaching a copy of 
    such a letter.

    On Dec. 12, 1995,(1) Speaker pro tempore Ray LaHood, of 
Illinois, laid before the House a copy of a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House.

 1. 141 Cong. Rec. 36224, 104th Cong. 1st Sess.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, December 12, 1995.

                                                    Hon Pete Wilson,

                                            Governor, State Capitol,

                                                     Sacramento, CA.

        Dear Mr. Governor: Obviously, you are aware of the recent turn 
    of events in my life. While I finally received my day in court, I, 
    unfortunately, was not judged by a jury of my peers and in my 
    opinion, did not receive a just verdict. Nevertheless, that verdict 
    is a reality pending appeal.
        As I stated to the media immediately after my verdict, it was 
    never my intention to put the Congress through a vote on expulsion 
    if I were convicted. Therefore, I am hereby tending my resignation 
    as representative of the 37th Congressional district effective 
    December 15, 1995.
        Contrary to what anyone has ever said or intimated, I have 
    never sold out my constituency or my oath of office. I am fully 
    persuaded that in the near future God will vindicate my name.

              Sincerely,

                                             Walter R. Tucker III.

    On Sept. 27, 1995,(2) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from the Governor of a

[[Page 362]]

State, including the attachment thereto of a copy of a communication 
from a Member of the House to that Governor by which the Member 
resigned his seat as a Member of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 26567.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                            Office of the Governor

                               Springfield, IL, September 8, 1995.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

            Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Gingrich: Attached please find the official letter 
    of resignation from Congressman Mel Reynolds of Illinois' Second 
    Congressional District.
        Pursuant to statelaw, I will take the appropriate steps to fill 
    the vacancy created by Congressman Reynolds' resignation. Please do 
    not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions regarding 
    this or any other matter.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Jim Edgar,

                                                         Governor.

        Attachment.

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                                                   Washington, DC,
                                                September 1, 1995.

                                                     Hon. Jim Edgar,

                                        Governor, State of Illinois,

                                                    Springfield, IL.

        Dear Governor: Tonight I shall be announcing my resignation 
    from the 104th Congress. Please receive this letter as formal 
    notice to you of my official resignation effective October 1, 1995.
        It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the people 
    of the Second Congressional District of Illinois.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Mel Reynolds.

Receipt During Adjournment Sine Die

Sec. 3.4 When the Speaker, during a period of adjournment, receives 
    notice of the resignation of a Member from the House, he informs 
    the House when it reconvenes.

    On Aug. 16, 1960,(1) following the adjournment of the 
86th Congress, the resignation of a Member was laid before the House as 
follows:

 1. 106 Cong. Rec. 16535, 86th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   August 8, 1960.

    Hon. Sam Rayburn,

    Speaker, House of Representatives,

    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Sir: I hereby resign my office as Representative in the 
    Congress of the United States from North Dakota.
            Respectfully,

                                               Quentin N. Burdick.

    Parliamentarian's Note: On this occasion, the Speaker announced to 
the House that, pursuant to a previous order of the House authorizing 
the Speaker to accept resignations during the August recess of the 
House, he had, on Aug.

[[Page 363]]

8, 1960, accepted the resignation of Mr. Burdick as a Representative 
and had informed the Governor of North Dakota of the receipt of said 
resignation. However, in this case the Speaker misspoke, with respect 
to acceptance of the resignation, as the Speaker's authority to accept 
resignations during a recess is applicable to House officers and 
employees and other positions as to which the Speaker makes 
appointments, and not to Members, as to whose resignations no 
acceptance is necessary.
    On Jan. 7, 1959,(2) the resignations of certain Members, 
submitted after sine die adjournment of the 85th Congress, were laid 
before the House by the Speaker following the organization of the 86th 
Congress.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 105 Cong. Rec. 15, 86th Cong. 1st Sess.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          House of Representatives

                              Washington, D.C., November 12, 1958.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the Governor of Massachusetts my resignation as Representative 
    in the Congress of the United States from the 13th District of 
    Massachusetts, effective November 13, 1958.

              Sincerely yours,

                                          Richard B. Wigglesworth.



                                                December 29, 1958.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                        The Capitol,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as a Member of the House of 
    Representatives of the United States, effective at 12 o'clock 
    midnight, December 31, 1958.

              Very truly yours,

                                                  Henry J. Latham.

Sec. 3.5  The Speaker lays before the House, or, in case the House has 
    adjourned sine die, submits for the Congressional Record following 
    such adjournment, a letter from a Member advising of his 
    resignation (usually accompanied by a copy of the actual letter of 
    resignation that the Member submitted to the State official 
    concerned).(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Parliamentarian's Note: Although the letter was dated Dec. 8 (the 
        last day of the first session), the original was not received 
        that day. Thus, the Speaker was not able to lay the letter down 
        and make an announcement of the reduced whole number of the 
        House under Rule XX clause 5(c) (now 5(d)), House Rules and 
        Manual Sec. 1024b (2007). He did make that announcement before 
        the call of the roll at the start of the second session.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Dec. 15, 2003,(2) the following proceedings occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 149 Cong. Rec. 32411, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 364]]

      
                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                 December 8, 2003.

                                                        The Speaker,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It has been a privilege to work with you. I 
    am grateful for the support, guidance and opportunities you have 
    provided during my years in the House--especially by allowing me to 
    play a leadership role in so many important healthcare initiatives. 
    As I begin a new path in Kentucky, I will appreciate even more the 
    trials of leadership and the courage of conviction you have 
    exemplified. Thank you for your friendship, and know that I have 
    come to admire the gracious and professional manner in which you 
    lead the House.
        During the past 5 years, I have had the great honor to serve as 
    the Representative for the people of the Sixth Congressional 
    District of Kentucky. My service in the U.S. Congress has been a 
    rewarding professional experience. I thank every one of my 
    constituents who put their trust and faith in my leadership.
        Having recently been selected by the people of Kentucky to 
    serve as the next Governor of that great Commonwealth, I will 
    resign my seat representing the Sixth Congressional District of 
    Kentucky effective, upon taking the gubernatorial oath of office at 
    midnight on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.
        I look forward to working with the distinguished Members of the 
    House in my new position, and have appreciated their friendship, 
    support, and collegiality during my years in Congress.

            Sincerely,
                                                   Ernie Fletcher,
                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                 December 8, 2003.
                                                   Hon. Paul Patton,
                                 Governor, Commonwealth of Kentucky,
                                                      Frankfort, KY.

        Dear Governor Patton: For the past five years, it has been my 
    honor and privilege to serve the people of Central Kentucky in the 
    U.S. House of Representatives. This past November, I was offered 
    another opportunity to serve the Commonwealth of Kentucky as the 
    next Governor.
        I hereby wish to tender my resignation as Kentucky's Sixth 
    Congressional District Representative effective upon taking the 
    gubernatorial oath of office on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.

            Sincerely,
                                                   Ernie Fletcher,
                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 20, 2004,(3) at the convening of the House on 
the day set for commencement of the second session, the Speaker called 
the House to order and, following the opening prayer and without motion 
from the floor, ordered a call of the House to establish a quorum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 150 Cong. Rec. 64-66, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Where a resignation letter had been received by the Speaker and 
printed in the Congressional Record following sine die adjournment of 
the first session, the

[[Page 365]]

Speaker announced a reduction in the whole number of the House pursuant 
to Rule XX clause 5(c)(4) before the call of the House to 
establish a quorum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. House Rules and Manual Sec. 1024b (2007). Rule XX clause 5(c) was 
        redesignated Rule XX clause 5(d) in the 109th Congress.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parliamentarian's Note: Because Rep. Fletcher's resignation was 
effective before the instant day and because his letter was printed in 
the interim Congressional Record between sessions, his name was removed 
from the Clerk's roll before its call. Contrast this with the case on 
the roll of Rep. Janklow, whose letter was laid down this day (See 
Sec. 3.1, supra), but whose resignation was not effective until 
midnight: his name was included on the roll, and the Speaker announced 
the adjustment to the whole number of the House on the next 
day.(5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. See 150 Cong. Rec. 137, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., Jan. 21, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER. Under clause 5(c) of rule XX, the Chair announces 
    to the House that, in light of the resignation of the gentleman 
    from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher), as indicated in the Record of 
    December 15, 2003, the whole number of the House is adjusted to 
    434.

Sec. 3.6 At the beginning of a new session, the Speaker calls the House 
    to order and, after the opening prayer, lays before the House any 
    letters notifying the Speaker of resignations from the House since 
    the last meeting of the House.

    On Jan. 15, 1968,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
communications from two Congressmen(2) tendering their 
resignations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 114 Cong. Rec. 7, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. See Sec.  5.10, infra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

             RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        Th SPEAKER laid before the House the following communications, 
    which were read:

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                              Washington, D.C., December 15, 1967.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,
          Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, 
                                                                D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Herewith please find copy of my resignation 
    submitted to the Secretary of State, State of New York, as required 
    by law, effective January 1, 1968.
        It has been my privilege to have been able to serve with you 
    these many years under your great leadership. I will always 
    remember your wise counsel and guidance, as well as, the many 
    courtesies extended to me. I will treasure forever your friendship 
    and that of our colleagues with whom I have served.

[[Page 366]]

        With warmest personal regards and very best wishes, I am,

              Most Sincerely,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.

        Enclosure.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                                                December 19, 1967.

                                              Hon John W. McCormack,

           Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to clarify the effective date of my 
    resignation from the House of Representatives. It is intended that 
    my resignation be effective as of midnight, December 31, 1967, 
    since my new post as Justice of the New York State Supreme Court 
    begins on January 1, 1968.
        With warm personal regards and best wishes, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                              Washington, D.C., December 15, 1967.

                                                Hon John P. Lomenzo,

                                                 Secretary of State,

                                                  State of New York,

                                                        Albany, N.Y.

        Dear Mr. Secretary: Pursuant to the requirements of law, I 
    hereby give you notice that I am resigning as a Member of the 
    United States House of Representatives for the 13th District of New 
    York effective the first day of January 1968 on which date, I will 
    assume the office of Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of 
    New York to which position I was elected on November 7, 1967.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                     MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication, 
    which was read:

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January, 1, 1968.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,
            Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, 
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached is a copy of a letter this day 
    forwarded to Honorable Paul B. Johnson, Governor of the State of 
    Mississippi, tendering my resignation as a Member of the United 
    States House of Representatives effective on my taking the oath of 
    office as Governor of Mississippi on January 16, 1968.
        Mr. Speaker, I came to the Congress believing it to be the 
    greatest deliberative body on earth. After twenty-one years, I will 
    leave the Congress even more secure in that belief.
        I cherish the many friendships I have made here; and I take 
    this means through you to express profound appreciation to my 
    colleagues for their friendships and courtesies throughout the 
    years.
        My service in this body has brought satisfaction in 
    accomplishment, disappointment in defeat, heartache in frustration, 
    and joy in triumph. In all,

[[Page 367]]

    Mr. Speaker, these have been the most interesting and rewarding 
    years of my life. I will always be thankful for the privilege of 
    having been a part of this great institution.
        As I leave the Congress to assume a public position of greater 
    responsibility, I seek the prayers and good will of you and my 
    colleagues as we strive in common purpose to build a greater and 
    finer Republic.
        With sincere best wishes, I am,

              Respectfully,

                                               John Bell Williams.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, D.C., January 1, 1968.

                                               Hon. Paul B. Johnson,

                                                           Governor,

                                               State of Mississippi,

                                                      Jackson, Miss.

        Dear Governor Johnson: I hereby tender to you my resignation as 
    a Member of the House of Representatives in the Congress of the 
    United States from the Third District of Mississippi, to become 
    effective on January 16, 1968, on my taking the oath of office as 
    Governor of the State Of Mississippi.

              Respectfully yours,

                                               John Bell Williams.

Sec. 3.7 Election of a new Speaker being the first order of business 
    when a new Congress convenes (or when the Office of Speaker is 
    otherwise vacant), the resignation of a Member received during an 
    adjournment sine die  is not laid down before the election of a 
    Speaker (although the names of resigned Members are stricken from 
    the roll and are not called to establish a quorum or to elect the 
    Speaker).

    On Jan. 10, 1962,(1) at the convening of the second 
session of the 87th Congress, the Clerk, Ralph R. Roberts, called for 
nominations for the Office of Speaker. Nominations were made, a vote 
taken, and a Speaker elected. The newly elected Speaker(2) 
then laid before the House resignations of Members from the House 
received during the adjournment sine die between the first and second 
sessions of the 87th Congress:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 108 Cong. Rec. 7, 87th Cong. 2d Sess. The Office of Speaker was 
        vacant due to the death of Speaker Sam Rayburn (TX) on Nov. 16, 
        1961, after the adjournment sine die of the first session of 
        the 87th Congress.
 2. John W. McCormack (MA).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                December 11, 1961.

                                 Office of the Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Sir: On November 8, 1961, I submitted to Gov. Price 
    Daniels, of Texas, my resignation as Representative from the 13th 
    Congressional District in the Congress of the United States, 
    effective December 15, 1961.

[[Page 368]]

              Sincerely yours,
                                                      Frank Ikard,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 December 4, 1961.
                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,
                                                Speaker pro tempore,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: Please be advised that I have today 
    transmitted to the Governor of the State of New York, Nelson A. 
    Rockefeller, my resignation as Representative in the Congress of 
    the United States from the Sixth Congressional District of New 
    York, which said resignation is to take effect as of midnight, 
    December 31, 1961.
        With every good wish and kindest and warmest regards, I am,

              Sincerely,
                                                  Lester Holtzman.

Sec. 3.8 When the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico resigns from 
    the House, the resulting vacancy is filled, pursuant to Federal 
    law, by appointment by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto 
    Rico, subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Commonwealth of 
    Puerto Rico.

    On Mar. 4, 1992,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter from the Resident Commissioner to the United States from Puerto 
Rico, giving notice of his resignation, and a letter from the Governor 
announcing the appointment by the Governor of a new Resident 
Commissioner.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 138 Cong. Rec. 4386, 102d Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Appointment (rather than special election) to fill a vacancy in the 
        position of Resident Commissioner is provided for by law 
        (Sec. 36 of Act of Mar. 2, 1917; 48 USC Sec. 892).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Members representing the New York City areas of Harlem and the 
Bronx were invited by the Speaker to escort the newly appointed 
Resident Commissioner to the well to be sworn in.
    The letter from the Governor of Puerto Rico and the swearing in of 
the new Resident Commissioner were as follows:

                                      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
                                           Office of the Governor,
                                  San Juan, PR, February 21, 1992.

                                                Hon.Thomas S. Foley,
               Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, the Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have officially appointed Mr. Antonio J. 
    Colorado to fill the vacancy that will ensue on March 4, 1992, from 
    the resignation of Jaime B. Fuster as Resident Commissioner of the 
    Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the United States House of 
    Representatives. The Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has 
    confirmed Mr. Colorado's appointment, as required by Section 36 of 
    the 1950 Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act, 48 USC Sec. 745.
        With my best personal regards, I am

[[Page 369]]

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 Rafael Hernandez 
               Colon.                          -------------------

        SWEARING IN OF THE HONORABLE ANTONIO J. COLORADO OF PUERTO RICO 
                            AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE

        The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman from New York [Mr. Rangel] and 
    the gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] come forward to escort 
    the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico elect, the Honorable 
    Antonio J. Colorado, to the well to receive the oath of office?
        Mr. COLORADO appeared at the bar of the House and took the oath 
    of office administered by the Speaker as follows:

            Do you solemnly swear to support and defend the 
        Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign 
        and domestic; that you will bear true faith and allegiance to 
        the same; that you take this obligation freely, without any 
        mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that you will 
        well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which 
        you are about to enter. So help you God.

        The SPEAKER. Congratulations, you are a Member of the House of 
    Representatives.

Sec. 3.9 State law may require that the State executive authority to 
    whom a Member's resignation is to be submitted is the State 
    secretary of State rather than the Governor.

    By letter to the Secretary of State of New York dated Nov. 7, 
1997,(1) Rep. Floyd H. Flake resigned as a Member effective 
Nov. 16, 1997. (On Oct. 9, 1997,(2) Mr. Flake had withdrawn 
an earlier putative resignation by letter to the Governor of New York 
dated Aug. 1, 1997, which proposed to be effective on Oct. 15, 1997, 
and which had been laid before the House on Sept. 3, 
1997.(3) State law required that a resignation be submitted 
to the State secretary of State, not the Governor.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. See 143 Cong. Rec. 26709, 105th Cong. 1st Sess. See Sec. 5.1, 
        infra.
 2. Id. at p. 22020.
 3. Id. at p. 17526.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The letters appear in the Congressional Record as follows:

                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, August 4, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                           Speaker of the House, The Capitol, H-232,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This missive comes as an official 
    announcement of my resignation from the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, effective October 15, 1997.
        My duties and responsibilities as pastor of the Allen A.M.E. 
    Church in Jamaica, New York, has grown to such a level that I am 
    needed there on a more consistent basis. I have enjoyed the 
    opportunities that you have given me to converse with you regarding 
    my ideas for community, education, and economic development. I hope 
    that my leaving does not preclude our ability

[[Page 370]]

    to, in some way, continue these discussions in the future.
        With warmest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                   Floyd H. Flake,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, August 1, 1997.

                                              Hon. George E. Pataki,

                                                  State of New York,

                                  Office of the Governor, Albany, NY

        Dear Governor Pataki. This missive comes as an official 
    announcement of my resignation from the U.S. House of 
    Representatives, effective October 15, 1997.
        My duties and responsibilities as pastor of Allen A.M.E. Church 
    have grown to a level which necessitates my presence on a more 
    consistent basis.
        I have called your office, and hope to be able to speak with 
    you in the near future.
        With warmest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                   Floyd H. Flake,

                                         Member of Congress. . . .



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                                  Washington, DC, October 8, 1997.

                                           Hon. Alexander Treadwell,

                                                 Secretary of State,

                                                         Albany, NY.

        Dear Secretary Treadwell: After considering the needs of my 
    constituents and the short time remaining in this session, I intend 
    to remain in Congress at least until our legislative business is 
    completed.
        I have reviewed section 31 of the Public Officers law, and I 
    understand that my retirement announcement to the Governor on 
    August 4, 1997 was an erroneous interpretation of the statutory 
    requirements for resignations. Therefore, it is also my belief 
    that, according to section 31, any record of my resignation is not 
    effective since I have never directly notified your office of my 
    plans. I will, however, inform you of my plans at the appropriate 
    time, which in this case will be no more than thirty days prior to 
    my resignation.
        If there are any questions regarding my plans, please feel free 
    to contact me, or Sean Peterson, my Chief of Staff.
        With warmest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                   Floyd H. Flake,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, November 7, 1997.
                                           Hon. Alexander Treadwell,

                                                 Secretary of State,

                                                         Albany, NY.

        Dear Secretary Treadwell: Pursuant to section 31 of the Public 
    Officers law, I hereby inform you that I am resigning from the 
    United States House of Representatives. My resignation will become 
    effective at midnight on November 16, 1997.
        As you and the citizens of New York are well aware, I am 
    returning to my pastorate at the Allen A.M.E. church in Jamaica, 
    Queens. Although I have been called back to Allen to devote my 
    energy and full-time attention to its congregation, I am proud of 
    my service in Congress. It has been my distinct privilege to 
    represent the people of the 6th Congressional District of New York, 
    and an honor to serve the people of the United States of America.

[[Page 371]]

        With warmest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                   Floyd H. Flake,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 6, 1960,(4) the resignation of a Member, 
indicating that the Secretary of State of the State of New York had 
been notified, was laid before the House:

 4. 106 Cong. Rec. 5, 86th Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                December 31, 1959.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the secretary of state, State of New York, my 
    resignation as Representative in the Congress of the United States 
    from the 23d District of New York.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Isidore Dollinger.

    Mr. Louis B. Heller, of New York, submitted his resignation to the 
Governor of New York on July 21, 1954; at the same time he tendered his 
resignation to the House, and these resignations were laid before the 
House on July 23, 1954, as follows: (5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 100 Cong. Rec. 11756, 83d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Brooklyn, N. Y., July 21, 1954.

                                         Hon. Joseph W. Martin, Jr.,

                 Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I herewith submit my resignation as a 
    Representative of the 83d Congress from the Eighth Congressional 
    District of New York to take effect on the 21st day of July 1954.
        I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter addressed to the 
    Hon. Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of New York, notifying him of said 
    resignation.
        I have the honor to be, respectfully,

                                                  Louis B. Heller,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                        Eighth District, New York.

    Subsequently, Mr. Heller submitted to the Speaker another letter 
which, on July 29, 1954,(6) was laid before the House. In 
it, Mr. Heller explained that he had been advised that his resignation 
was required to be transmitted to the Secretary of State of the State 
of New York instead of the Governor.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. Id. at p. 12628.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    July 28, 1954.

                                         Hon. Joseph W. Martin, Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I enclose herewith copy of a letter which I 
    have this day addressed to the Honorable Thomas J. Curran, 
    Secretary of the State of New York, notifying him of my resignation 
    as a Member of Congress from the Eighth Congressional District, New 
    York, which took effect on July 21, 1954.
        In my communication to you of July 21, 1954, I enclosed a copy 
    of a letter

[[Page 372]]

    addressed to Governor Dewey. Apparently, notice of my resignation 
    is required to be transmitted to the Secretary of the State of New 
    York (election law, State of New York, sec. 297), hence the 
    enclosed.
        With kindest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                    Louis B. Heller.(7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. See also Sec. 5.10, infra, noting that the resignation of Mr. James 
        F. Battin (MT), was tendered to both the Governor and the 
        Secretary of State.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 3.10 There have been instances in which a Member's resignation 
    from the House has been accepted by the Governor of the Member's 
    State even though State law contemplated submission of such a 
    resignation to the State Secretary of State.

    On Jan. 3, 1956,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
copy of a communication from a Member from the State of New York that 
the Member had submitted to the Governor of that State and in which the 
Member tendered to the Governor (and not to the State Secretary of 
State, as specified in State law) his resignation as a Member of the 
House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 102 Cong. Rec. 4, 84th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                             Washington, D. C., December 21, 1955.

                                    His Excellency Averell Harriman,

                                  Governor of the State of New York,

                                     The Executive Chamber, Capitol,

                                                       Albany, N. Y.

        Sir: I hereby tender to you my resignation as a Member of the 
    House of Representatives in the Congress of the United States from 
    the 22d District of New York, effective midnight, Monday, January 
    2, 1956.

              Respectfully yours,

                                                   Sidney A. Fine,

                                               Member of Congress.

    Similarly, on Jan 5, 1955,(2) sundry resignations were 
laid before the House. Among them was a letter from a Member from the 
State of New York stating that he had transmitted to the Governor of 
New York his resignation as a Member of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 101 Cong. Rec. 11, 84th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                               New York, N. Y., December 31, 1954.

                                         Hon. Joseph W. Martin, Jr.,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to His Excellency Thomas E. Dewey, Governor of the State of New 
    York, my resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the 
    United States from the 21st Congressional District of New York.

              Respectfully,

                                                     J. K. Javits.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Javits also submitted his resignation 
to the Secretary of State of

[[Page 373]]

the State of New York, as required by State law.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See Sec. 3.9, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

     


                       

[Page 373-401]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
               B. Resignation of a Member From the House
 
Sec. 4. Reason for Resignation; Inclusion in Letter of Resignation

    When a Member resigns as a Representative, the basis of, or reasons 
for, the Member's resignation may or may not be included in the 
Member's letter of resignation. In recent years, the general practice 
has been for a Member resigning from the House to include in the 
Member's letter of resignation the reasons for the Member's termination 
of service in the House.
    Among the reasons for which Members have resigned have been to 
serve in the Armed Forces,(1) to accept an appointment as a 
cabinet secretary or in another Executive branch 
position,(2) to assume office as a Member of the 
Senate,(3) to accept an appointment as a member of the 
United States delegation to the United Nations,(4) or as an 
ambassador to another nation,(5) to assume office as a State 
Governor or city Mayor,(6) to accept an appointment as a 
Federal(7) or State(8) judge, to create a vacancy 
and run for the vacant seat, in the case of a change in party 
affiliation (9) or a contested election,(10) to 
serve a jail sentence on conviction of a crime,(11) and, in 
the case of a Senator, to create a vacancy to be filled by appointment 
by a State Governor.(12)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. See Sec. 4.1, infra.
 2. See Sec. 4.2, infra.
 3. See Sec. Sec. 4.3, 4.4, infra.
 4. See Sec. 4.5, infra.
 5. See Sec. 4.6, infra.
 6. See Sec. 4.7, infra.
 7. See Sec. 4.8, infra.
 8. See Sec. 4.9, infra.
 9. See Sec. 4.10, infra.
10. See Sec. 4.11, infra.
11. See Sec. 4.12, infra.
12. See Sec. Sec. 4.13, 4.14, 
        infra.                          -------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Service in the Armed Forces

Sec. 4.1 A Member resigned, stating in his letter to the Speaker his 
    intention to serve in the Armed Forces.

    On Nov. 14, 1944,(1) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, laid 
before the House a letter from a Member stating that he had submitted 
to the Governor of his State his resignation as a Member of the House 
and that the reason for the resignation was to serve in the Armed 
Forces.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 90 Cong. Rec. 8163, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 October 19, 1944.


[[Page 374]]


                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                      Congress of the United States,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective this date, I have submitted to 
    the Honorable Spessard L. Holland, Governor of Florida, my 
    resignation as a Member of the Seventy-eighth Congress from the 
    Third District of Florida.
        I take this step in order to serve in the armed forces of my 
    country.
        With personal regards, and with genuine appreciation for the 
    uniform cooperation and splendid leadership which you have given 
    me, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                        Bob Sikes.

Service in the Executive Branch

Sec. 4.2 Members have resigned their seats in the House to serve in 
    Executive branch positions.

    On Sept. 2, 2005,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House a letter from a Member 
advising of his resignation. The letter was accompanied by a copy of 
the actual letter of resignation that the Member submitted to the State 
official concerned. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 19424, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. Tom DeLay (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, July 29, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                               Speaker of the House,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm me 
    for the position of Chairman of the Securities and Exchange 
    Commission. As a result, I must submit to you herewith my 
    resignation as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
    effective as of 6 p.m. pdt on Tuesday, August 2, 2005. I have also 
    written to Governor Schwarzenegger to advise him of my resignation.
        Mr. Speaker, even more significant than the privilege of 
    serving for 17 years in the House of Representatives has been the 
    opportunity to serve with you in the elected Majority Leadership 
    for the last 10 years. Thank you, again, for your friendship, your 
    courage under fire, your wisdom, and your sterling example over so 
    many years.
        I very much look forward to continuing to work with you and 
    serving the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Christopher Cox,
                                              U.S. Representative.



                                      Congress of the United States,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                      Washington, DC, July 29, 2005.

                                       Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Governor, State of California, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, 
                                                               CA.

        Dear Governor Schwarzenegger: Today, I have been confirmed by 
    the U.S. Senate for the position of Chairman of the Securities and 
    Exchange Commission.

[[Page 375]]

        Accordingly, I am writing to inform you that, effective as of 6 
    p.m. pdt on Tuesday, August 2, 2005, I will resign my seat as the 
    Representative of the 48th District of California in the U.S. House 
    of Representatives. I have also written to House Speaker Hastert to 
    inform him of the timing of my resignation.
        For the past 17 years, I have had the great privilege and honor 
    of representing the people of Orange County, California in the 
    House of Representatives. My service in the Congress has been a 
    truly rewarding experience, and I am grateful to Orange County's 
    citizens for putting their trust and faith in me. As a member of 
    the elected Majority Leadership and Chairman of three House 
    committees, I have been especially privileged to have had the 
    opportunity to work closely with you and our other elected 
    California leaders on so many shared priorities.
        Thank you, again, for your friendship and support. I look 
    forward to continuing to work with you, and to serve California and 
    the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Christopher Cox,
                                              U.S. Representative.

    On May 2, 2005,(3) the Speaker pro tempore(4) 
laid before the House a letter of resignation from a Member, 
accompanied by a copy of the letter of resignation that the Member 
submitted to the State official concerned:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 151 Cong. Rec. 8388, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 4. Tim Murphy (PA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:(5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. Parliamentarian's Note: Representative Portman resigned to become 
        the United States Trade Representative.

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                     Washington, DC, April 29, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, 
                                                                 DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the United States Senate for the position of United 
    States Trade Representative. Therefore, I have submitted my 
    resignation as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 
    effective 12 noon, April 29, 2005. I am forwarding to you a copy of 
    my letter of resignation to Ohio Governor Bob Taft.
        Mr. Speaker, it has been a high honor to represent the Second 
    Congressional District of Ohio for the past twelve years, and to 
    serve with the distinguished men and women of the House of 
    Representatives. I look forward to working with the Members of the 
    House and serving the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rob Portman,
                                                   Representative.



                                    Congress of the United States,
                                   Washington, DC, April 29, 2005.

                                                   Hon. Robert Taft,
                                            Governor, State of Ohio,
                                                     Columbus, Ohio.

        Dear Governor Taft: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the United States Senate for the position of United 
    States Trade

[[Page 376]]

    Representative. Therefore, I hereby resign as a Member of the U.S. 
    House of Representatives, effective 12 noon, April 29, 2005.
        It has been a honor to represent the Second Congressional 
    District of Ohio for the past twelve years, and an honor to work 
    with you and the Ohio delegation. I look forward to working with 
    you and serving Ohio and the Nation in my new position.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rob Portman,
                                                   Representative.

    On Sept. 5, 2001,(6) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Aug. 6, 2001, to become the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement 
Agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 147 Cong. Rec. 16381, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 3, 2001.

                                          Speaker J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  The U.S. House of Representatives,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As a result of my nomination by President 
    George W. Bush and my subsequent confirmation by the U.S. Senate to 
    serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, I 
    hereby resign from the U.S. House of Representatives. This 
    resignation is to be effective at 2400 hours on Monday, August 6, 
    2001.
        Enclosed you will find a copy of my letter to Governor Mike 
    Huckabee of Arkansas stating the same.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Asa Hutchinson.



                                          House of Representatives

                                   Washington, DC, August 3, 2001.

                                             Governor Mike Huckabee,

                                             State Capitol Building,

                                                    Little Rock, AR.

        Dear Governor Huckabee: Please accept this letter as notice 
    that my resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives shall be 
    effective at the 2400 hours on Monday, August 6, 2001.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Asa Hutchinson.

    On Jan. 25, 1993,(7) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Agriculture.

 7. 139 Cong. Rec. 1092, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 January 22, 1993.

                                                  Hon. Thomas Foley,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It has been a pleasure and honor for me to 
    serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. As you know, I have 
    resigned today to serve in the President's Cabinet as Secretary of 
    Agriculture. I hope to continue to work with you in my new position 
    and I thank you for your leadership through the years.
        Please find enclosed my resignation letter to Mississippi 
    Governor Kirk Fordice. As I have written to Governor Fordice, I 
    have accepted my new position with enthusiasm but also with a

[[Page 377]]

    sense of tremendous gratitude and humility for the trust and 
    confidence that the voters of my district have placed in me over 
    the years. In the many votes I have cast and the many actions I 
    have taken on their behalf, I have always tried to reflect credit 
    on the 2nd Congressional District and on the great State of 
    Mississippi.
        It has been the ultimate honor for me to be a part of our 
    country's history by serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. 
    I look forward to continuing to serve my country in my new position 
    and working with you and my former colleagues in Congress.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Mike Espy,

                                         Secretary of Agriculture.



                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.

                                                  Hon. Kirk Fordice,

                Governor of Mississippi, State Capitol, Jackson, MS.

        Dear Governor Fordice: For the past six years, I have had the 
    privilege of representing the people of the 2nd Congressional 
    District in the Congress of the United States. In the many votes I 
    have cast and the many actions I have taken on their behalf, I have 
    always tried to reflect credit on the 2nd Congressional District 
    and on our great State of Mississippi.
        As you are aware, I recently have been nominated by the 
    President of the United States and confirmed by the United States 
    Senate to serve in the President's Cabinet as Secretary of 
    Agriculture. As such, I am requesting and do hereby submit my 
    resignation as United States Congressman effective upon my taking 
    the oath of office on Friday, January 22, 1993, at approximately 10 
    a.m. EST.
        Although I have accepted the new position with enthusiasm, I 
    leave my House seat with a sense of tremendous gratitude and 
    humility for the trust and confidence that the voters of my 
    district have placed in me over the years.
        I assure you and the citizens of Mississippi that I will 
    continue to be an advocate and strong ally for all legitimate needs 
    of the people of Mississippi.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Mike Espy,

                                               Member of Congress,

                               Secretary of Agriculture-Designate.

    Also on that date,(8) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

 8. Id.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

              The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached is the letter I have sent to the 
    Governor of California notifying him of my resignation from the 
    U.S. House of Representatives effective 6 p.m. today.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Leon E. Panetta,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1993.


[[Page 378]]


                                                   Gov. Pete Wilson,

                                      State Capitol, Sacramento, CA.

        Dear Governor: Having been nominated by the President, and 
    confirmed by the Senate, as the Director of the Office of 
    Management and Budget, I resign as U.S. Representative of the 17th 
    Congressional District of California effective 6:00 p.m. today.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Leon E. Panetta,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 21, 1993,(9) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Defense.

 9. 139 Cong. Rec. 423, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, DC, January 20, 1993.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                  Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: For the past 22 years I have had the great 
    honor and privilege of serving the people of Wisconsin as a Member 
    of the U.S. House of Representatives.
        On December 22, 1992, President-elect Clinton asked me to 
    become his nominee as Secretary of Defense. Since the Senate has 
    now confirmed my nomination I will be assuming office later today.
        Accordingly, I hereby notify you that I have resigned as a 
    Member of the House of Representatives from the State of Wisconsin 
    to assume the office of Secretary of Defense. Enclosed is a copy of 
    my letter of resignation to Governor Tommy G. Thompson.
        I shall always be grateful for the opportunity to serve with 
    you and my colleagues in the House. I look forward to working with 
    you in my new position as Secretary of Defense.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Les Aspin.

    On Jan. 24, 1977,(10) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Agriculture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 123 Cong. Rec. 1907, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 19, 1977.


                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to inform you that I have today 
    submitted my letter of resignation as Congressman from the 7th 
    District, State of Minnesota, effective Saturday midnight, January 
    22, 1977, to the Honorable Rudy Perpich, Governor of the State of 
    Minnesota. A copy of this letter is enclosed.
        Thank you.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Bob Bergland



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 19, 1977.

                                                  Hon. Rudy Perpich,

                        The Governor, State Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.


[[Page 379]]



        Dear Governor Perpich: I hereby resign as Congressman from the 
    7th District, State of Minnesota, effective Saturday midnight, 
    January 22, 1977.
        I am sure you know what a privilege and a pleasure it has been 
    for me to serve the State of Minnesota in my several terms in 
    Congress. It is only because of the opportunity to serve directly 
    in the Cabinet of President Carter, that my resignation occurs.
        Thank you.

              Yours truly,

                                                     Bob Bergland.

    On that same day,(11) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Secretary of Transportation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 17, 1977.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                 Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby inform you that I have transmitted 
    to the Governor of the State of Washington my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the 
    Seventh District of Washington, and am by this letter confirming to 
    you my resignation as a Member of Congress from the State of 
    Washington.
        The years I have spent in the House of Representatives will 
    always remain in my memory as some of the happiest of my life. As I 
    leave, I want to extend to you and my colleagues in the House every 
    good wish for the future.
        I look forward to working with you as the 95th Congress begins.

              Very truly yours,

                                                      Brock Adams,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 January 17, 1977.

                                                  Hon. Dixy Lee Ray,

                       Governor, State of Washington, Olympia, Wash.

        Dear Governor Ray: I hereby resign my office as Representative 
    in the Congress of the United States from the Seventh District of 
    Washington, said resignation to take effect on January 22, 1977.

              Very truly yours,

                                                      Brock Adams,

                                               Member of Congress.

Service in the Senate

Sec. 4.3 Having been elected to the Senate, a Member of the House 
    advised the Speaker that he had tendered his resignation from the 
    House to the Governor of his State.

    On Jan. 7, 1997,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Nov. 27, 1996, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 188, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 26, 1996.


[[Page 380]]


                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Newt: Attached please find a copy of the letter I have 
    sent to Kansas Governor Bill Graves informing him that I am 
    resigning from the House of Representatives effective at 12:00 p.m. 
    central time on Wednesday, November 27th, 1996.
        It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you in the 
    House of Representatives. We enacted reforms during the 104th 
    Congress that has moved this country in the right direction. I look 
    forward to continuing to work with you to balance the federal 
    budget, reduce the size, scope, and intrusiveness of the federal 
    government, and restore the American Dream.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Sam Brownback,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 25, 1996.

                                                   Gov. Bill Graves,

                                          State Capitol, Topeka, KS.

        Dear Governor Graves: For the past two years, it has been my 
    privilege to serve the people of Kansas' Second District as their 
    elected Representative in the U.S. Congress. It has been an 
    eventful tenure.
        These are remarkable times, and public servants have a 
    tremendous opportunity and responsibility for making America a 
    better place.
        There is much work to be done, and the people rightly expect 
    that we will begin it in earnest. Toward that end, I am scheduled 
    to be sworn in as a U.S. Senator for Kansas at 2:00 p.m. central 
    time, Wednesday, November 27, 1996. Accordingly, I am resigning my 
    seat in the U.S. House of Representatives effective at 12:00 p.m. 
    central time, Wednesday, November 27, 1996.
        The work of renewing America is unfinished. I see cause for 
    great hope as I believe we are now clearly focused on those very 
    problems which most confound us. There has never been a challenge 
    which the American nation recognized clearly and approached 
    resolutely which we did not overcome. We have cause for great 
    Thanksgiving.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Sam Brownback.

    On Feb. 6, 1996,(2) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Feb. 5, 1996, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 142 Cong. Rec. 2336, 2337, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, February 4, 1996.

                                                Hon. John Kitzhaber,

                                                 Governor of Oregon,

                                                          Salem, OR.

        Dear Governor Kitzhaber: On January 30, 1966, the citizens of 
    Oregon elected me to the U.S. Senate to fill the unexpired term of 
    former Senator Bob Packwood. I am deeply honored to have the 
    opportunity to serve our State in the U.S. Senate, and plan

[[Page 381]]

    to begin performing those duties on February 5, 1996.
        It is my understanding that Oregon's Secretary of State has 
    certified the election and has already transmitted the original 
    documentation of my election to the Secretary of the U.S. Senate.
        Based on this understanding, I will resign my House seat 
    representing Oregon's Third Congressional District effective at 
    8:00 a.m. (E.S.T.), February 5, 1996.
        It is with great anticipation that I look forward to working 
    with you in the days to come on a range of issues affecting our 
    state.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Ron Wyden.

    On Nov. 29, 1994,(3) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
Nov. 15, 1994, to assume the Senate seat to which he had been elected.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 140 Cong. Rec. 29585, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 15, 1994.

                                                     Hon. Tom Foley,

        Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
                                                                D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached is the letter I have sent to the 
    Honorable David L. Walters, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, 
    notifying him of my resignation from the House of Representatives 
    effective today, November 15, 1994 at twelve midnight.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James M. Inhofe,

                                               Member of Congress.

        Enclosure: letter.


                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 15, 1994.

                                                 Hon. David Walters,

                                        Governor, State of Oklahoma,

                                                  Oklahoma City, OK.

        Dear Governor Walters: Pursuant to the November 8, 1994 special 
    election, at which time I was elected to serve the vacancy in the 
    United States Senate created by the resignation of Senator David L. 
    Boren, I hereby submit to you my letter of resignation effective 
    twelve midnight, today, November 15, 1994.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James M. Inhofe,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 3, 1989,(4) the Clerk(5) laid before 
the House a communication from a Member-elect resigning his seat in the 
House effective immediately after the commencement of the 101st 
Congress in order to assume the Senate seat to which he had been 
appointed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 135 Cong. Rec. 67, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
 5. Donnald K. Anderson (CA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 29, 1988.

                                                    Hon. Jim Wright,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.


[[Page 382]]



        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed for your information and review is 
    my official letter of resignation which will become effective 
    January 3, 1989.
        I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your 
    cooperation while I have represented the citizens of the Fourth 
    Congressional District of Indiana for the past eight years. 
    Although I will miss working with you in the House, I look forward 
    to continue working together as a Member of the Senate.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 27, 1988.

                                                 Hon. Robert D. Orr,

        Governor, Office of the Governor, State House, Indianapolis, 
                                                                 IN.

        Dear Governor Orr: For the past eight years, I have had the 
    very distinct pleasure of representing the citizens of the Fourth 
    Congressional District of Indiana in the United States House of 
    Representatives. I was honored by my election to a fifth term in 
    the House, and I could think of few things which would keep me from 
    serving in my elected position.
        However, your decision to offer me the chance to serve the 
    entire State of Indiana as its Senator-designate requires me to 
    submit to you my resignation from the House of Representatives. 
    This extraordinary opportunity is one that will allow me to 
    continue serving the people of the Fourth Congressional District as 
    well as the rest of the state.
        Therefore, I hereby ask you to accept my resignation as the 
    Representative for the Fourth District of Indiana, effective 
    January 3, 1989, so I may accept the appointment as Indiana's 
    newest Senator.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 30, 1988.

                                           Hon. Donnald K. Anderson,

                                    Clerk, House of Representatives,

                                   Capitol Building, Washington, DC.

        Dear Sir: Please find enclosed a copy of the resignation letter 
    dated December 22, 1988, that I have submitted to Indiana Governor 
    Robert Orr.
        The enclosed letter to Governor Orr should be understood to 
    mean that I am resigning from the House of Representatives as a 
    Member of the 101st Congress immediately after 12:00 noon on 
    January 3, 1989, so I may be sworn in as a Senator representing the 
    State of Indiana on the aforementioned date.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Dan Coats,

                                               Member of Congress.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Coats was elected in November 1988 as a 
Representative in the 101st Congress, commencing Jan. 3, 1989. He took 
the oath of office but never served, his resignation being effective 
immediately thereafter. He was sworn later that day as a Senator to 
fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation from the Senate of J. 
Danforth Quayle, effective Jan. 3, 1989, in anticipation of being sworn 
as Vice President on Jan. 20, 1989.

[[Page 383]]

    On Jan. 4, 1965,(6) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communications:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 111 Cong. Rec. 25, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Nashville, Tenn.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                                Hon. John McCormack,

                         The Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        This is to advise that I have submitted my resignation as a 
    Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Sixth 
    Congressional District of Tennessee to the Honorable Frank Clement, 
    Governor of Tennessee. This resignation was necessary in order to 
    assume my duties of a Member of the U.S. Senate from Tennessee to 
    which office I have been duly elected. Said resignation is 
    effective at the close of business November 3, 1964.

                                                        Ross Bass.



                                                 Nashville, Tenn.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        This is to advise that I have received the resignation of the 
    Honorable Ross Bass as a Member of the House of Representatives of 
    the Sixth Congressional District of Tennessee, effective at the 
    close of business November 3, 1964.
                                                 Frank G. Clement,

                                            Governor of Tennessee.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 November 4, 1964.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I have today submitted my resignation as 
    U.S. Representative to the Governor, Jack M. Campbell, of New 
    Mexico, as follows:
        ``I wish to submit to you my resignation as U.S. Representative 
    in the Congress from the State of New Mexico, effective midnight, 
    November 3, 1964.
        ``This is done in view of my election to the U.S. Senate and 
    for the purpose of securing seniority privileges in the Senate 
    which is of paramount importance to our State.''

              Sincerely,

                                                Joseph M. Montoya,

                                                      U.S. Senator

Sec. 4.4 A Member resigned from the House to accept an interim 
    appointment as a Member of the Senate.

    On Jan. 31, 2006,(1) the Speaker(2) laid 
before the House a letter from a Member advising of his resignation, 
accompanied by a copy of the actual letter of resignation that the 
Member submitted to the State official concerned. The proceedings were 
as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 400, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. J. Dennis Hastert (IL).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 384]]

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation 
    from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, January 16, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Mr. Speaker:  For the past thirteen years I have had the great 
    honor and privilege of serving the people of New Jersey as a Member 
    of the United States House of Representatives.
        As Governor Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey has told me his 
    intention to appoint me to fulfill the remainder of his term in the 
    United States Senate upon his inauguration as Governor, I submit my 
    resignation as a Member from the House of Representatives, 
    effective close of business on Monday, January 16, 2006.
        I accept my new position with enthusiasm but also a sense of 
    gratitude for the trust and confidence the voters of the Thirteenth 
    Congressional District have placed in me over the years. I have 
    always tried to reflect credit on the District, the great state of 
    New Jersey, and this body. It has been a distinct pleasure to work 
    and serve with many good friends and colleagues in the House of 
    Representatives.
        I look forward to continuing my service to the people of the 
    State of New Jersey through my service as a Member of the United 
    States Senate.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Robert Menendez,
  Member of Congress.                          -------------------

                          ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER. Under clause 5(d) of rule XX,(3) the 
    Chair announces to the House that, in light of the resignation of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the whole number of 
    the House is adjusted to 433.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. House Rules and Manual Sec. 1024b (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 16, 1966,(4) the Speaker laid before the House 
the communication below from Mr. Robert P. Griffin, of Michigan. Mr. 
Griffin had resigned from the House to accept an appointment to the 
Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Patrick V. 
McNamara.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 112 Cong. Rec. 10526, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, D.C., May 11, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have the duty to inform you that I have 
    transmitted to the Honorable George Romney, Governor of Michigan, 
    my resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the Ninth District of Michigan, effective at the close 
    of business, May 10, 1966.
        I leave the House of Representatives to assume the office of 
    U.S. Senator from Michigan.
        With kind personal regards, I am

[[Page 385]]

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Robert P. Griffin.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, D.C., May 11, 1966.

                                                 Hon. George Romney,

                                               Governor of Michigan,

                                                      Lansing, Mich.

        Dear Governor Romney: I hereby resign my office as 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Ninth 
    District of Michigan, effective at the close of business, May 10, 
    1966.
        With kind personal regards, I am

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Robert P. Griffin.

Appointment in the United States Diplomatic Service

Sec. 4.5 A Member resigned from the House to accept an appointment as a 
    member of the United States delegation to the United Nations.

    On Sept. 9, 2002,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the United States Representative to the United Nations Agencies for 
Food and Agriculture.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 148 Cong. Rec. 16339, 107th Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, September 5, 2002.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been nominated by President Bush and 
    confirmed by the Senate to serve as United States Representative to 
    the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, with the rank 
    of Ambassador. Therefore, I have submitted my resignation as Member 
    of the House of Representatives, effective close of business, 
    September 9, 2002. I am forwarding to you a copy of my letter of 
    resignation to Ohio Governor Bob Taft.
        I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with the 
    distinguished men and women of the House of Representatives for the 
    past twenty-four years. I look forward to working with the Members 
    of the House as I continue service to the Nation in my new 
    position.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Tony P. Hall,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Feb. 13, 1997,(2) Speaker pro tempore Jack Kingston, 
of Georgia, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House to become the United States Ambassador 
to the United Nations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 143 Cong. Rec. 2162, 2163, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                                            Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Gingrich: I hereby resign my congressional seat 
    effective

[[Page 386]]

    immediately so that I can assume my post in the President's Cabinet 
    as Ambassador to the United Nations.
        It has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress as 
    New Mexico's third district representative for the past 14 years. I 
    have been especially proud to represent the people of New Mexico 
    whose kindnesses towards me and my family have been equaled only by 
    the unmatched beauty of the state itself.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 13, 1997.

                                            Hon. Stephanie Gonzales,

                    Secretary of State, State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM.

        Dear Stephanie: I hereby resign my congressional seat effective 
    immediately so that I can assume my post in the President's Cabinet 
    as Ambassador to the United Nations.
        It has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress as 
    New Mexico's third district representative for the past 14 years. I 
    have been especially proud to represent the people of New Mexico 
    whose kindnesses towards me and my family have been equaled only by 
    the unmatched beauty of the state itself.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Sept. 28, 1965,(3) the Speaker laid before the House 
a letter of resignation from a Member resigning from the House to 
accept an appointment as a member of the United States Delegation to 
the United Nations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 111 Cong. Rec. 25342, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The following communication was read:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                             Washington, D.C., September 28, 1965.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It is with a considerable degree of sadness 
    that I take this official means of resigning as a Member of the 
    House of Representatives--a Representative from the 26th District 
    of California--effective as of noon, Thursday, September 30, 1965.
        I hope it is appropriate for me to add that I can sincerely say 
    I have had the privilege of serving my country not only under the 
    leadership of the great Speaker, Sam Rayburn, but under your 
    speakership, which I regard as probably the most effective and 
    productive sessions in our country's history. You have, in so many 
    ways, given me your support and friendship that I, of course, 
    cannot find a way to adequately express my appreciation and 
    everlasting affectionate respect.
        I look forward to my new assignment in a critical area of the 
    world's history with the hope that I can put to use the lessons I 
    have learned during my service in the House. So many Members on 
    both sides of the aisle have made it possible, I hope, for me to 
    have made some contribution, and I take this last opportunity of 
    expressing my warmest thanks to each and every one of my 
    colleagues. I shall hope to visit with you frequently.
        With sincere regards and best wishes, as always, I am

[[Page 387]]

              Yours sincerely,

                                                  James Roosevelt.

Sec. 4.6 A Member resigned from the House to accept an appointment as 
    the United States ambassador to another nation.

    On Nov. 12, 1997,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) resigned his seat in the House to become the 
United States Ambassador to Italy. The communication was as follows:

 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 26038, 26572, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. Thomas E. Petri (WI).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 11, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,
                               Speaker of the House, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to officially notify you of my 
    resignation as United States Representative to the First District 
    of Pennsylvania. President Clinton has given me the opportunity to 
    continue my lifetime of public service by nominating me to be 
    Ambassador to Italy, the nation of my heritage.
        I love this body and leave it with bittersweet emotions--I move 
    onto exciting new challenges but I leave so many good friends and 
    colleagues. I feel so strongly about so many of the people I have 
    served with over the past seventeen years. There is that saying 
    attributable to Harry Truman that if you want a friend in 
    Washington, buy a dog. For me, nothing can be further from the 
    truth. I have made friends here, on both sides of the aisle, who I 
    will keep and cherish for the rest of my life.
        I thank the people of the First District for the opportunity to 
    serve them, this country and this institution. It has been a great 
    honor.
        Thank you.

            Sincerely,

                                        Thomas M. Foglietta. . . .



                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 11, 1997.

                                                     Hon. Tom Ridge,

                             Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

                                                     Harrisburg, PA.

        Dear Mr. Governor: This letter is to officially notify you of 
    my resignation as United States Representative to the First 
    District of Pennsylvania. President Clinton has given me the 
    opportunity to continue my lifetime of public service by nominating 
    me to be Ambassador to Italy, the nation of my heritage.
        I thank the people of the First District for the opportunity to 
    serve them, this country and this institution. It has been a great 
    honor.
        Thank you.

              Sincerely,

                                              Thomas M. Foglietta.

Service as Governor or Mayor

Sec. 4.7 A Member has resigned in order to serve as Governor of his 
    State or Mayor of his city.

[[Page 388]]

    On Dec. 8, 2006,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House a letter from a Member 
advising of his resignation, accompanied by a copy of the actual letter 
of resignation that the Member submitted to the State official 
concerned. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 23201, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Jo Bonner (AL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the House of Representatives:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, December 4, 2006.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: On November 7, 2006, I received the great 
    privilege of being elected Governor of the State of Nevada. 
    Although Dean Heller was elected and will succeed me as the 
    representative of the Second Congressional District of Nevada, 
    under Nevada law I must formally resign my Congressional office 
    prior to taking office as Governor. I have advised the current 
    Governor of the State of Nevada of such resignation and hereby 
    inform you of my formal resignation as the representative of the 
    Second Congressional District of Nevada to be effective at the 
    close of business on December 31, 2006.
        It has been an honor and pleasure representing the Great State 
    of Nevada in Congress over the past 10 years, and I look forward to 
    continuing that service as Governor.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Jim Gibbons,
                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 December 4, 2006.
                                                   Hon. Kenny Guinn,
                                          Governor, State of Nevada,
                                                    Carson City, NV.

        Dear Governor Guinn: On November 7, 2006, I received the great 
    privilege of being elected Governor of the State of Nevada. As you 
    may be aware, under Nevada law I must formally resign my 
    Congressional office prior to taking office as Governor. I have 
    advised the Speaker of the House of such resignation and hereby 
    inform you of my formal resignation as the representative of the 
    2nd Congressional District of Nevada to be effective at the close 
    of business on December 31, 2006.
        It has been an honor and pleasure representing the Great State 
    of Nevada in Congress over the past 10 years, and I look forward to 
    continuing that service as Governor.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Jim Gibbons.

    On Dec. 21, 1987,(3) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Governor of Louisiana.

 3. 133 Cong. Rec. 37624, 100th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Hon. Jim Wright,


[[Page 389]]


                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: The enclosed letter has been received in the 
    Clerk's Office regarding the resignation from the House, next 
    March, of the Honorable Buddy Roemer of the Fourth Congressional 
    District of Louisiana.
        This letter is transmitted for your information. I will send 
    any further details regarding this expected vacancy whenever they 
    are received by my office.
        With great respect, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                              Donnald K. Anderson,

                                  Clerk, House of Representatives.


                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 14, 1987.

                                              Hon. Edwin W. Edwards,

                                          Governor, Baton Rouge, LA.

        Dear Governor Edwards: I hereby resign as United States 
    Representative for the Fourth Congressional District for the State 
    of Louisiana effective March 14, 1988, the day of my inauguration 
    as Governor of the State of Louisiana. Please be advised that it is 
    my intention to continue to serve as a member of the United States 
    Congress until my inauguration on March 14.
        Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes 18:1279, I ask that you 
    call a special election to fill my seat as United States 
    Representative and that the primary for such election be set for 
    March 8, 1988. It is my understanding that the State will hold a 
    statewide presidential preference primary election on March 8 and, 
    therefore, that also holding the special election for my 
    congressional seat on that day will result in substantial savings 
    to the state.
        Please formally notify the Clerk of the United States House of 
    Representatives of my resignation and its effective date.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Buddy Roemer,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 19, 1978,(4) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to become 
the Mayor of New York.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 124 Cong. Rec. 107, 95th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                              Washington, D.C., December 27, 1977.

                                         Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As you know, as a result of my election to 
    the Mayoralty of the City of New York, I must resign my current 
    position as a member of Congress in the 18th Congressional District 
    of the State of New York. This letter of resignation is to be 
    effective as of the close of December 31, 1977. I would appreciate 
    your taking whatever steps are required to note the resignation as 
    of that date.
        All the best.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Edward I. Koch.



                                                    New York, N.Y.

                                                December 13, 1977.

                                                Hon. Mario M. Cuomo,


[[Page 390]]


                              Secretary of State, State of New York,

                                                      New York, N.Y.

        Dear Mr. Secretary: As you know, as a result of my election to 
    the Mayoralty of the City of New York, I must resign my current 
    position as a member of Congress in the 18th Congressional District 
    of the State of New York. This letter of resignation is to be 
    effective as of the close of December 31, 1977. I would appreciate 
    your taking whatever steps are required to note the resignation as 
    of that date and to commence the process for filling that seat.
        All the best.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Edward I. Koch.

Judicial Appointment

Sec. 4.8 A Member informed the Speaker by letter that he had 
    transmitted his resignation to his State Governor in order to 
    assume the duties of a Federal judge in his State.

    On May 23, 1985,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to accept 
an appointment as a Federal judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 131 Cong. Rec. 13421, 99th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                     Washington, DC, May 23, 1985.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                           Speaker, House of Representatives, H-204,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: By this letter, I submit my resignation as a 
    member of the U.S. House of Representatives effective Monday, May 
    27th, 1985. As you know, this resignation is necessitated by my 
    appointment to serve as a United States District Judge for the 
    Eastern District of Texas.
        Membership in the U.S. House of Representatives is among the 
    highest honors that can come to an individual in our democratic 
    system, and it is made all the more rewarding because of the 
    opportunity to serve with elected officials like yourself who love 
    and defend our great country. I shall always cherish this 
    friendship and association.
        I want to thank you for all of the courtesies that you have 
    extended to me and my office. I hope to have the opportunity to 
    welcome you to East Texas in the future. It would be a privilege.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Sam B. Hall, Jr.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 23, 1985.

                                                    Hon. Mark White,
                     Governor of Texas, Capitol Station, Austin, TX.

        Dear Governor: As the enclosed indicates, I am resigning my 
    seat in the U.S. House of Representatives effective May 27, 1985.
        I am also submitting my resignation to you, and in so doing, I 
    want to commend you and your entire staff for the tremendous 
    cooperation and assistance you have given me during your tenure as 
    our Governor. The liaison between our offices has been exemplary.

[[Page 391]]

        In closing I would like to respectfully urge you to set a date 
    for a special election in the First Congressional District to fill 
    the unexpired term as soon as possible. The citizens of East Texas 
    are deserving of representation as soon as practicable, and I am 
    hopeful that we can have a replacement in this seat very soon.
        Again, thank you for your friendship and many courtesies.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Sam B. Hall, Jr.

    On Sept. 27, 1979,(2) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House to accept 
an appointment as a Federal judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 125 Cong. Rec. 26503, 26504, 96th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                               September 26, 1979.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                               Speaker of the House.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby tender my resignation as 
    Representative in Congress from the 10th Congressional District, 
    Illinois, effective 5:00 p.m., September 26, 1979. I am enclosing a 
    copy of the wire to that effect that I have sent to Governor James 
    Thompson of Illinois. I respectfully request that it be spread upon 
    the records of the House.
        The years that I have spent as a Member of this great body have 
    been the most fulfilling and exciting years of my life. While I 
    look forward to my new tasks as a Judge in the U.S. Court of 
    Appeals for the District of Columbia, I will always treasure those 
    special associations with the very special people who make up the 
    United States House of Representatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Abner J. Mikva.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                               September 26, 1979.

                                                Hon. James Thompson,

                                               Governor of Illinois,

                                                State House No. 207,

                                                   Springfield, Ill.

        I hereby tender my resignation as Representative in Congress 
    from the 10th Congressional District, Illinois, effective 6:00 p.m. 
    (Eastern Daylight Time), September 26, 1979. Serving in this office 
    has been the highest privilege that can be given to any citizen. I 
    will always treasure it.

                                                   Abner J. Mikva.

    On Jan. 31, 1966,(3) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of a Member who resigned from the House to accept an 
appointment as a Federal judge:

 3. 112 Cong. Rec. 1562, 1563, 89th Cong. 2d. Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 27, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack.

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I have the solemn duty to inform you that 
    I have this day transmitted to the Honorable

[[Page 392]]

    Orval E. Faubus, Governor of Arkansas, my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Fourth 
    District of Arkansas, effective at the close of business February 
    2, 1966.
        Although I look forward to assuming a new status in life as 
    Federal judge of the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas, it 
    is with deep feeling that I leave the House of Representatives. I 
    am grateful for the privilege of the association during my years in 
    this great institution. It has been a rich and rewarding experience 
    for Mrs. Harris and for me, which we shall always cherish.

        May the providence of God sustain you and every Member 
    throughout the years ahead.
        Humbly and gratefully, I remain always

            Sincerely yours,
                                                      Oren Harris,

                                               Member of Congress.

        Enclosure.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 27, 1966.

                                               Hon. Orval E. Faubus,

                                        Governor, State of Arkansas,

                                                   Little Rock, Ark.

        My Dear Governor: It is with mixed feelings and a sense of 
    pride that I hereby tender to you my resignation as a Member of the 
    House of Representatives in the Congress of the United States from 
    the Fourth District of Arkansas, effective at the close of business 
    February 2, 1966. This is pursuant to our understanding when I 
    visited with you in the hospital in Little Rock, December 21, 1965.
        As you are aware, I will become U.S. district judge for the 
    Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas at 11 a.m. Thursday, 
    February 3, in my hometown, El Dorado, Ark.
        I am humbly grateful for the special honor and privilege of 
    having served our State and district in the Congress for these 25 
    years and 1 month. It has been a joy to me and my family to have 
    had the association during these years, which we shall ever 
    cherish.
        I want to thank you for the courtesies you have always extended 
    to me, as well as the cooperation in our efforts to serve the 
    people of our State of Arkansas.
        With genuine respect and esteem, I am

              Sincerely yours,

                                                      Oren Harris,

                                               Member of Congress.

Sec. 4.9 A Member of the House resigned to accept an appointment to the 
    supreme court of his State.

    On Jan. 7, 1997,(1) the following letter of resignation 
was laid before the House from a Member resigning his seat in the House 
effective Jan. 1, 1997, to take a seat on the Supreme Court of 
Arkansas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 143 Cong. Rec. 189, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 14, 1996.


[[Page 393]]


                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

               Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, The Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed herewith please find a copy of my 
    letter of resignation as a Member of Congress, effective at noon on 
    January 1, 1997 which I have tendered to the appropriate Arkansas 
    State Authority.
        Best personal regards,
                                                     Ray Thornton.




                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 19, 1996.

                                                 Hon. Sharon Priest,

                   Secretary of State, The Capitol, Little Rock, AR.

        Dear Madam Secretary: Pursuant to the results of the general 
    election of November 5, 1996, I will be taking office as an 
    Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court on January 1, 1997. 
    I therefore hereby submit my resignation as Arkansas second 
    district Representative in the United States Congress to you 
    effective at noon on January 1, 1997. Until that time I will 
    continue to carry out my duties as your Congressman.
        Best personal regards,

                                                     Ray Thornton.

    On Sept. 8, 1969,(2) a Member resigned from the House to 
accept an appointment as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New 
Jersey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 115 Cong. Rec. 24634, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                September 4, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                 Room H206, Capitol.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This will inform you that I have this day 
    transmitted to the Governor of the State of New Jersey my 
    resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the 8th District of New Jersey.
        I am deeply grateful for your many courtesies.

              Sincerely,

                                               Charles S. Joelson,

                                               Member of Congress.

Change of Party Affiliation

Sec. 4.10 A Member who had changed his party affiliation resigned his 
    seat to stand for election in a special election as a member of his 
    new political party.

    On Jan. 6, 1983,(1) Speaker pro tempore James C. Wright, 
Jr., of Texas, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House, as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 129 Cong. Rec. 114, 98th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, D.C., January 5, 1983.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I herewith tender my resignation as a member 
    of the

[[Page 394]]

    98th Congress, to take effect at the close of business today, the 
    5th of January, 1983.
        I have this day, by separate letter, officially notified the 
    Governor of Texas of my resignation.
        Yours most respectfully,

                                             William Philip Gramm,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                            Sixth District, Texas.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Gramm had been elected to the 98th 
Congress as a Democrat and was sworn in as a Democrat. Having changed 
his party affiliation to Republican, he resigned the seat to which his 
constituents had elected him as a member of one party in order to stand 
for reelection as a member of the other party.

Contested Seat

Sec. 4.11 A Member resigned a contested seat.

    On May 4, 1977,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his contested seat in the House 
unconditionally.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 123 Cong. Rec. 13391, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Washington, D.C., May 4, 1977.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                              Speaker of the House, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed please find my letter of resignation 
    addressed this day to the Honorable Edwin W. Edwards, the Governor 
    of the State of Louisiana.
        My short stay in the House has been the most rewarding 
    experience of my life. I am tremendously impressed by the integrity 
    and industry of its members. I have made friends whom I will never 
    forget.
        Keep my seat warm and tell my colleagues not to forget me 
    because I am running again and will win again.
        With kindest personal regards, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                 Richard A. Tonry.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, D.C., May 4, 1977.

                                              Hon. Edwin W. Edwards,

                                            Governor, State Capitol,

                                                    Baton Rouge, La.

        Dear Governor Edwards: This is perhaps the hardest letter I 
    have ever had to write.
        I am sure you are familiar with the continuing controversy that 
    has surrounded my election to Congress. My own personal 
    investigation and that of the House Committee has convinced me that 
    there were fraudulent and illegal votes cast in my favor and in 
    favor of my opponent. I sincerely believe and have always felt that 
    if all the fraudulent and illegal votes were subtracted from the 
    total I would still be declared the winner.
        However, what I believe is not important. What must be 
    protected is our beloved Louisiana and this Nation. That fraudulent 
    votes were cast at all is deplorable. This democracy must be 
    protected and the people of the First Congressional District must 
    rest with

[[Page 395]]

    the assurance that their Congressman has been elected by a majority 
    of the people.
        I have enjoyed nothing as much as serving my people in 
    Congress. I know I have been a good Congressman.
        But the divisiveness must be cured and the will of the people 
    in the First Congressional District must be definitively 
    recognized.
        For these reasons, I hereby tender my resignation as the United 
    States Representative for the First Congressional district.
        I respectfully request that you call a new election as soon as 
    possible so that the people of my district will not be without 
    representation for any significant length of time.

              Sincerely,

                                                 Richard A. Tonry.

Criminal Conviction

Sec. 4.12 A Member resigned from the House after having been convicted 
    of fraud under 18 USC Sec. Sec. 80 and 88 and having received a 
    jail sentence.

    On Jan. 3, 1950,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of a Member who was convicted of fraud after the first 
session of the 81st Congress and who resigned the day before the second 
session met.(2)

 1. 96 Cong. Rec. 8, 81st Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Effect of criminal conviction generally, see Chs. 7, 12, supra.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Washington, D.C., December 9, 1949.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                      United States.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the Governor of New Jersey my resignation as a Representative in 
    the Congress of the United States from the Seventh District of New 
    Jersey, such resignation to take effect on the 2d day of January 
    1950.

                                                J. Parnell Thomas.

Senate Resignation to Permit Governor to Fill Vacancy

Sec. 4.13 A Member of the Senate resigned shortly before the expiration 
    of his term to permit the Governor of his State to fill the vacancy 
    created thereby.

    In the Senate, on Dec. 31, 1970,(1) the acting President 
pro tempore, James B. Allen, of Alabama, laid before the Senate the 
following letter and telegram, relating to the resignation of the 
Senator from Delaware:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 116 Cong. Rec. 44358, 91st Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                      U.S. Senate,

                              Washington, D.C., December 31, 1970.

                                   The President of the U.S. Senate,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

            Attention Mr. Francis R. Valeo, Secretary of the Senate.

        My Dear Mr. Vice President: I am hereby resigning as United 
    States Senator from Delaware effective midnight December 31, 1970.

[[Page 396]]

        Governor Russell W. Peterson, of Delaware, has been officially 
    notified of this resignation by telegram, a copy of which is 
    enclosed.

              Yours sincerely,

                                                 John J. Williams.

        Enclosure.



                                           Gov. Russell W. Peterson,

                                                        State House,

                                                        Dover, Del.:

                                                December 31, 1970.

        This is to inform you that I am resigning as United States 
    Senator effective midnight December 31, 1970, in order to permit 
    the appointment of William V. Roth, Jr., to fill my unexpired term 
    ending noon January 3, 1971.
                                                 John J. Williams,

                                            United States Senator.

    In the House, on the same day,(2) the Speaker laid 
before the House a letter of resignation from Rep. Roth, who had been 
appointed to fill the vacancy in the Senate caused by the resignation 
of Senator Williams, whose term of office was about to expire.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 44304.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                December 31, 1970.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

            Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as the 
    Representative-at-Large from the State of Delaware in the United 
    States House of Representatives, effective midnight, December 31, 
    1970.

              Sincerely,

                                William V. Roth, Jr.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See also Sec. 5.9, infra, for another instance where a resignation 
        from the Senate was timed to correspond with a resignation from 
        the House, where the House Member had been appointed to fill 
        the Senate vacancy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Roth had been elected to Senator 
Williams' seat for the next Congress. By resigning three days before 
the expiration of his term, Senator Williams enabled the Governor to 
appoint Mr. Roth to fulfill the unexpired portion of his term. This 
gave Senator-elect Roth a three-day advantage in seniority over the 
other newly elected Senators.
    On Jan. 3, 1953,(4) the Vice President (5) 
addressed the Senate as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 99 Cong. Rec. 3, 83d Cong. 1st Sess.
 5. Alben W. Barkley (KY).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Chair lays before the Senate two letters of resignation 
    from the United States Senate--an almost unheard-of proceeding. The 
    Secretary will read the letters.
        The legislative clerk (Edward E. Mansur, Jr.) read, as follows:

                                             United States Senate,

                            Committee on Labor and Public Welfare,

                                                November 25, 1952.

              The Honorable the Vice President of the United States,
                                               United States Senate,

                                                   Washington, D. C.


[[Page 397]]


            Dear Mr. Vice President: I am enclosing a copy of my letter 
        of resignation from the United States Senate which, as you will 
        note, is effective at the close of business January 1, 1953.

        With very best regards,

              Sincerely,

                                                    Richard Nixon.



                                             United States Senate,

                            Committee on Labor and Public Welfare,

                                                 November 8, 1952.

                                          The Honorable Earl Warren,

                                             Governor of California,

                                                  Sacramento, Calif.

            Dear Governor Warren: I herewith tender my resignation as 
        United States Senator from California, effective at the close 
        of business January 1, 1953. This will enable our newly 
        appointed Senator from California to obtain the same advantages 
        of seniority which I received when you appointed me to the 
        Senate upon Senator Downey's resignation in 1950.

        With all good wishes,

              Sincerely,
                                                    Richard Nixon.



                                             United States Senate,

                                   Committee on Foreign Relations,

                                                December 23, 1952.

                                              Hon. Alben W. Barkley,

                                Vice President of the United States,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. President: I enclose copy of communication to the 
    Governor of Maine notifying him of my resignation as United States 
    Senator as of December 31, 1952.

              Respectfully,
                                                    Owen Brewster,

                                            United States Senator.



                                                December 23, 1952.

                                            Hon. Frederick G. Payne,

                                                  Governor of Maine,

                                        State House, Augusta, Maine.

        My Dear Governor: Will you please accept my resignation as 
    United States Senator from Maine effective at the close of business 
    on December 31, 1952, for reasons stated in my letter of December 
    19, 1952, to the Secretary of State of the State of Maine.
        Copy of this communication is also going to the Vice President 
    of the United States.

              Respectfully,

                                                    Owen Brewster,

                                            United States Senator.

        The VICE PRESIDENT. No action is required on these letters of 
    resignation, but they will be placed on file.

Sec. 4.14 A Senator who had been elected to a full six-year term, by a 
    ``write-in'' vote following the death of his predecessor at a time 
    too late in 1954 for a new nominating primary, resigned to permit 
    nomination of candidates for the office in the next regular primary 
    election. He also announced his own candidacy for the unexpired 
    term (four years).

[[Page 398]]

    On the legislative day of Mar. 26, 1956,(1) the 
President pro tempore of the Senate (2) laid before the 
Senate the letters of resignation of Senator J. Strom Thurmond, of 
South Carolina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 102 Cong. Rec. 5617, 84th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 27, 1956 (calendar 
        day).
 2. Walter F. George (GA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      

        The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair lays before the Senate a 
    communication from the Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Thurmond] 
    enclosing a copy of a letter addressed to the governor of that 
    State, tendering his resignation as a Senator, effective on April 
    4, 1956, which, with the accompanying letter, will be printed in 
    the Record and placed on file.
        The letters are as follows:

                                             United States Senate,

                                 Washington, D.C., March 23, 1956.

                                              Hon. Richard M. Nixon,

                                Vice President of the United States,

                                               United States Senate,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. President: This is to inform you officially of my 
    resignation as a Senator from South Carolina, effective April 4, 
    1956.
        Enclosed herewith is a copy of a letter I submitted to the 
    Honorable George Bell Timmerman, Jr., Governor of South Carolina, 
    on March 3, 1956, in which I stated my reason for resigning. The 
    Governor accepted my resignation, effective April 4, the same day I 
    submitted it to him. This is for the purpose of making the official 
    records clear as to my action.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                   Strom Thurmond,

                        United States Senator from South Carolina.



                                             United States Senate,

                                  Washington, D.C., March 3, 1956.

                                    Hon. George Bell Timmerman, Jr.,

                                         Governor of South Carolina,

                                    The State House, Columbia, S. C.

        Dear Governor Timmerman: In keeping with the pledge which I 
    made to the people of South Carolina during the 1954 campaign, and 
    in order that the State Democratic Convention can place the office 
    in this summer's primary, I hereby resign as United States Senator 
    effective on and as of April 4, 1956, and I respectfully request 
    that you accept this resignation effective on that date.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                   Strom Thurmond.

    Senator Thurmond, who had been elected to a full six-year term by a 
``write-in'' vote following the death of his predecessor(3) 
two months before the general election, announced his resignation in 
order that he might be a candidate in his party's next regular primary 
election, competing with other candidates for the opportunity to be the 
party's candidate in the November general election for the remainder of 
the unexpired term.(4) The explanation as

[[Page 399]]

to why Senator Thurmond would resign his seat in the Senate only to run 
for the same office was made on Mar. 6, 1956,(5) when he 
addressed the Senate relative to his resignation therefrom and received 
unanimous consent to have his remarks extended in the Congressional 
Record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Burnet R. Maybank died Sept. 1, 1954.
 4. 102 Cong. Rec. 3991, 84th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 6, 1956.
 5. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have 
    printed in the body of the Record the text of an announcement I 
    made in Columbia, S.C., the capital of my State, on March 3, 1956.
        The announcement explains a promise I made to the people of 
    South Carolina in the fall of 1954, when I entered the campaign for 
    election to the Senate. It also explains why I have submitted my 
    resignation to the Governor of South Carolina and will give up my 
    Senate seat on April 4, in spite of the fact that more than 4 years 
    remain of the 6-year term to which I was elected.
        In the Democratic primary in South Carolina on June 12, I will 
    be a candidate for the nomination of my party to enter the November 
    general election to seek the approval of the voters of my State to 
    succeed myself in the Senate, for the remainder of my term.
        Although the press has published my reasons for taking this 
    action, I believe it appropriate that I should present this 
    explanation to my distinguished colleagues.
        There being no objection, Mr. Thurmond's announcement was 
    ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:

        News Statement by Senator Strom Thurmond, of South Carolina, in 
        Columbia, S.C., March 3, 1956, Announcing his Resignation From 
                            the United States Senate

            The untimely death of Senator Burnet R. Maybank came on 
        September 1, 1954, just over 2 months before the General 
        Election on November 2 of that year. Senator Maybank had been 
        renominated in the Democratic primary without opposition.
            If a special Democratic primary had been held to nominate a 
        successor to Senator Maybank, the voters in that primary would 
        have been bound by South Carolina law and by oath under State 
        Democratic Party rules to support the nominee. A special 
        primary was not held. Therefore, the Democrats of South 
        Carolina were free to vote for the person of their choice for 
        the full 6-year term in the 1954 general election.
            Democrats in every county called on me to lead a write-in 
        campaign as their candidate for the Senate. The view of many 
        political observers was that such a campaign would be hopeless 
        because of the difficulties of write-in balloting.
            I believe the people themselves had a right to vote for a 
        candidate of their choice to fill an office, especially since 
        the term of office was for 6 years. I agreed to become a 
        Democratic write-in candidate for the Senate seat left vacant 
        for the term beginning in January 1955.
            In the 1954 campaign I stated:
            ``This is a fight for principle. * * * To make the 
        principle at stake crystal clear, I pledge to the people of 
        South Carolina that if I am elected in the general election on 
        November 2, I will tender my resignation in 1956 in sufficient 
        time to let the Democrats of South Carolina nominate a United 
        States Senator in the regular Democratic primary election

[[Page 400]]

        that year, which is the earliest regular primary to be held.''
            On March 21 the State Democratic Convention will be held. 
        One of its functions is to provide for a primary to nominate 
        Democrats for the various offices which will be filled by the 
        voters in November in the general election. Candidates who 
        enter the primary must qualify between noon on March 22 and 
        noon on April 5.
            The time has come for me to fulfill my promise to the 
        people of South Carolina.
            I have tried to choose a course that will be as crystal 
        clear as the principle I upheld in the 1954 campaign.
            Today I have delivered my letter of resignation to Governor 
        Timmerman.
            The text of the letter states:
            ``In keeping with the pledge which I made to the people of 
        South Carolina during the 1954 campaign, and in order that the 
        State Democratic convention can place the office in this 
        summer's primary, I hereby resign as United States Senator 
        effective on and as of April 4, 1956, and I respectfully 
        request that you accept this resignation effective on that 
        date.''
            The State convention can provide for a primary to nominate 
        a candidate for the remaining 4 years of the 6-year term to 
        which I was elected. The Democrats of South Carolina can have 
        the opportunity of nominating the person of their choice on 
        June 12. Any person who desires to enter the primary as a 
        candidate has sufficient notice.
            I shall be a candidate for nomination in the primary to 
        succeed myself in the Senate.
            My resignation was made effective April 4, the day before 
        the closing of the books for qualification and before the 
        campaign opens. Because of the unprecedented circumstances of 
        the 1954 senatorial election, I would not want to have any 
        advantage which might result from my holding office during this 
        primary campaign.
            My resignation will guarantee a free and open primary 
        election for South Carolina Democrats. I believe the course I 
        have taken in resigning, and in making this announcement a 
        month before the effective date, fulfills to the utmost the 
        pledge I made to the people in 1954.
            The trust reposed in me by the people has been deeply 
        appreciated, and I have tried at all times to reward this trust 
        by exerting my best efforts on behalf of the State and the 
        Nation.

Addressing the House

Sec. 4.15 A resigning Member may, by unanimous consent, address the 
    House to explain the reasons for his resignation.

    On Sept. 23, 1943,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 89 Cong. Rec. 7779, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                               September 20, 1943.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                   Washington, D. C.
        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to inform you that I have submitted 
    my resignation as a Member of Congress from the Twenty-third 
    Congressional District of Pennsylvania to Gov. Edward W. Martin, 
    effective 6 p. m., September 24, 1943.
        I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the many 
    courtesies you have extended me.

[[Page 401]]

            Very sincerely,
                                               James E. Van Zandt.

        Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address 
    the House for 1 minute.
        The SPEAKER. Without objection, it, is so ordered.
        There was no objection.
        Mr. VAN ZANDT. Mr. Speaker, I have submitted my resignation as 
    a Member of Congress effective 6 p.m., tomorrow, September 24. My 
    resignation is the result of my intense desire to serve my country 
    in the armed forces as a member of the United States Navy.
        I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, and to my colleagues for the 
    many courtesies shown me during the past five years. I shall think 
    often of you and the multitude of important issues you will be 
    called upon to decide. Believe me when I tell you it has been a 
    distinct honor to serve in this distinguished body, the Congress of 
    the United States; yet I feel it is an equal honor to be blessed 
    with good health and able to serve in the armed forces.

        Naturally it shall be my ambition, when the war clouds have 
    been dispersed, to return to Congress, richer in experience and 
    with a broader outlook.
        Until we meet again, good luck and godspeed to all of you.


                       

[Page 401-424]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
               B. Resignation of a Member From the House
 
Sec. 5. Conditional Resignations; Timing

    One may resign as a Member of the House at any time, even before 
taking the oath.(1) A resignation may be made contingent on 
another factor(2) and may designate a future date on which 
it is to become effective.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 2 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 1230 et seq.
 2. See Sec. Sec. 5.4 et seq.
 3. See Sec. Sec. 5.1, 5.7, infra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In some instances of the resignation of a Member in order for the 
Member to accept a position in the Executive branch, the Member's 
resignation was not laid before the House until after the Member's 
being sworn as an official of the Executive branch, although the 
resignation was submitted before the swearing.(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. See Sec. 5.11, infra.                          -------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effective on Future Date

Sec. 5.1 It has been possible for a Representative to resign a seat in 
    the House prospectively, specifying an effective date in the 
    future.(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. It has been possible even to resign effective on the election of a 
        successor. See, for example, Sec. 5.6, infra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A prospective resignation might enable the State concerned 
prospectively to take cognizance of the vacancy as a constitutional 
predicate for the issuance by the executive authority of the State of a 
writ of election to fill the vacancy.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. For an instance in which the executive authority of a State 
        declined to take cognizance of a contingent resignation, see 
        the case of Rep. T. Vincent Quinn (NY) on Dec. 30, 1951 
        (Sec. 5.12, infra).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 402]]

    A resignation stating a future effective date (but worded 
irrevocably) has enabled a special election based on a prospective (but 
definite) vacancy.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. A finding of vacancy presumably must logically eclipse any avenue 
        of withdrawal and, presumably, as goes the power of withdrawal 
        so also goes the power of modification. The House has allowed 
        withdrawal in the case of defective resignation, that is, where 
        the Member had not actually transmitted the letter of 
        resignation (6 Cannon's Precedents Sec. 229) or had transmitted 
        it to an improper State official (the case of Floyd Flake 
        [N.Y.], infra, this section and Sec. 3.9, supra, reflecting 
        withdrawal of an initial, misdirected resignation).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On July 22, 2004,(4) the following 
occurred:(5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 150 Cong. Rec. 17328, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 5. Parliamentarian's Note: Because Rep. Bereuter's resignation would 
        take effect during the August recess, the Chair did not 
        announce an adjustment to the whole number of the House under 
        Rule XX clause 5(c) until after the recess (Sept. 7, 2004). See 
        House Rules and Manual Sec. 1024b (2007). Clause 5(c) was 
        changed to clause 5(d) in the 109th Congress.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(6) laid before the House the 
    following resignation from the House of Representatives:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. Michael Simpson (ID).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                    July 20, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker, House Of Representatives, Room H-232, The Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It has been my great privilege and honor to 
    have represented the citizens of Nebraska's 1st Congressional 
    District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 13 terms. During 
    that time I have served with an extraordinary number of talented 
    and dedicated representatives from both sides of the aisle, and 
    with similarly dedicated and effective congressional staff, who of 
    course make possible the work of Congress.
        As a Member, I have been particularly aided by an especially 
    talented, loyal, unusually long-serving, and hard-working 
    congressional office staff and subcommittee staff of high integrity 
    who epitomize the best qualities of my Nebraska constituents and of 
    those Americans who make our country the finest in the world.
        However, there comes a time in many a representative's life 
    when that Member of Congress is ready to focus on other priorities 
    and objectives, and I am at that point in my life. Therefore, Mr. 
    Speaker, the purpose of this letter is to communicate to you and 
    the House, that effective at the end of the day on August 31, 2004, 
    I am resigning my seat as the Representative of the 1st District of 
    Nebraska in the U.S. House of Representatives. I also have written 
    to the Governor of Nebraska to advise him of my decision.

            Best wishes,
                                                    Doug Bereuter,
                                               Member of Congress.

[[Page 403]]

                               -------------------Congress of the 
                                                    United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                    July 20, 2004.
                                                  Hon. Mike Johanns,
        Governor, State of Nebraska, State Capitol, P.O. Box 94848, 
                                                  Lincoln, Nebraska.

        Dear Governor Johanns: It has been my great privilege and honor 
    to have represented the citizens of Nebraska's 1st Congressional 
    District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 13 terms. During 
    that time I have served with an extraordinary number of talented 
    and dedicated representatives from both sides of the aisle, and 
    with similarly dedicated and effective congressional staff, who of 
    course make possible the work of Congress.
        As a Member, I have been particularly aided by an especially 
    talented, loyal, unusually long-serving, and hard-working 
    congressional office staff and subcommittee staff of high integrity 
    who epitomize the best qualities of my Nebraska constituents and of 
    those Americans who make our country the finest in the world.
        However, there comes a time in many a representative's life 
    when that Member of Congress is ready to focus on other priorities 
    and objectives, and I am at that point in my life. Therefore, the 
    purpose of this letter is to communicate to you that effective at 
    the end of the day on August 31, 2004, I am resigning my seat as 
    the Representative of the 1st District of Nebraska in the U.S. 
    House of Representatives. I also have written to the Speaker of the 
    U.S. House of Representatives to advise him of my decision.

            Best wishes,
                                                    Doug Bereuter,
                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 27, 2003,(7) Speaker pro tempore John Abney 
Culberson, of Texas, laid before the House a communication dated Jan. 
7, 2003, from Rep. Larry Combest, of Texas, resigning his seat in the 
House effective at the close of business May 31, 2003.(8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 149 Cong. Rec. 1750, 1751, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
 8. Texas provided for Rep. Combest's successor to be elected before 
        the effective date of his resignation. The ostensibly 
        irrevocable character of Rep. Combest's resignation (reading 
        both letters together) presumably justified the Governor's 
        finding of a vacancy for the period from June 1, 2003, through 
        the end of Rep. Combest's term on Jan. 3, 2005--the predicate 
        for his issuance of a writ of election under clause 4, Sec. 2, 
        art. I of the Constitution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, January 7, 2003.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have had the great privilege and honor to 
    have been selected as the representative of the people of the 19th 
    District of Texas through ten elections. My service in the U.S. 
    Congress has been the most rewarding professional experience of my 
    life, and I thank every one of my constituents who were kind enough 
    to put their trust and faith in my leadership.
        However, there comes a time in everyone's life when the focus 
    needs to be

[[Page 404]]

    more on family than other things, and I am at that point in my 
    life.
        At close of business on May 31, 2003, I will resign my seat as 
    the Representative of the 19th district of Texas in the U.S. House 
    of Representatives. I have written to the Governor of Texas to 
    advise him of my decision so that he can set a date to schedule an 
    election so the people of the 19th District can choose my 
    successor.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Larry Combest



                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, January 7, 2003.

                                                    Hon. Rick Perry,

                                   Governor of Texas, State Capitol,

                                                         Austin, TX.

        Dear Rick: I have had the great privilege and honor to have 
    been selected as the representative of the people of the 19th 
    District of Texas through ten elections. My service in the U.S. 
    Congress has been the most rewarding professional experience of my 
    life, and I thank every one of my constituents who were kind enough 
    to put their trust and faith in my leadership.
        However, there comes a time in everyone's life when the focus 
    needs to be more on family than other things, and I am at that 
    point in my life.
        Please accept this letter as my resignation from the office of 
    Representative of the 19th District of Texas in the U.S. House of 
    Representatives to be effective close of business May 31, 2003. As 
    I continue to serve the great people of the 19th district until 
    such date, this written resignation should allow you sufficient 
    opportunity to set a date to schedule an election so the people of 
    the 19th District can choose my successor.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Larry Combest.



               Proclamation by the Governor of the State of Texas

        Whereas, a vacancy for election purposes now exists in the 
    membership of the United States House of Representatives from the 
    19th Congressional District of Texas, which consists of Andrews, 
    Bailey, Cochran, Crane, Ector, Gaines, Hockley, Howard, part of 
    Lamb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Midland, Parmer, Terry, Ward, 
    Winkler, and Yoakum Counties; and
        Whereas, the United States Constitution, art. I, Sec. 2, 
    requires the executive authority of the state to issue writs of 
    election to fill such vacancies, and 2 USC Sec. 8, requires that 
    the date of such election be as prescribed by state law, and Texas 
    Election Code Sec. 204.021, requires that such a vacancy be filled 
    by special election; and
        Whereas, Tex. Elec. Code Sec. 203.004, requires that, absent a 
    finding of an emergency, the special election be held on the next 
    eligible uniform election date occurring on or after the 36th day 
    after the date the election is ordered, which would be May 3, 2003; 
    and
        Whereas, Tex. Elec. Code Sec. 3.003, requires the election to 
    be offered by proclamation of the Governor;
        Now, therefore, I Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, under the 
    authority vested in me by the Constitution and Statutes of the 
    State of Texas, do hereby order by this proclamation a special 
    election to be held in District 19 on

[[Page 405]]

    Saturday, May 3, 2003, for the purpose of electing a U.S. 
    Representative for Dist. 19 to serve out the unexpired term of the 
    Hon. Larry Combest.
        Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special 
    election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of 
    State no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2003.
        Early voting by personal appearance shall begin on Wednesday, 
    April 16, 2003, in accordance with Tex. Elect. Code Sec. 85.001(a).

    On Nov. 27, 2001,(9) Speaker pro tempore Judy Biggert, 
of Illinois, laid before the House a communication dated Nov. 15, 2001, 
from Rep. Steve Largent, of Oklahoma, resigning his seat in the House 
effective Feb. 15, 2002:(10)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. 147 Cong. Rec. 23006, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
10. Oklahoma enrolled Senate Bill Number 7X, enacted and signed by the 
        Governor of Oklahoma in Oct. 2001, during the first 
        extraordinary session of the 48th Legislature, contemplated 
        that Rep. Largent's tender of an irrevocable resignation 
        effective Feb. 15, 2002, would enable a gubernatorial writ of 
        election. Thus, a successor was elected on Jan. 8, 2002, to 
        fill the seat that Rep. Largent did not actually vacate until 
        Feb. 15, 2002.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, November 15, 2001.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                          The Office of the Speaker,

                                            Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Denny: I am writing to inform you that February 15, 2002 
    has been set in Oklahoma as the date for my resignation from 
    Congress. I am pleased to report that the Oklahoma legislature 
    recently passed a law that will ensure that Oklahoma's 1st 
    Congressional District will not go unrepresented as I make the 
    transition to a full-time campaign for governor. The law required 
    that I make my intent to resign irrevocable, which I have 
    communicated to Oklahoma's Secretary of State.
        Serving in the House of Representatives has been one of the 
    greatest honors and challenges of my life. I want to thank you for 
    your leadership, your steadfastness in the pursuit of our ideals, 
    and for your friendship during the past few years. While I will 
    miss working alongside my colleagues in Congress, I am eager to 
    fight for the principles our party stands for as the next governor 
    of Oklahoma.
        Please do no hesitate to contact me or my chief of staff, Mike 
    Willis, if you have any questions regarding this transition.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Steve Largent,

                                               Member of Congress.
                                                          Enclosure.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, October 26, 2001.

                                                   Hon. Mike Hunter,

                                        Oklahoma Secretary of State,

                                                  Oklahoma City, OK.

        Dear Secretary Hunter: Pursuant to enrolled Senate Bill Number 
    7X, enacted and signed by the Governor this week during the first 
    extraordinary session of the 48th Legislature, please accept this 
    letter as official notice of

[[Page 406]]

    my resignation as Congressman of the First District of Oklahoma. 
    This resignation is irrevocable and shall become effective on 
    February 15, 2002.
        My decision to leave was made after much prayer and 
    consideration for the constituents I now serve. It has been an 
    honor and a privilege to have served as the Representative for the 
    people of the First District.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Steve Largent,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On June 5, 2001,(11) Speaker pro tempore Biggert laid 
before the House a communication dated May 25, 2001, from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House effective Sept. 6, 2001:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 147 Cong. Rec. 9882, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 25, 2001.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing to formally notify you that I 
    will be retiring from my position as the United States 
    Representative for Florida's First Congressional district, 
    effective September 6, 2001. A similar letter has been sent to the 
    Honorable Jeb Bush, Governor of the State of Florida.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Joe Scarborough,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 25, 2001.

                                                      Hon. Jeb Bush,

                                                        The Capitol,

                                                    Tallahassee, FL.

        Dear Governor Bush: I am writing to inform you that I am 
    irrevocably resigning my position as United States Representative 
    for the First District of Florida, effective September 6, 2001. A 
    similar letter has been sent to the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, 
    Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
        I appreciate your friendship and the support you have shown 
    Northwest Florida.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Joe Scarborough,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Jan. 31, 2001,(12) Speaker pro tempore Michael K. 
Simpson, of Idaho, laid before the House a communication dated Jan. 29, 
2001, from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective Feb. 2, 
2001:

12. Id. at p. 1056.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 29, 2001.

                                          Speaker J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  The U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Attached herewith is a copy of my letter to 
    Governor Tom Ridge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stating that 
    my retirement and resignation from the United States Congress shall 
    be effective at 2400 hours, Friday, February 2, 2001.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Bud Shuster,

                                               Member of Congress.

[[Page 407]]



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 29, 2001.

                                                     Gov. Tom Ridge,

                                       Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

                             Office of the Governor, Harrisburg, PA.

        Dear Governor Ridge, I hereby submit my letter of retirement 
    and resignation from the United States Congress, effective at 2400 
    hours, Friday, February 2, 2001.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Bud Shuster,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Feb. 25, 1999,(13) Speaker pro tempore Ray LaHood, of 
Illinois, laid before the House a communication dated Jan. 27, 1999, 
from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective Feb. 28, 1999:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 145 Cong. Rec. 3117, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, DC, January 27, 1999.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter to 
    the Louisiana Secretary of State announcing my intention to resign 
    from the U.S. House of Representatives on February 28, 1999. Upon 
    receipt of this letter, I expect the Governor to notice and call an 
    election to fill my vacancy. My hope is that it will occur as 
    quickly as possible so as to result in as little inconvenience as 
    possible to the Republican Conference.

              Sincerely,

                                             Robert L. Livingston,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Feb. 3, 1998,(14) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication dated Jan. 15, 1998, from a Member resigning his seat in 
the House effective Feb. 6, 1998:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. 144 Cong. Rec. 515, 105th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 15, 1998.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It is with very mixed feelings that I write 
    to you to tender my resignation from the House of Representatives, 
    effective at the close of business on Friday, February 6, 1998. 
    After so many years of watching my family's sacrifice, in the 
    interests of public service, I find that the requirements of being 
    more available to them now press very hard upon me. Therefore, I 
    will leave the House and turn my attention to these pressing 
    matters.
        Serving in the House has been a profound honor, both because it 
    has allowed me to share in the traditions and history of the House 
    and because of the incredible district that I was honored to 
    represent in the House chamber. I will miss my many colleagues and 
    the opportunity to contribute so directly to the governance of our 
    nation. I leave with a sense of significant accomplishment, as well 
    as with the optimism with which I entered the chamber for the first 
    time in

[[Page 408]]

    1971. I will value our friendship and the challenging debate that 
    we have engaged in over these many years.
        Mr. Speaker, I wish you well and extend through you my very 
    best wishes to all of our colleagues.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Ronald V. Dellums,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                                 January 27, 1998.

                                                   Gov. Pete Wilson,

                                                      State Capitol,

                                                     Sacramento, CA.

        Dear Governor Wilson: I write to you pursuant to California law 
    to advise you that I will resign my office, Representative in 
    Congress, 9th California District, effective at the close of 
    business on February 6, 1998. I have similarly advised the Speaker 
    of the House of Representatives.
        I appreciate and have been honored by the opportunity to have 
    served the people of the State of California in the United States 
    Congress.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Ronald V. Dellums,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Dec. 15, 1997,(15) following a recess, the Speaker, 
Newt Gingrich, of Georgia, inserted in the Congressional Record a 
communication from Rep. Floyd Flake, of New York, to the Secretary of 
State of New York dated Nov. 7, 1997, resigning his seat in the House 
effective one week after the date of the communication, on Nov. 16, 
1997:(16)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 143 Cong. Rec. 26709, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
16. Rep. Flake previously had withdrawn on Oct. 9, 1997, an earlier 
        putative resignation by letter to the Governor of New York 
        dated Aug. 4, 1997, which proposed to be effective on the date 
        of Oct. 15, 1997, and which had been laid before the House on 
        Sept. 3, 1997. The law of the State of New York required that a 
        resignation be submitted to its Secretary of State. See also 
        Sec. 3.9, supra.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, November 7, 1997.

                                           Hon. Alexander Treadwell,

                                                 Secretary of State,

                                                         Albany, NY.

        Dear Secretary Treadwell: Pursuant to section 31 of the Public 
    Officers law, I hereby inform you that I am resigning from the 
    United States House of Representatives. My resignation will become 
    effective at midnight on November 16, 1997.
        As you and the citizens of New York are well aware, I am 
    returning to my pastorate at the Allen A.M.E. church in Jamaica, 
    Queens. Although I have been called back to Allen to devote my 
    energy and full-time attention to its congregation, I am proud of 
    my service in Congress. It has been my distinct privilege to 
    represent the people of the 6th Congressional District of New York, 
    and an honor to serve the people of the United States of America.
        With warmest regards, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                   Floyd H. Flake.

                                               Member of Congress.


[[Page 409]]



    On Jan. 21, 1993,(17) Speaker Thomas S. Foley, of 
Washington, laid before the House a communication from a Member 
resigning his seat in the House effective at the end of the current 
month, on Jan. 31, 1993:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 139 Cong. Rec. 423, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 12, 1993.

                                           Hon. George V. Voinovich,

                              Governor, State of Ohio, Columbus, OH.

        Dear George: I am writing to inform you that I will be 
    resigning my seat in the U.S. House of Representatives effective at 
    the close of business January 31, 1993.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Bill Gradison.

    On Mar. 17, 1981,(18) the Speaker laid before the House 
a communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
four weeks later, on Apr. 13, 1981:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. 127 Cong. Rec. 4423, 97th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, D.C., March 13, 1981.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                 2231 Rayburn House Office Building,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Enclosed is a copy of the letter I have sent 
    this day to The Honorable William Winter, Governor of the State of 
    Mississippi, advising him of my resignation from the United States 
    House of Representatives effective at the close of business on 
    Monday, April 13, 1981.

              Sincerely,

                                                       Jon Hinson,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, D.C., March 13, 1981.

                                                Hon. William Winter,

                                            Governor of Mississippi,

                                                      Jackson, Miss.

        Dear Governor Winter: This is to advise you that I resign from 
    the United States House of Representatives effective at the close 
    of business on Monday, April 13, 1981.

              Sincerely,

                                                       Jon Hinson,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Dec. 30, 1980,(19) the Speaker, Thomas P. O'Neill, 
Jr., of Massachusetts, inserted in the Congressional Record a 
communication from a Member dated Dec. 18, 1980, in which the Member 
resigned his seat in the House effective Dec. 29, 1980:

19. 126 Cong. Rec. 34415, 96th Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C. December 18, 1980.

                                     The Honorable Brendan T. Byrne,

                                             Office of the Governor,

                                              Executive State House,

                                                       Trenton, N.J.


[[Page 410]]



        Governor Byrne: In accordance with the law, I hereby resign as 
    the Representative of the Fourth District of New Jersey effective 
    midnight, December 29, 1980.

              Sincerely yours,

                                               Frank Thompson, Jr.

        Copies: Hon. Edmund L. Henshaw, Jr., Clerk of the U.S. House of 
    Representatives; Hon. Benjamin J. Guthrie, Sergeant at Arms; Hon. 
    Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., Speaker of the House.

    On Nov. 7, 1979,(20) the Speaker laid before the House a 
communication from a Member resigning his seat in the House effective 
at the end of the second month following (Jan. 31, 1980):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. 125 Cong. Rec. 31327, 31328, 96th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 November 7, 1979.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Because my state of health no longer permits 
    me to discharge fully my responsibilities as a Member of the U.S. 
    House of Representatives, representing the Eleventh Congressional 
    District of Pennsylvania, I hereby resign my Office effective 
    January 31, 1980.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Daniel J. Flood,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 November 7, 1979.

                                            Hon. Richard Thornburgh,

                                           Governor of Pennsylvania,

                                                     Harrisburg, Pa.

        Dear Governor: Because my state of health no longer permits me 
    to discharge fully my responsibilities as a Member of the U.S. 
    House of Representatives, representing the Eleventh Congressional 
    District of Pennsylvania, I hereby resign my Office effective 
    January 31, 1980.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Daniel J. Flood,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The Speaker, on Oct. 2, 1963,(21) laid before the House 
the following communication:

21. 109 Cong. Rec. 18583, 88th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., September 26, 1963.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the Honorable John B. Connally, Governor of 
    Texas, my resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the 
    United States from the 10th District of Texas, the resignation to 
    become effective the 20th day of December, 1963. A copy of my 
    letter to the Governor is attached.
        Warm personal regards.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 Homer Thornberry.




                                               September 26, 1963.


[[Page 411]]


                                              Hon. John B. Connally,

                                                  Governor of Texas,

                                                        Austin, Tex.

        Dear Governor Connally:  I hereby tender to you my resignation 
    as a Member of the House of Representatives in the Congress of the 
    United States from the 10th District of Texas, the resignation to 
    become effective the 20th day of December 1963.
        Warm personal regards.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 Homer Thornberry.

    Parliamentarian's Note: On July 9, 1963, President Kennedy 
nominated Mr. Thornberry to be a Federal district judge. The Senate 
confirmed the nomination on July 15 (although Mr. Thornberry was not 
sworn in as U.S. district judge until Dec. 21, 1963). Mr. Thornberry 
delayed the effective date of his resignation from the House until Dec. 
20 because of the press of business in the Committee on Rules during 
the remainder of the first session of the 88th Congress, and also 
because a special election (for another purpose) had previously been 
scheduled for Dec. 9 in Texas, and that was considered an opportune 
time to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy in the House 
caused by Mr. Thornberry's resignation.
     

Resignation of Member Elected to Next Congress

Sec. 5.2 The resignation of an incumbent Member was tendered after his 
    election to the next Congress but before the adjournment of the 
    current Congress.

    On Dec. 7, 1944,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of Rep. John E. Fogarty, of Rhode Island.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 90 Cong. Rec. 8990, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Mr. Fogarty resigned his seat in the 78th Congress less than one 
month before his term expired in order to join the Armed Forces, 
although he had been elected to the 79th Congress.

                                                 December 7, 1944.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the Governor of Rhode Island my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Seventy-eighth Congress of the United States 
    from the Second District of Rhode Island.
        With assurance of my high esteem, I am,

              Respectfully yours,

                                                  John E. Fogarty.

Sec. 5.3 An incumbent Member (the Speaker) resigned as a 
    Representative-elect to the next Congress.

[[Page 412]]

    On Jan. 6, 1999,(1) the Clerk of the House, Jeffrey J. 
Trandahl, laid before the House a letter from Rep. Newt Gingrich, of 
Georgia, transmitting a copy of his letter of resignation as a Member-
elect for the 106th Congress (in the language of the pertinent Georgia 
statute, a ``withdrawal'') that he had submitted to the Governor of his 
State in conjunction with his decision not to seek the renomination of 
his party caucus for the Office of Speaker in the 106th 
Congress.(2)

 1. 145 Cong. Rec. 42, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. On Dec. 17, 1998, in the closing days of the 105th Congress, 
        Speaker Gingrich, having been reelected as a Representative 
        from the Sixth District of Georgia for the 106th Congress, 
        announced that, while he would continue to serve in the Office 
        of Speaker and as the Representative from Georgia's Sixth 
        District through the end of the 105th Congress, he would create 
        a vacancy for the 106th Congress by ``withdrawing'' (the term 
        used in Georgia law) as Representative-elect from that 
        district. It was not unprecedented for a Member to resign 
        without ever having taken his seat. See 2 Hinds' Precedents 
        Sec. 1231.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Washington, DC, December 17, 1998.

                                                Hon. Robin H. Carle,

                   Clerk of the House, the Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Robin: As you are no doubt aware, I have decided that I 
    will not seek re-election in the 106th Congress as Speaker of the 
    United States House of Representatives. In conjunction with that 
    decision, I have notified the Governor of Georgia that I have 
    withdrawn pursuant to Section 21-2-503 of the Official Code of 
    Georgia Annotated and will not take the seat of congressman for the 
    Sixth District of Georgia for the 106th Congress.
        I will, however, complete my term as congressman from the Sixth 
    District of Georgia for the entirety of the 105th Congress. I will 
    also continue to serve as Speaker until the completion of the 105th 
    Congress.
        Please contact me if you have any questions.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Newt Gingrich,

                                                          Speaker.



                                                November 22, 1998.

                                               Governor Zell Miller,

                                                   Atlanta, Georgia.

        Dear Governor Miller: As you are no doubt aware, I have decided 
    that I will not seek re-election in the 106th Congress as Speaker 
    of the House of Representatives. In conjunction with this decision, 
    I hereby notify you that I have withdrawn pursuant to Section 21-2-
    504 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and will not take the 
    seat of congressman for the Sixth District of Georgia for the 106th 
    Congress.
        I will, however, complete my term as congressman for the Sixth 
    District of Georgia for the entirety of the 105th Congress. I will 
    also continue to serve as Speaker until the completion of the 105th 
    Congress.
        Please contact me if you have any questions.

[[Page 413]]

              Very truly yours,

                                                    Newt Gingrich.

Resignation Based on a Contingency

Sec. 5.4 A Member, in resigning from the House, may make his 
    resignation effective at such time as his appointment to an 
    Executive office is confirmed.

    On Dec. 6, 1973,(1) a copy of the letter of resignation 
of Rep. Gerald R. Ford, of Michigan, was laid before the House by the 
Speaker, following the completion of the joint meeting for the swearing 
in of Mr. Ford as Vice President.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 119 Cong. Rec. 39927, 93d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                               Washington, D.C., December 3, 1973.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                       The Speaker, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I enclose a copy of my letter of resignation 
    as a Representative of the Fifth District of the State of Michigan 
    in the House of Representatives, effective upon my becoming Vice 
    President of the United States. As required by Michigan law, this 
    has been submitted to the Governor and the Secretary of State of 
    the State of Michigan.
        Because it is impossible, I shall not attempt to express my 
    thanks for your many courtesies or my regret at leaving the House 
    of Representatives after nearly 25 years.
        Warm personal regards,

                                                   Gerald R. Ford,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                November 30, 1973.

                                           Hon. William G. Milliken,

                                        Governor, State of Michigan,

                                                      Lansing, Mich.

        Dear Governor Milliken: I am advised by the Speaker of the U.S. 
    House of Representatives that the final vote on my confirmation as 
    Vice President of the United States under the provisions of the 
    25th Amendment to the United States Constitution has been scheduled 
    for Thursday, December 6, 1973.
        Since the precise date and hour cannot be specified in advance, 
    I am hereby submitting my resignation as a Representative from the 
    Fifth District of Michigan to be effective upon my becoming Vice 
    President of the United States.
        It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of 
    Michigan for nearly 25 years in the House of Representatives and I 
    will continue to serve them, together with all the people of the 
    United States, when I am confirmed in the Vice Presidency.
        Warm personal regards,

                                                   Gerald R. Ford,

                                               Member of Congress.

Resignation Immediately After Being Sworn-in

Sec. 5.5 When a Senator had been reelected to the Senate and also had 
    been elected Vice President of the United

[[Page 414]]

    States, he submitted his resignation from the Senate to take effect 
    immediately after his being re-sworn as a Senator.

    On Jan. 3, 1961,(1) Lyndon B. Johnson, of Texas, 
Senator-elect and Vice President-elect, took the oath as Senator to 
begin his third term in the Senate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 107 Cong. Rec. 7, 87th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Immediately after administering the oath to Senator Johnson, 
outgoing Vice President Richard M. Nixon laid before the Senate a 
communication from Senator Johnson advising that he had submitted his 
resignation as a Senator to the Governor of Texas effective immediately 
after his swearing in as a Senator.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Mr. Johnson was sworn in as Vice President of the United States on 
        Jan. 20, 1961. See Id. at p. 1010.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair will now read communications from 
    Senator Johnson of Texas which were sent to the Senate and Governor 
    of Texas:
                                                      U.S. Senate,

                                  Office of the Democratic Leader,

                              Washington, D.C., December 31, 1960.

              The Honorable the Vice President of the United States,

                                                        U.S. Senate,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Vice President: I enclose a copy of a letter addressed 
    by me to the Governor of Texas tendering my resignation as U.S. 
    Senator from that State for the term beginning at noon January 3, 
    1961, effective immediately after I have taken and subscribed to 
    the required oath in open Senate.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Lyndon B. Johnson.




                                                December 31, 1960.

                                         The Honorable Price Daniel,

                                                  Governor of Texas,

                                                        Austin, Tex.

        Dear Governor Daniel: I hereby tender my resignation as U.S. 
    Senator from the State of Texas for the term beginning at noon 
    January 3, 1961, effective immediately after the oath required by 
    the Constitution and prescribed by law has been taken and 
    subscribed by me in open Senate as provided by rule II of its 
    standing rules.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Lyndon B. Johnson.

        The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair lays before the Senate a 
    communication and telegram from the Governor of Texas.
        The communications are as follows:

                                               The State of Texas,

                                             Executive Department,

                                  Austin, Tex., December 31, 1960.

                                         Honorable Richard M. Nixon,

           Vice President of the United States and President of the 
                                       U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Sir: Having received notice of resignation from Senator 
    Lyndon B. Johnson effective after his taking the oath of office on 
    January 3, 1961, I hereby appoint William A. Blakley, of Dallas, 
    Tex., to the office of U.S.

[[Page 415]]

    Senator to succeed Senator Johnson upon his resignation January 3, 
    1961.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                      Price Daniel

                                                         Governor.



                                    Austin, Tex., January 3, 1961.

                                                 Felton M. Johnston,

                                       Secretary of the U.S. Senate,

                                                   Washington, D.C.:

        Confirming my letter of December 31, I hereby appoint William 
    A. Blakley, of Dallas, Tex., to the office of U.S. Senator to 
    succeed Senator Johnson upon his resignation effective after his 
    taking the oath of office today. Certificate of appointment being 
    mailed.

                                                     Price Daniel,

                                                         Governor.

Sec. 5.6 A Member resigned his seat in the House effective as soon as 
    his successor could be elected.

    On Dec. 1, 1944,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 90 Cong. Rec. 8689, 78th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                Washington, D. C.,
                                                November 28, 1944.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the Governor of Virginia my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Third 
    District of Virginia, to become effective as soon as my successor 
    can be elected.

              Yours sincerely,

                                          Dave E. Satterfield, Jr.

Sec. 5.7 A Member initially submitted his resignation contingent on the 
    Governor of his State calling a special election to fill the 
    vacancy created thereby, proposing that such resignation become 
    effective on the day of that special election but, when the 
    Governor took no action in response, again submitted his 
    resignation without condition.

    On Jan. 18, 1965,(1) a Member submitted his resignation 
to his Governor ``to become effective upon such date as the Governor 
may set for a special election to fill the vacancy.'' The Speaker laid 
the letter before the House.

 1. 111 Cong. Rec. 805, 806, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 13, 1965.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I beg leave to inform you that I have this 
    day transmitted to the Honorable Donald S.

[[Page 416]]

    Russell, Governor of South Carolina, my resignation as a 
    Representative in the Congress of the United States from the Second 
    District of South Carolina, the resignation to become effective 
    upon such date as the Governor may set for a special election to 
    fill the vacancy. A copy of my letter to the Governor is attached.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Albert Watson.



                                                 January 13, 1965.

                                              Hon. Donald S. Russell

                                         Governor of South Carolina,

                                                      Columbia, S.C.

        Dear Governor Russell: I hereby tender to you my resignation as 
    a Member of the House of Representatives in the Congress of the 
    United States from the Second Congressional District of South 
    Carolina, the resignation to become effective upon such date as you 
    may set for a special election to fill the vacancy.
        I have also informed the Speaker of the House of 
    Representatives of this action.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Albert Watson.

    Parliamentarian's Note: During the 1964 Presidential campaign, Mr. 
Watson, elected to the 89th Congress as a Democrat, actively supported 
the Republican candidate, Senator Barry M. Goldwater, of Arizona.
    Mr. Watson declared his change of party affiliation and announced 
his decision to resign so that his constituents could, by their votes 
in a special election, indicate their approval or disapproval of his 
action. However, the Governor did not call the special election 
anticipated by Mr. Watson.
    When the Governor declined to act on the resignation (i.e.,  to 
call a special election), Mr. Watson again resigned, this time 
unconditionally. On Jan. 28, 1965,(2) the Speaker laid Mr. 
Watson's second letter of resignation before the House.

 2. Id. at p. 1452.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                        ,House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 27, 1965.

                                    The Honorable John W. McCormack,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: By letter dated January 13, 1965, I submitted 
    to the Honorable Donald S. Russell, Governor of South Carolina, my 
    resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the Second District of South Carolina, the resignation 
    to become effective upon such date as the Governor might set for a 
    special election to fill the vacancy. You were advised of this 
    action by letter of the same date.
        It now clearly appears that the Governor intends no affirmative 
    action on this matter. Therefore, I beg leave to inform you that I 
    have this day transmitted to him my resignation effective upon the 
    adjournment of the House on Monday, February 1, 1965.
        A copy of my letter to the Governor is attached.

[[Page 417]]

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Albert Watson,

                                               Member of Congress.



                                                 January 27, 1965.

                                             Hon. Donald S. Russell,

                                         Governor of South Carolina,

                                                      Columbia, S.C.

        Dear Governor Russell: I hereby tender to you my resignation as 
    a Member of the House of Representatives in the Congress of the 
    United States from the Second Congressional District of South 
    Carolina, the resignation to become effective upon the adjournment 
    of the House on Monday, February 1, 1965.
        I have also informed the Speaker of the House of 
    Representatives of this action.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Albert Watson,

                                 Member of Congress.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Following Mr. Watson's resignation, a special election was held in 
        South Carolina, and Mr. Watson, earlier a Democrat, was 
        reelected to the House as a Republican. See 111 Cong. Rec. 
        13774, 89th Cong. 1st Sess., June 16, 1965.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 5.8 A Senator submitted his resignation effective on a certain 
    date or ``at such earlier date as my successor has been elected and 
    qualified.''

    On Jan. 3, 1957,(1) Vice President Richard M. Nixon, of 
California, laid before the Senate a copy of a letter dated Sept. 26, 
1956, in which a Senator had submitted a resignation to the Governor of 
Texas, effective ``January 15, 1957, or at such earlier date as my 
successor has been elected and qualified.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 103 Cong. Rec. 3, 85th Cong. 1st Sess.

        The VICE PRESIDENT. The Chair lays before the Senate a letter 
    from the junior Senator from Texas [Mr. Daniel] enclosing a copy of 
    a letter to the Governor of Texas, tendering his resignation as a 
    Senator, effective as of January 15, 1957. Without objection, the 
    letter will be printed in the Record and placed on file.
        The letter is ordered to be printed in the Record and placed on 
    file, as follows:

                                             United States Senate,

                             Washington, D.C., September 26, 1956.

                                                 Hon. Allan Shivers,

                                                  Governor of Texas,

                                                        Austin, Tex.

        Dear Governor: Acting under the provisions of section 4 of 
    article 4.09 of the Texas Election Code, I hereby resign the office 
    of United States Senator effective January 15, 1957, or at such 
    earlier date as my successor has been elected and qualified.
        From this date forward I shall not draw any salary, but I shall 
    continue my services in completing pending matters in my Senate 
    committees and shall be available in the event of a special 
    session, thereby assuring that Texas has the full representation of 
    two United States Senators while my successor is being elected.

[[Page 418]]

        Although the date of the election, within the time limits 
    specified in section 1 of article 4.09, is a matter within your 
    discretion, please permit me to express the hope that it will be 
    held in time for my successor to take office not later than January 
    3, the first day of the next Congress.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                     Price Daniel.

    Parliamentarian's Note: The Governor of Texas, taking the view that 
no vacancy would be created by the qualified resignation until Jan. 15, 
1957, did not call a special election. (Mr. Daniel became Governor of 
Texas on Jan. 15, 1957.)

Resignations from House Anticipating Appointments to Fill Vacancies in 
    Senate

Sec. 5.9 There have been several instances in which the resignation of 
    a Member of the House was timed to coincide with the resignation of 
    a Member of the Senate, thereby permitting the executive authority 
    of the State concerned to appoint the former Representative to fill 
    the vacant Senate seat.

    On Jan. 2, 1971,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter of resignation from a Member who had been appointed to the 
Senate to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator George L. 
Murphy, of California, whose term of office was about to expire.

 1. 117 Cong. Rec. 44617, 92d Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1:25 p.m., January 2, 1971.

                                                Hon. John McCormack,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.
        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective immediately I hereby resign from 
    the House of Representatives.

              Sincerely,

                                                   John V. Tunney.

    In the Senate, on that same day,(2) Senator Michael J. 
Mansfield, of Montana, rose to present the certificate of appointment 
of former Representative Tunney as a Senator from California.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 44568.

    Presiding Officer Adlai E. Stevenson III, of Illinois, asked that 
the clerk first read the letter of resignation of former Senator 
Murphy.

        Mr. MANSFIELD. Mr. President, I present the certificate of 
    appointment of the Honorable John V. Tunney as a Senator from the 
    State of California.
        The PRESIDING OFFICER. First, the clerk will read a letter from 
    the former Senator from California.
        The legislative clerk read as follows:

                                                  January 2, 1971.

                                                 The Vice President,

                                          Executive Office Building,


[[Page 419]]


                                                    Washington. D.C.

        Dear Mr. Vice President: I herewith submit to you my 
    resignation as a member of the United States Senate effective as of 
    1:31 p.m. today.

              Sincerely,

                                                    George Murphy.

    The Presiding Officer then had the certificate of appointment read, 
after which Mr. Tunney was escorted to the desk and the oath prescribed 
by law was administered to him by the Presiding Officer.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See Sec. 4.3, supra, where a Senator's resignation was submitted 
        three days before the expiration of his term so that the 
        Governor of his State could appoint his successor to fill the 
        three-day vacancy thereby created, thus providing the successor 
        with an advantage in seniority over other newly elected 
        Senators. In that case, the departing Senator's successor was 
        an incumbent Member of the House who, in order to accept the 
        appointment to fill the three-day vacancy, resigned as a 
        Representative on the same day that the Senator resigned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Tunney's resignation from the House was 
effective upon submission to the Governor of California. His letter to 
the Speaker, resigning from the House ``effective immediately'' was 
laid before the House at 1:25 p.m., and he was sworn into the Senate 
shortly thereafter.

Effect of Constitutional or Statutory Provisions

Sec. 5.10 A Member's resignation should be timed to avoid any conflict 
    with constitutional or statutory provisions.

    On Feb. 27, 1969,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter from a Member notifying the Speaker that he had submitted his 
resignation as a Member of the House to the Governor and Secretary of 
State of his State, to be effective on the day of transmittal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 115 Cong. Rec. 4734, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                              Washington, D.C., February 27, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the Governor of Montana and the Secretary of State of Montana, 
    my resignation as a Representative in the Congress of the United 
    States from the Second District of Montana, to be effective at 3:30 
    p.m., eastern standard time, on the above-mentioned date.

                                                  James F. Battin,

                                               Member of Congress.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Battin's nomination as a U.S. District 
Judge (Second District of Montana) was reported to the Senate on Feb. 
25, 1969,(2) and

[[Page 420]]

was confirmed by the Senate on that day. His letter of resignation from 
the House specified an effective time of 3:30 p.m., Feb. 27; and he was 
sworn in as judge at that precise hour, thus assuming office before 
Mar. 1, which would have been the effective date of the pay raise for 
Federal judges enacted as a result of Public Law No. 90-206. By 
resigning from the House and taking the oath as a district judge before 
the salary increase for that position became effective, Mr. Battin 
avoided an apparent conflict with the following constitutional 
provision: ``No . . . Representative shall, during the Time for which 
he was elected, be appointed to any Civil Office under the Authority of 
the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments 
whereof shall have been increased during such time.''(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 4468.
 3. U.S. Const. art. I Sec. 6.

    In another instance, on Jan. 15, 1968, upon the reconvening of the 
90th Congress,(4) three communications pertaining to the 
resignation of Mr. Abraham J. Multer, of New York, were laid before the 
House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 114 Cong. Rec. 7, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In his first letter of resignation submitted to the Speaker, dated 
Dec. 15, 1967, Mr. Multer had indicated he would resign effective Jan. 
1, 1968, to assume the office of Justice of the Supreme Court of New 
York. He had been appointed to this post effective Jan. 1, 1968.

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communications, 
    which were read:

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                              Washington, D.C., December 15, 1967.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                       Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

            Dear Mr. Speaker: Herewith please find copy of my 
        resignation submitted to the Secretary of State, State of New 
        York, as required by law, effective January 1, 1968.
            It has been my privilege to have been able to serve with 
        you these many years under your great leadership. I will always 
        remember your wise counsel and guidance, as well as, the many 
        courtesies extended to me. I will treasure forever your 
        friendship and that of our colleagues with whom I have served.
            With warmest personal regards and very best wishes, I am,
              Most sincerely,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.

            Enclosure.



                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                              Washington, D.C., December 15, 1967.

                                               Hon. John P. Lomenzo,

                                                 Secretary of State,

                                                  State of New York,

                                                        Albany, N.Y.

            Dear Mr. Secretary: Pursuant to the requirements of law, I 
        hereby

[[Page 421]]

        give you notice that I am resigning as a Member of the United 
        States House of Representatives for the 13th District of New 
        York effective the first day of January 1968 on which date, I 
        will assume the office of Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
        State of New York to which position I was elected on November 
        7, 1967.
              Sincerely yours,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.

    Mr. Multer's second letter to the Speaker, dated Dec. 19, 1967, 
served as a clarification of his effective date of resignation. To 
avoid being placed in the position of holding conflicting offices, he 
made his resignation from the House effective midnight, Dec. 31, 1967.

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                                December 19, 1967.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                       Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to clarify the effective date of my 
    resignation from the House of Representatives. It is intended that 
    my resignation be effective as of midnight, December 31, 1967, 
    since my new post as Justice of the New York State Supreme Court 
    begins on January 1, 1968.
        With warm personal regards and best wishes, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                Abraham J. Multer.

Effect of Confirmation of Appointment to Executive Office

Sec. 5.11 A Member's resignation has been laid down after the Member's 
    appointment to another office.

    On Jan. 17, 1969,(1) John Stennis, of Mississippi, 
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, announced to the 
Senate that that committee had voted unanimously in favor of 
confirmation of the nominee-designate for Secretary of Defense. This 
was done before Inauguration Day (continuing the practice followed in 
1953 and 1961), despite the fact that the nomination was not yet 
officially before the committee since it could not be made by 
President-elect Richard M. Nixon before Jan. 20. The nominee-designate 
was a Member of the House, Melvin R. Laird, of Wisconsin, who had taken 
the oath of office as a Member of the House on Jan. 3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 115 Cong. Rec. 1261, 91st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After the inauguration of the President on Jan. 20, 
1969,(2) the Senate met to receive executive nominations, 
among which was that of Mr. Laird to be Secretary of Defense. Mr. 
Laird's nomination was confirmed, and Mr. Laird was sworn in as 
Secretary of Defense on Jan. 21, 1969, at 8 o'clock a.m.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Id. at p. 1289.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The resignation of Mr. Laird from the House was dated Jan.

[[Page 422]]

21, 1969, the date on which he was sworn in as Secretary of Defense, 
and was laid before the House on Jan. 23, 1969,(3) the date 
of the reconvening of the House following the inauguration. Mr. Laird's 
communication to the Speaker was as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Id. at p. 1571.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., January 21, 1969.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        Sir: I beg leave to inform you that I have this day transmitted 
    to the governor of Wisconsin my resignation as a Representative in 
    the Congress of the United States from the 7th district of 
    Wisconsin.
                                                  Melvin R. Laird.

    Similarly, on May 26, 1969,(4) the resignation of Rep. 
Donald Rumsfeld was laid before the House after he had been sworn in as 
an official of the Executive Branch. Although the resignation was laid 
down after the swearing in, the effective time of his resignation was 
earlier than that at which he took the oath.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Id. at p. 13719.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          The Honorable the Speaker,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Sir: It is my duty to inform you that I have transmitted 
    to the Governor of Illinois my resignation as a Representative in 
    Congress from the 13th Congressional District of the State of 
    Illinois, to be effective as of midnight, Sunday, May 25, 1969.
        As you know, my resignation is caused by my having accepted the 
    positions of an Assistant to the President and Director of the 
    Office of Economic Opportunity.
        I very much appreciate the privilege of having served with you 
    and my colleagues in the House, and I thank you for your 
    cooperation, fairness, assistance, and good will.

              Respectfully,

                                                  Donald Rumsfeld,

                                       Representative in Congress.

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Rumsfeld was administered the oath of 
office as Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity and Assistant 
to the President at 10 o'clock a.m., May 26, 1969. His letter of 
resignation was laid before the House when it convened at noon on the 
26th but stated that the resignation was effective as of ``midnight, 
Sunday, May 25, 1969.''
    Numerous persons have resigned as Representative to take a cabinet 
post (see, e.g. Sec. 4.2, supra). However, the following strike a 
higher profile.
    After having been elected both as Vice President and as a 
Representative in the succeeding Congress, then-Speaker John Nance 
Garner transmitted to the Governor of Texas his resignation as a 
Member-elect.(5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 6 Cannon's Precedents Sec. Sec. 230, 453.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 423]]

    After having been nominated and confirmed as Vice President 
pursuant to the 25th Amendment, Rep. Gerald R. Ford submitted to the 
Governor of Michigan a letter of resignation as a Representative, and a 
copy of his letter of resignation was laid before the House by the 
Speaker following the completion of a joint meeting for his swearing in 
as Vice President.(6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 119 Cong. Rec. 39927, 93d Cong. 1st Sess., Dec. 6, 1973. See 
        Sec. 5.4, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After having been confirmed as Secretary of Defense, Rep. Richard 
B. Cheney submitted a letter of resignation to the Governor of Wyoming, 
which was laid before the House before he took the oath of office as 
Secretary of Defense.(7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 135 Cong. Rec. 4976, 101st Cong. 1st Sess., Mar. 20, 1989.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, DC.

                                                        The Speaker,

                                       The House of Representatives,

                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Since January 3, 1979, I have had the honor 
    and privilege of representing the people of Wyoming in the United 
    States House of Representatives.
        On March 10, 1989, President Bush asked me to become his 
    nominee for Secretary of Defense. The Senate has now confirmed my 
    nomination, and I will assume this office later today.
        I must therefore resign my office as the At-large 
    Representative from the State of Wyoming effective immediately.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Dick Cheney.

        Done at Washington, DC, this seventeenth day of March, in the 
    year of our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, at 1:01 p.m.
        The SPEAKER.(8) A similar letter drafted and 
    addressed to the Governor of the State of Wyoming will be inserted 
    in the Record at this point.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. James C. Wright, Jr. (TX).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, DC.

                                                 Hon. Mike Sullivan,

          Governor of Wyoming, State Capitol Building, Cheyenne, WY.

        Dear Governor Sullivan: Since January 3, 1979, I have had the 
    honor and privilege of representing the people of Wyoming in the 
    United States House of Representatives.
        On March 10, 1989, President Bush asked me to become his 
    nominee for Secretary of Defense. The Senate has now confirmed my 
    nomination, and I will assume this office later today.
        I must therefore resign my office as the At-large 
    Representative from the State of Wyoming effective immediately.

              Best regards,

                                                      Dick Cheney.

    After having been reelected as Representative from the Sixth 
District of Georgia for the 106th Congress, Speaker Newt Gingrich held 
the office of Speaker and his seat in the Sixth District of Georgia 
through the expiration of the

[[Page 424]]

105th Congress but created a vacancy for the 106th Congress by 
``withdrawing'' (the term used in Georgia law) as Representative-elect 
from that district.(9)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. 145 Cong. Rec. 42, 106th Cong. 1st Sess., Dec. 17, 1998. See 
        Sec. 5.3, supra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

State Law as Affecting Time of Resignation

Sec. 5.12 Whether a resignation may specify a future effective date is 
    a question of State law.

    On Nov. 26, 1951, Rep. T. Vincent Quinn, of New York, submitted his 
resignation to take effect as of a future date, a procedure that was 
not permissible under the applicable State statute. On Jan. 8, 
1952,(1) the Speaker laid Mr. Quinn's resignation before the 
House in a form permitted under New York law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 98 Cong. Rec. 14, 15, 82d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                December 30, 1951.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I wrote you on November 26, 1951, advising 
    you that I had transmitted my resignation as a Member of Congress 
    to the Governor of the State of New York to take effect on December 
    31, 1951.
        I have since been informed by the secretary to the Governor 
    that the laws of the State of New York do not permit a resignation 
    by a Member of the House of Representatives to take effect at a 
    future date. The resignation must be effective immediately. For 
    this reason I have requested that my former resignation be 
    considered a nullity and have transmitted another resignation 
    today. A copy of this resignation is enclosed.
        May I again thank you for all your kindness to me and wish you 
    a happy and blessed New Year.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                          Vincent,

                                                 T. Vincent Quinn,

                                               Member of Congress.

[[Page 425]]


                     

[Page 425-455]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
            C. Resignations from Committees and Delegations
 
Sec. 6. Procedures and Forms


    The request of a Member of the House to be relieved from service on 
a committee of the House is submitted to the House for approval, and 
the Member's resignation from membership on the committee may or may 
not be accepted.(1) Although there were instances in the 
earlier practice where a Member's request to be excused from committee 
service was refused,(2) in modern practice the resignation 
of a Member from a committee is routinely accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 4 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 4494 et seq. For a discussion of 
        resignation from conference committees, see Ch. 33, supra.
 2. 4 Hinds' Precedents Sec. Sec. 4500-4505.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                -------------------

Procedure for Acceptance

Sec. 6.1 The resignation of a Member from a committee--whether as a 
    member of the committee or as its chair--is laid before the House 
    and accepted by unanimous consent.(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Parliamentarian's Note: In addition to acceptance of the 
        resignation of a Member from a committee, the House may remove 
        a Member from a committee assignment by adoption of a 
        resolution, for example, electing certain Members to a standing 
        committee in lieu of other Members. Because under Rule X clause 
        5(a)(1) (House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 [2007]) a resolution 
        proposing to ``change the composition'' of a standing committee 
        is privileged if offered by direction of the party caucus or 
        conference concerned, a resolution electing Members to standing 
        committees has effectively removed Members erroneously named in 
        a previous resolution by electing new Members ``in lieu of'' 
        those erroneously elected. On Feb. 6, 1997, the House 
        considered as privileged and adopted a resolution (see H. Res. 
        42 at 143 Cong. Rec. 1687, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.) electing 
        certain Members to standing committees ``in lieu of'' Members 
        erroneously named in a previous resolution, effectively 
        removing certain Members from mistaken committee assignments 
        without requiring resignations. (See also Sec. 6.6, infra.) 
        However, it is more traditional for the House to act on actual 
        resignations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On June 29, 2006,(2) the House by unanimous consent 
accepted the resignation of a Member from a standing committee and 
considered and adopted a resolution to elect a Member to sundry 
standing committees.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 152 Cong. Rec. 13700, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: The resolution was not privileged only 
        because it was not offered by direction of the caucus or 
        conference concerned.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 426]]

              RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(4) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Armed 
    Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Michael Simpson (ID).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, June 29, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to advise you that, effective 
    today, I am resigning my seat on the House Committee on Armed 
    Services.
        Thank you for your attention to this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                        Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

         {time}  1930                          -------------------

         ELECTION OF MEMBER TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Tom] PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I offer a resolution 
    (H. Res. 902) and I ask unanimous consent for its immediate 
    consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                  H. Res. 902

            Resolved, that the following Member be and is hereby 
        elected to the following standing committees of the House of 
        Representatives:
            Committee on Armed Services: Mr. [Brian P.] Bilbray [of 
        California].
            Committee on Government Reform: Mr. Bilbray.
            Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Mr. Bilbray.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from Georgia?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    On Feb. 28, 2006,(5) the Speaker pro 
tempore(6) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce:

 5. 152 Cong. Rec. 2200, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 6. Robert B. Aderholt (AL).

                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 16, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                       U.S. Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker, Effective today, February 16th, I resign my 
    seat on the Committee on Education pending my appointment to the 
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

            Sincerely,
                                                      John Barrow.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 8, 2006,(7) the Speaker pro 
tempore(8) laid before the

[[Page 427]]

House the following resignation as a member of the Committee on 
Financial Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 152 Cong. Rec. 1080, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
 8. Dennis R. Rehberg (MT).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2006.
                                               Hon.  Dennis Hastert,
                                               Speaker of the House,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I hereby respectfully resign my seat on 
    the Committee on Financial Services, effective immediately. Thank 
    you for the opportunity to serve on this important committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Peter T. King,
                                                Member of Congress

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

    Also on Feb. 8, 2006,(9) the Speaker pro 
tempore(10) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on the Budget:

 9. 152 Cong. Rec. 1050, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
10. Phil Gingrey (GA).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2006.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I respectfully resign my seat on the 
    House Budget Committee effective immediately. Thank you very much 
    for giving me the opportunity to serve on this important committee.

            Sincerely,
                                              Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 7, 2006,(11) the Speaker pro 
tempore(12) laid before the House the following resignation 
as a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. 152 Cong. Rec. 989, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
12. John Campbell (CA).


                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 7, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                              Speaker, House of the Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby respectfully resign my seat on the 
    House Energy and Commerce Committee effective February 7, 2006. I 
    would like to express my deep gratitude to you and Chairman Barton 
    for the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to work 
    with you in the future.

            Sincerely,
                                               J. Gresham Barrett,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 26, 2005,(13) the House accepted the 
resignation of a Member from the Select Bipartisan Committee to 
Investigate

[[Page 428]]

the Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. 151 Cong. Rec. 21177, 21178, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
          BIPARTISAN COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE PREPARATION FOR AND 
                         RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(14) laid before the House 
    the following resignation as a member of the Select Bipartisan 
    Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and Response to 
    Hurricane Katrina:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. John Boozman (AR).

                                         House of Representatives,
                               Washington, DC, September 23, 2005.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as a member of the Select 
    Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and 
    Response to Hurricane Katrina.
        This resignation is made necessary by the fact that most of the 
    Select Committee's hearings will conflict with business of the 
    Committee on the Judiciary, thus making it impossible for me to 
    actively participate in the Select Committee's activities.
        Thank you for your confidence in me.

            Sincerely,
                                      F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr.,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 16, 2005,(15) the following resignations were 
laid before the House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. 151 Cong. Rec. H664, H665 [Daily Ed.], 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 15, 2005.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I respectfully request that you permit me 
    to vacate my seat on the House Science Committee as soon as 
    possible. I am hopeful that I would be able to retain my seniority 
    position on this committee should I seek to return in a future 
    Congress. I have greatly enjoyed my service on the House Science 
    Committee.
        Thank you for your kind consideration of this request.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Zoe Lofgren,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaTourette).(16) 
    Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Steven C. LaTourette (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

        ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Robert] MENENDEZ [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 111) and ask for its immediate consideration.

[[Page 429]]

        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 111

            Resolved, That the following named Members be and are 
        hereby elected to the following standing committees of the 
        House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on House Administration.--Ms. Zoe Lofgren of 
        California.
            (2) Committee on Small Business.--Ms. Moore of Wisconsin.

        Mr. MENENDEZ (during the reading.) Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    On Feb. 9, 2005,(17) the Speaker pro 
tempore(18) laid before the House the following 
resignations:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. 151 Cong. Rec. 1871, 109th Cong. 1st Sess. See also 151 Cong. Rec. 
        22711, 109th Cong. 1st Sess., Oct. 7, 2005.
18. Jo Ann Emerson (MO).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND 
                                 INFRASTRUCTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Emerson) laid before the House 
    the following resignation from the Committee on Transportation and 
    Infrastructure:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: Effective immediately I am resigning my 
    position on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
        It has been a pleasure to serve on the Committee, and I will 
    continue to support the Committee to achieve its legislative goals. 
    However, because of my recent appointment to the House Financial 
    Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee as 
    well as my continued service on the House Resources Committee, it 
    is necessary for me to resign from the Transportation and 
    Infrastructure Committee.
        Mr. Speaker, thank you for appointing me to the House Financial 
    Services and Homeland Security Committees. I look forward to these 
    new Committee assignments and working to advance the Majority 
    agenda. Your help was critical and I greatly appreciate your effort 
    on my behalf.
        Thank you for your support and for accepting my resignation 
    from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. If you 
    have any questions, please contact me.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Stevan Pearce,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 430]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                    MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation from the Committee on Government Reform.

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 8, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                              Office of the Speaker,
                                        U.S. Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I respectfully resign from the Committee on 
    Government Reform, effective immediately.

            Sincerely,
                                                 Katherine Harris,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 26, 2005,(19) the Speaker pro 
tempore(20) laid the following resignations before the 
House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 151 Cong. Rec. 835, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
20. Darrell E. Issa (CA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

          RESIGNATION AS A MEMBER OF HOUSE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL 
                                   RELATIONS

        The Speaker pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the House Committee on International 
    Relations.

                                           House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, January 26, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                              Office of the Speaker,
                                                       U.S. Capitol,
                                                     Washington D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please consider this letter as my 
    resignation, as of this date, as a member of the House Committee on 
    International Relations. I have appreciated the opportunity to 
    serve as a member of this committee and have enjoyed my eight years 
    of service.
        With every good wish, I am

            Sincerely yours,

                                                   John M. McHugh,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Tiberi).(21) Without 
    objection, the resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Patrick J. Tiberi (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

        The Speaker pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

            Effective today, January 26, 2005, I am resigning from the 
        Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

                                                    Rick G. Renzi,
                                                 U.S. Congressman,
                                          1st District of Arizona.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 7, 2004,(22) the Speaker pro 
tempore(23) laid before the

[[Page 431]]

House the following resignation from a Member of the Committee on 
Government Reform.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. 150 Cong. Rec.  21923, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
23. Jim Gerlach (PA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, October 6, 2004.
                                             Speaker Dennis Hastert,
                                      U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: With this letter, please accept my 
    resignation from the House Committee on Government Reform, 
    effective immediately.
        Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
        With kind regards, I am

            Sincerely,
                                                      Eric Cantor,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Apr. 27, 2004,(24) by unanimous consent, the House 
accepted the resignation of a Member from the Select Committee on 
Homeland Security, whereupon the Speaker filled the vacancy by 
appointment pursuant to Sec. 4 of House Resolution 5, 108th Congress 
(the select committee charter).(25)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. 150 Cong. Rec. 7602, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
25. See 149 Cong. Rec. 11, 108th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 7, 2003.
            Parliamentarian's Note: As indicated in the letter, Rep. 
        Tauzin's membership on the select committee was by virtue of 
        his chairmanship of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
                         COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, effective 
    immediately. I realize that I served on the Select Committee due to 
    my role as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I no 
    longer hold the position of Chairman, thus I resign from the other.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burgess).(26) The 
    resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 26. Michael C. Burgess (TX).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 4 of House 
    Resolution 5, 108th Congress, and the order of the House of 
    December 8, 2003, the Chair

[[Page 432]]

    announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentleman from Texas 
    (Mr. Barton) of the House to the Select Committee on Homeland 
    Security to fill the existing vacancy thereon, and to rank 
    immediately after the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert).
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

         CORRECTION TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD OF TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 
                       2004 AT PAGE H2395(27)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. See 150 Cong. Rec. 7967, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., Apr. 27, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO SELECT 
                         COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, April 23, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, effective 
    immediately. I realize that I served on the Select Committee due to 
    my role as Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. I no 
    longer hold the position of Chairman, thus I resign from the other.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Burgess). Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 4 of House 
    Resolution 5, 108th Congress, and the order of the House of 
    December 8, 2003, the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of 
    the following Member of the House to the Select Committee on 
    Homeland Security to fill the existing vacancy thereon:
        The gentleman from Texas (Mr. [Joe] Barton) to rank immediately 
    after the gentleman from New York (Mr. [Sherwood] Boehlert).

    On Feb. 26, 2004,(28) the House by unanimous consent 
accepted the resignation of a Member as chairman of a standing 
committee (on which he continued to serve).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. 150 Cong. Rec. 2577, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under Rule X clause 5(a)(1),(29) a resolution to 
establish the rank of a member on a standing committee is privileged if 
offered at the direction of the caucus or conference concerned.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The House by unanimous consent adopted a resolution electing a 
member of a standing committee to serve as its chairman and to re-
establish the rank of the erstwhile chairman whose resignation created 
the vacancy.
    The House also by unanimous consent accepted the resignation

[[Page 433]]

from a standing committee of a Member who had just been elevated to 
chairman of another standing committee.
    The proceedings were as follows:

            RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN AND ELECTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE 
                        COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Committee on Energy and Commerce,
                                Washington, DC, February 11, 2004.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept this letter as my resignation 
    as Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 
    effective at midnight on February 16, 2004.
        Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                            W.J. ``Billy'' Tauzin,
                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(30) Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 30. Ray LaHood (IL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        Mr. [David] DREIER [of California]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a 
    resolution (H. Res. 539) and ask unanimous consent for its 
    immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 539

            Resolved, That the following named Member be, and that he 
        hereby is, elected to the following standing committee of the 
        House of Representatives:
            Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. Barton of Texas, 
        Chairman.
            Resolved, That the following named Member be, and that he 
        hereby is, ranked as follows on the following standing 
        committee of the House of Representatives:
            Committee on Energy and Commerce: Mr. Tauzin, after Mr. 
        Barton of Texas.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from California?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. . . 
    .                          -------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 25, 2004.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign as a Member of the Science 
    Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Joe Barton,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

[[Page 434]]

        There was no objection.

    On Mar. 5, 2003,(31) a privileged resolution was 
submitted by direction of the Democratic Caucus electing a minority 
member to a standing committee, whereupon the House accepted by 
unanimous consent the resignation of the Member so-elected. The 
proceedings are as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. 149 Cong. Rec. 5120, 5121, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Ms. [Rosa L.] DeLAURO [of Connecticut]. Madam Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 123) and ask for its immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                H. Res. 123

            Resolved, That the following named Member be and is hereby 
        elected to the following standing committee of the House of 
        Representatives:
            Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Ruppersberger (to rank 
        immediately after Mr. Alexander).

        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the 
    table.                          -------------------

              RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(32) laid before the House 
    the following resignation as a member of the Committee on Armed 
    Services:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                    Washington, DC, March 5, 2003.

                                                        The Speaker,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective March 5, 2003, I hereby take a 
    leave of absence from the Committee on Armed Services due to my 
    appointments to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and 
    the Committee on Government Reform.

            Sincerely,
                                         C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Aug. 5, 1999,(33) Speaker pro tempore Edward A. 
Pease, of Indiana, laid before the House the following communication 
from a Member resigning from a standing committee (even while 
continuing to serve as conferee ostensibly from that committee).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. 145 Cong. Rec. 20215, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Gary L. Ackerman,

                                    Congress of the United States,

                           5th District, New York, August 5, 1999.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you of that I do 
    hereby resign

[[Page 435]]

    from the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, effective 
    immediately.

              Sincerely,

                                                 Gary L. Ackerman,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 4, 1996,(34) Speaker pro tempore Robert S. 
Walker, of Pennsylvania, laid before the House the following 
communication from a Member resigning his seat on a select committee, 
which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. 142 Cong. Rec. 27348, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, October 3, 1996.

                                              Speaker Newt Gingrich,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective today, October 3, 1996, I 
    respectfully resign from the House Intelligence Committee.
        With kindest personal regards, I remain

              Very truly yours,

                                                Ronald D. Coleman,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and pursuant to the 
    provisions of clause 1 of rule XLVIII and clause 6(f) of rule X, 
    the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentleman from 
    New Mexico [Mr. Richardson] to the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence to fill the existing vacancy thereon and to rank after 
    the gentleman from Washington [Mr. Dicks].
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 27, 1996,(35) Speaker pro tempore Mac 
Thornberry, of Texas, laid before the House the following communication 
from a Member resigning his seat on a select committee, which was read 
by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. 142 Cong. Rec. 25603, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, DC, September 27, 1996.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my seat on the House 
    Intelligence Committee effective today.
        I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the committee beyond 
    my allotted time. Your efforts to accommodate my many international 
    assignments have been most helpful.
        I look forward to serving on the committee in the future.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Bill Richardson,

                                                Chief Deputy Whip.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.

[[Page 436]]

        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and pursuant to the 
    provisions of clause 1 of rule XLVIII and clause 6(f) of rule X, 
    the Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of the gentlewoman 
    from California [Ms. Harman] to the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence to fill the existing vacancy thereon and to rank after 
    the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi].
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 28, 1991,(36) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning as chairman (though 
not as a member) of a select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. 137 Cong. Rec. 4618, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                          House of Representatives

                                Washington, DC, February 27, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                        The Capitol.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Over the past eight years, I have had the 
    high honor and privilege of serving as the first chairman of the 
    House Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. I am 
    grateful to you, and your two predecessors as Speaker, for 
    appointing me to this position which has been among my most 
    gratifying responsibilities during my service in the Congress of 
    the United States.
        The goal of the Select Committee has been to identify the most 
    critical issues confronting America's children and families, to 
    examine the impact and potential of public policies, and to make 
    recommendations to standing committees of the Congress for 
    legislation to promote the healthy development of young Americans 
    and their families.
        Because of the dedicated work of the members of the House 
    Select Committee over the years, the innumerable contributions of 
    the outstanding staff, and the participation of experts, 
    researchers and advocates from throughout the United States, we 
    have fulfilled that important mission at a time when much of the 
    government was abandoning or ignoring its responsibilities to 
    children. And the Congress has responded, by enacting important 
    legislation on child care, child health, foster care, preventive 
    services, mental health, education and nutrition--all developed in 
    large part by the work of the House Select Committee on Children, 
    Youth, and Families.
        Despite these many achievements, a great deal still needs to be 
    done for America's children. Far too many remain in poverty, at 
    risk of birth defects, subject to horrendous living conditions and 
    victimized by child abuse, enduring inadequate educational programs 
    that leave them uneducated and unemployable, suffering malnutrition 
    and preventable diseases. I also know how much time must be devoted 
    to addressing these issues and to producing the highest quality 
    work product which can serve as the basis for action by the 
    Congress in addressing these remaining critical problems.
        The action of the House of Representatives in conveying to me, 
    as Vice Chairman of the Committee on

[[Page 437]]

    Interior and Insular Affairs, the responsibilities of the chairman, 
    places many new and pressing duties upon me. Urgent national issues 
    including the Western drought and national energy policy demand my 
    fullest attention and energies, as does the management of this 
    Committee. I do not believe it would be fair either to the 
    Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs or the Select Committee 
    on Children, Youth, and Families to attempt to perform both 
    responsibilities concurrently.
        Accordingly, I must very regrettably submit my resignation to 
    you as the chairman of the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and 
    Families, to be effective upon your appointment of a new chairman. 
    This is certainly the most difficult personal decision of my 
    sixteen years in Congress, but it is the right decision for the 
    Select Committee and its important constituency, our nation's 
    children. I certainly intend to work closely with whomever you 
    select as the new chair to facilitate a smooth transition and to 
    assure that the crucial work of the Committee continues 
    uninterrupted.
        The Select Committee must continue to ``hold up a mirror for 
    America to see its children,'' as we originally promised, and to 
    serve as the unique group within the Congress that can frame these 
    complex issues, conduct the essential investigative and analytical 
    work, and then convert our findings into sound public policy.
        I look forward to continuing to provide that leadership as a 
    member of the Select Committee under the new chairman in the years 
    to come. I wish again to extend to you, and to Speakers Wright and 
    O'Neill, my deep personal gratitude for having placed your 
    confidence in me as chairman of the Select Committee on Children, 
    Youth, and Families during these past eight years.

              Sincerely,

                                                    George Miller,

                                     Chairman, Select Committee on

                                    Children, Youth, and Families.

    On Jan. 30, 1991,(37) Speaker pro tempore Steny Hoyer, 
of Maryland, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. 137 Cong. Rec. 2556, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 29, 1991.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Due to my increased responsibilities on the 
    House Appropriations Committee, I herewith tender my resignation as 
    a member of the Committee on the Budget and request its acceptance 
    as soon as possible under the rules of the House.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Dean A. Gallo,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On June 21, 1976,(38) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a

[[Page 438]]

Member resigning as chairman (though not as a member) of a standing 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
38. 122 Cong. Rec. 19449, 94th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                  Washington, D.C.

                                                    June 21, 1976.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: The charges which have been made against me 
    and the current state of my health make it impossible for me to 
    devote the time necessary to carry out my responsibilities as 
    Chairman of the House Administration Committee.
        I, therefore, have decided to step down as Chairman of that 
    Committee.
        I am confident that I will be vindicated as to any wrong-doing, 
    and when that occurs, I shall ask for a re-examination of my 
    position by the Caucus.
        With kind personal regards, I am,

              Very sincerely yours,

                                                    Wayne L. Hays,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On May 4, 1971,(39) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter from the chairman of the Committee on Banking and Currency, 
resigning as a member of the Select Committee on Small Business, which 
was thereupon accepted by the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
39. 117 Cong. Rec. 13327, 13328, 92d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                  Washington, D.C.

                                                      May 1, 1971.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you of the fact that 
    I am tendering my resignation as a member of the Select Committee 
    on Small Business.
        It has been a most rewarding experience to have been a member 
    of this Select Committee since it was originally created by 
    resolution which I introduced in 1941.
        Unfortunately, because of the press of other duties I feel it 
    would be in the best interest of the Congress to take this action 
    and allow another Member to assume the responsibilities in my place 
    on this most important Committee.
        I do not wish to in any way imply that my action in this 
    instance signifies any diminution in my interest in the problems 
    and prospects of small business and wish to assure the Congress and 
    small business throughout the country that I shall continue to 
    maintain my interest in this area and work toward the solution of 
    problems which confront and beset this most vital part of our free 
    enterprise system.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Wright Patman,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 14, 1965,(40) a letter of resignation of a 
Member from a

[[Page 439]]

standing committee was laid before the House and 
accepted:(41)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. 111 Cong. Rec. 27013, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
41. For other examples of resignations from a committee, see 107 Cong. 
        Rec. 21201, 87th Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 25, 1961; and 105 Cong. 
        Rec. 840, 86th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 19, 1959.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                     Congress of the United States

                                         House of Representatives,

                             Washington, D.C., September 20, 1965.

                                    The Honorable John W. McCormack,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: With regret, I find it necessary to resign my 
    membership to the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.
        It was a great deal of pleasure serving with this distinguished 
    group, which is and has done such constructive work for the 
    Congress and the Nation.
        With kind personal regards, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                               Harley O. Staggers.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On July 27, 1947,(42) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning from a joint 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
42. 93 Cong. Rec. 10078, 80th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          House of Representatives

                                 Washington, D. C., July 24, 1947.

                                              Hon. Joseph W. Martin,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby tender my resignation from the Joint 
    Committee on Printing.

              Sincerely,

                                                      Tom Pickett,

                                               Member of Congress,

                                        Seventh District of Texas.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.2 The resignation of a Member from a committee presents a 
    question of privilege; when a letter of resignation is laid before 
    the House, the pending question is whether the House will accept 
    the resignation; if there is to be debate, the Member who submits 
    the letter is recognized for one hour.

    On Mar. 8, 1977,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning both as chairman 
and as a member of a select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 123 Cong. Rec. 6580, 6581, 95th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                    March 1, 1977.

                                       Hon. Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill,

                                           The Speaker of the House,


[[Page 440]]


                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I feel keenly the responsibilities placed on 
    me as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Assassinations. At 
    the outset, I pledged to you, the Majority Leader, and to the 
    House, that I would see that Committee operated in a credible, 
    responsible and productive manner.
        In your widely reported public statements, you expressed 
    concern about the Committee chief counsel's budget demands, his 
    advocacy of extremely questionable investigative techniques and his 
    general conduct. You made statements to the effect that Henry 
    Gonzalez would make policy, not the Committee counsel. Clearly, you 
    expected me to resolve these problems and bring the Committee into 
    acceptable condition.
        Against that background, I assumed Chairmanship of this 
    Committee. I was expected to rectify the problems that had 
    accumulated through months of neglect and the virtually free hand 
    given to the Committee's ambitious chief counsel.
        With the responsibility that I had and the expectations so 
    clearly expressed by the House Leadership, and with your 
    appointment, I could only assume that the Leadership would support 
    my efforts to provide direction and a sense of responsibility to 
    the Committee.
        I made intense efforts to enlist the support of my colleagues 
    on the Committee. Immediately after passage of House Resolution 
    222, I asked for an informal meeting. Nothing was possible on that 
    day, February 2, or on the following two days, despite the fact 
    that I tried to reach each Member personally. I arranged for a 
    private meeting the following Monday, February 7, where I laid out 
    some of the problems confronting the Committee. I told of the 
    urgent need to make financial adjustments, and asked for 
    assistance. I asked the chief counsel to let the Committee know 
    what positions were least essential, since even then employees had 
    been forced into a 35 per cent pay cut. At a meeting the next day, 
    Tuesday, he refused and followed this by convening staff pep 
    rallies generally aimed at maligning me personally and undermining 
    my authority as Chairman.
        I felt that since Mr. Sprague refused to produce any kind of 
    information on which the Committee could make rational budget 
    decisions, and since he pursued a deliberate course of action to 
    undermine me with Members of the Committee and staff, alike, I had 
    no recourse but to dismiss him, which I did.
        I made every effort to inform my Colleagues on the Committee of 
    my action and the reasons for it. I informed you, through letters, 
    and made repeated attempts to reach you by telephone, but to no 
    avail. I prepared to discuss the situation at a February 16 
    Committee meeting, only to see the meeting adjourned without any 
    action.
        No one in my position could have acted in any way other than as 
    I did. I found in the Committee an administrative nightmare; I 
    found a chief counsel who assumed full powers of the Committee, 
    itself, (and by implication usurped the powers of the House, 
    itself); a chief counsel who was insubordinate and insulting, not 
    to mention disloyal. I found unjustifiable salaries, unjustified 
    employees, and reckless, inexplicable financial obligations. I had 
    a

[[Page 441]]

    responsibility to act, and no one has yet demonstrated that I acted 
    wrongly or without full cause.
        During the past several days I have been ill and unable to 
    return to Washington. Notwithstanding my illness and absence, 
    several of my Colleagues on the Committee appear to be interested 
    in usurping even my ministerial powers. I do not know whether the 
    Leadership is aware of these events, nor what Leadership efforts 
    have been made, in any, to insist that the Committee function 
    within the Rules of the House.
        It seems clear now that the House Leadership is unwilling to 
    offer me support. Yet, I cannot bring myself to sign pay vouchers 
    for an unscrupulous individual, an unconscionable scoundrel, and no 
    power on earth can compel me to do so. I will not compromise my own 
    standards or integrity and I will not accept any arrangement that 
    saves face at the expense of the Constitutional obligations, the 
    integrity, the prestige and the honor of the House.
        Under the circumstances that now exist, I have no alternative 
    but to resign from the Select Committee on Assassinations herewith.
        With warmest personal regards.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Henry B. Gonzalez,

                                     Member of Congress, Chairman.

    Objection having been heard to a request by unanimous consent to 
accept the resignation, the House considered the letter as a question 
of privilege.
    The House voted to accept the resignation.
    On June 16, 1975,(2) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning his seat on a 
select committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 121 Cong. Rec. 19054-61, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                    June 12, 1975.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as a member 
    and as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence 
    effective as of this date.

              Respectfully,

                                                  Lucien N. Nedzi,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The question was put should the resignation of Mr. Nedzi be 
accepted. After debate, the House voted to reject the resignation.

Sec. 6.3 A communication from a Member surrendering a seat on a 
    standing committee, even if styled by the Member as a ``leave of 
    absence'' or otherwise couched as ``temporary,'' is laid before the 
    House as a resignation.

[[Page 442]]

    On Feb. 9, 2005,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House the following 
resignation:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 1891, 109th Cong. 1st Sess., Feb. 9, 2005.
 2. Ray LaHood (IL).
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: Rep. Simmons was elected to Homeland 
        Security earlier this day. See 151 Cong. Rec. 1871, 109th Cong. 
        1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 9, 2005.

                                             Hon. Dennis J. Hastert,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I hereby resign from the Committee on 
    Veterans' Affairs to accept my appointment to the Committee on 
    Homeland Security.
        Also, I ask that you consider my request for a leave of absence 
    from the VA Committee. I have been privileged to serve as Chairman 
    of the Health Subcommittee and hope to return to the Committee 
    sometime in the future.
        Thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve our nation as a 
    member of the new, permanent Homeland Security Committee. I 
    appreciate all of your support.

            All the best,
                                                      Rob Simmons,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). Without objection, the 
    resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 23, 1999,(4) Speaker pro tempore Ed Pease, of 
Indiana, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning from a standing committee, which was read by the 
Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 145 Cong. Rec. 2692, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                    U.S. Congress,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 22, 1999.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: In accordance with Democratic Caucus Rules, I 
    am writing to request a leave of absence, effective immediately, 
    from the House Committee on Small Business for the duration of 
    106th Congress so that I may serve on the Permanent Select 
    Committee on Intelligence.
        Thank you for your attention to my request.

              Sincerely,

                                                   Norman Sisisky,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Parliamentarian's Note: For a form styled as a resignation of a 
``permanent'' seat on a standing committee, see Feb. 5, 
1991(5)

[[Page 443]]

(public acknowledgement of the ``temporary'' committee membership 
policy of Democratic Caucus; Rep. Peter H. Kostmayer [PA] and Rep. 
Gerry E. Studds [MA] were placed in temporary status on the Committee 
on Foreign Affairs in the wake of their election to the Committee on 
Energy and Commerce in order to avoid caucus limitations on committee 
assignments).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 137 Cong. Rec. 2814, 102d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Jan. 19, 1999,(6) the Speaker laid before the House 
the following communication from a Member resigning from a standing 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 145 Cong. Rec. 604, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                        Congress of United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                                  January 7, 1999.

                                       Hon. Dennis J. [sic] Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,
                                      U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby respectfully request a leave of 
    absence from the Committee on Government Reform, effective 
    immediately. My request is made with the understanding that I will 
    retain all seniority on the Committee.
        If you have any questions regarding this request, please do not 
    hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention to this 
    matter.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Christopher Cox,

                                              U.S. Representative.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Mar. 6, 1997,(7) Speaker pro tempore Ed Pease, of 
Indiana, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 143 Cong. Rec. 3299, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, March 6, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

              Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Capitol, 
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This letter is to inform you that in order 
    for me to accept an appointment by Democratic Leader Richard 
    Gephardt to a seat on the House Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence, it will be necessary for me to interrupt my service 
    on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and as Ranking Member 
    of its subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
        Rule 19 F. of the Preamble and Rules of the Democratic Caucus 
    provides that no Democratic Member of the Permanent Select 
    Committee on Intelligence may serve on more than one standing 
    committee during that Member's term of service on the select 
    committee. However, the rule also provides that Members shall be 
    entitled to take leaves of absence from service on any committee 
    (or subcommittee thereof) during the period they serve on the

[[Page 444]]

    select committee and seniority rights on such committee (and on 
    each subcommittee) to which they were assigned at the time shall be 
    fully protected as if they had continued to serve during the period 
    of leave of absence.
        While I will remain committed to protecting and enhancing the 
    needs and benefits of our nation's veterans, this letter 
    constitutes notice of my intent to take the necessary leave of 
    absence from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs in order to accept 
    an appointment to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
        With kindest regards, I remain

              Sincerely yours,

                                           Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 21, 1997,(8) Speaker pro tempore Ray LaHood, of 
Illinois, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member resigning his seat on a standing committee, which was read by 
the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. 143 Cong. Rec. 459, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, January 21, 1997.

                   Re request to take leave from Veterans Committee.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

                                                        The Capitol,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Newt: In light of my new assignment to the House Committee 
    on Government Reform and Oversight, I hereby request that I be 
    granted a leave of absence from my assigned slot on the Committee 
    on Veterans' Affairs.
        Thank you for your consideration,
        With warmest regards, I am,

              Very truly yours,

                                                         Bob Barr.

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 25, 1996,(9) Speaker pro tempore Joel Hefley, of 
Colorado, laid before the House the following communication from a 
Member, purporting to resign his seat on a standing committee 
``effective upon ratification by the full House'' of a new committee 
assignment (its contingency having been resolved):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. 142 Cong. Rec. 1404, 104th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                       New York, January 24, 1996.

                                                        The Speaker,

                          House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby resign my position as a member of 
    the House International Relations Committee (HIRC) effective upon 
    ratification by the full House of my membership on the House Ways 
    and Means Committee.
        While I look forward to returning to my assignment on Ways and 
    Means, I wish to thank Chairman Gilman,

[[Page 445]]

    Ranking Member Hamilton, and all the HIRC members for the many 
    courtesies extended to me during my service on that panel.

              Sincerely,

                                               Michael R. McNulty,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On May 19, 1994,(10) Speaker pro tempore Samuel G. 
Coppersmith, of Arizona, laid before the House the following 
communications from two Members resigning from a standing committee, 
which were read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. 140 Cong. Rec. 11040, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 10, 1994.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

              The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my temporary resignation as a 
    Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in order 
    to serve on the Committee on the Budget. It is my understanding 
    that my seniority status on the Committee on Science, Space, and 
    Technology will be protected during my tenure on the Budget 
    Committee.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Lynn C. Woolsey.



                                         House of Representatives,

                                     Washington, DC, May 12, 1994.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

            Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my temporary resignation as a 
    Member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in order 
    to serve on the Committee on the Budget. It is my understanding 
    that my seniority status on the Committee on Science, Space, and 
    Technology will be protected during my tenure on the Budget 
    Committee.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Glen Browder.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignations 
    are accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.4 The resignation of a Member from a committee of conference is 
    subject to the approval of the House (where the Speaker is not 
    exercising his power of removal under Rule I clause 
    11).(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual Sec. 637 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On July 20, 1993,(2) Speaker pro tempore Michael R. 
McNulty, of New York, laid before the House the following communication 
from Rep. James V. Hansen, of Utah, resigning from a conference 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 139 Cong. Rec. 16260, 103d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, July 20, 1993.


[[Page 446]]


                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                  Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I have been named as a conferee to the Budget 
    Reconciliation bill, H.R. 2264, due to my position on the House 
    Natural Resources Committee. Due to unexpected time constraints in 
    my other positions, Armed Services and Intelligence, I respectfully 
    request that I be allowed to withdraw as a conferee.
        Thank you for your attention to this matter and if you have any 
    question please feel free to call me.

              Sincerely,

                                                  James V. Hansen,

                                               Member of Congress.

    On Nov. 14, 1989,(3) Speaker pro tempore James H. 
Bilbray, of Nevada, laid before the House the following communication 
from Rep. Jack B. Brooks, of Texas, resigning from a conference 
committee, which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 135 Cong. Rec. 28834, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                       Committee on the Judiciary,

                                Washington, DC, November 10, 1989.

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                 Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As you know, on October 4, 1989, I was 
    appointed as a House conferee on the bill, H.R. 2712, the Emergency 
    Chinese Adjustment of Status Facilitation Act of 1989. As passed by 
    the House on July 31 of this year, H.R. 2712 responds to the 
    Chinese government's repression of the pro-democracy movement and 
    actions against pro-democracy students by granting those students a 
    waiver from the requirement that they return to China for two years 
    before being eligible to change their immigrant status.
        It now appears that the House may be concluding the business of 
    the First Session within the next few days. I would not want my 
    absence from the Congress for medical reasons to impede the 
    enactment of this critically needed piece of legislation, leaving 
    thousands of Chinese students in doubt as to their immigration 
    status. Accordingly, in order to expedite resolution of this 
    matter, I am submitting my resignation as a conferee on the bill.
        With every good wish, I am

              Sincerely,

                                                      Jack Brooks,

                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Dec. 10, 1973,(4) the House by unanimous consent 
excused Rep. Williamson S. Stuckey, Jr., of Georgia, from further 
service on a conference committee on the motion of Rep. Harley O. 
Staggers, of West Virginia, whereupon Speaker Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, 
filled the resulting vacancy by appointment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 119 Cong. Rec. 40500, 93d Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. STAGGERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the 
    gentleman

[[Page 447]]

    from Georgia (Mr. Stuckey) be excused from further service as a 
    conferee on the bill H.R. 11324, and that the Speaker be authorized 
    to appoint a Member to fill the vacancy.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from West Virginia?
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER. The Chair appoints the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
    Eckhardt) to fill the vacancy, and the Senate will be notified of 
    the action of the House.

Sec. 6.5 Pursuant to Rule X clause 4(e)(3)(1) of the 105th 
    Congress, a resignation from the Select Committee on Ethics was 
    effective upon its being laid before the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual (1997).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Jan. 9, 1997,(2) Speaker Newt Gingrich, of Georgia, 
laid before the House the following communication from Rep. Bunning, 
resigning from a select committee,(3) which was read by the 
Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 143 Cong. Rec. 278, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
 3. Rep. Jim Bunning (KY) served on the Committee on Standards of 
        Official Conduct in the 104th Congress.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, DC, January 8, 1997.

                        The Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to notify you that I consider my 
    service as a member of the Ethics Committee complete.

              Best personal regards,

                                                      Jim Bunning,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The charter of the Select Committee on Ethics of the 105th Congress 
provided for automatic acceptance of resignations and vested 
replacement authority in the respective party leader, rather than in 
the Speaker, since the Speaker was being investigated.(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. In the 105th Congress a new subparagraph (3) was added at the end 
        of former clause 4(e) of Rule X to establish a Select Committee 
        on Ethics only to resolve an inquiry originally undertaken by 
        the standing Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in the 
        104th Congress (143 Cong. Rec. 123, 105th Cong. 1st Sess., Jan. 
        7, 1997 [H. Res. 5]). See House Rules and Manual Sec. 738 
        (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 6.6 Instance in which multiple letters of resignation from 
    committees were laid before the House, creating vacancies to be 
    filled by a privileged resolution electing Members to committees.

    On Feb. 5, 2003,(1) a privileged resolution was 
adopted(2) electing

[[Page 448]]

Members and Delegates to certain standing committees of the House and 
to establish a Member's rank thereon. The proceedings were as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 149 Cong. Rec. 2420, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. H. Res. 52. See Id. at p. 2420, 2421.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Resources:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Steven C. LaTourette (OH).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    U.S. Congress,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                       Hon. J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker. Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    from the Committee on Resources.

            Sincerely,
                                                    George Miller,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                 RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives.
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                           House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington D.C.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: In order to comply with the rules of the 
    Democratic Caucus so that I may serve on the Committee on the 
    Budget, I hereby take a leave of absence from the Committee on 
    Science. Pursuant to the rules of the Democratic Caucus, I 
    understand that my rights for seniority on the Science Committee 
    will be preserved and that my seniority will continue to accrue.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Brian Baird,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

               RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                         The Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Agriculture Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Leonard Boswell,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 449]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                       MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                         The Capitol, Washington DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003 I hereby resign my 
    position on the House Agriculture Committee, due to my permanent 
    appointment to the House Armed Services Committee.
        Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

            Sincerely,
                                                      Rick Larsen,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Resources:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Resources Committee due to my permanent 
    appointment to the International Relations Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Adam Smith,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Financial Services:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Financial Services Committee due to an error in 
    H. Res. 35 and my permanent appointment to the Transportation and 
    Infrastructure Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                    Lincoln Davis,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 450]]

                                    -------------------RESIGNATION AS 
                         MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Science:

                                         House of Representatives,
                      Second District, New York, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I hereby resign 
    my position on the Science Committee due to my permanent 
    appointment to the Armed Services Committee.

            Sincerely,
                                                     Steve Israel,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 5, 2003.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker of the House, The Capitol,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective February 5, 2003, I will be taking 
    a leave of absence from the Government Reform Committee due to my 
    appointment as the Ranking Member of the Select Committee on 
    Homeland Security.

            Sincerely,
                                                       Jim Turner,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

                                {time}  1900

             ELECTION OF MEMBERS AND DELEGATES TO CERTAIN STANDING 
                            COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [James E.] CLYBURN [of South Carolina]. Mr. Speaker, by 
    direction of the Democratic Caucus, I offer a privileged resolution 
    (H. Res. 52) and ask for its immediate consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                   H. Res. 52

            Resolved, That the following named Members and Delegates be 
        and are hereby elected to the following standing committees of 
        the House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on Agriculture: Mr. Alexander, Mr. Ballance, 
        Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Scott of Georgia, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Case.
            (2) Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Israel, Mr. Larsen of 
        Washington, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Meek of Florida, Ms. 
        Bordallo, Mr. Alexander.
            (3) Committee on the Budget: Ms. Majette.
            (4) Committee on Education and the Workforce: Mr. Case, Mr. 
        Grijalva, Ms. Majette, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Van Hollen.
            (5) Committee on Financial Services: Mr. Emanuel (to rank 
        immediately after Mr. Miller of North Carolina), Mr. Davis of 
        Alabama.

[[Page 451]]

            (6) Committee on Government Reform: Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. 
        Linda T. Sanchez, Mr. Ruppersberger.
            (7) Committee on House Administration: Mr. Larson of 
        Connecticut, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania.
            (8) Committee on International Relations: Mr. Smith of 
        Washington, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Bell.
            (9) Committee on Resources: Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Cardoza, Ms. 
        Bordallo.
            (10) Committee on Science: Mr. Bell, Mr. Bishop of New 
        York, Mr. Miller of North Carolina, Mr. Davis of Tennessee.
            (11) Committee on Small Business: Mr. Ballance, Mr. Ryan of 
        Ohio.
            (12) Committee on Standards of Official Conduct: Mr. 
        Mollohan.
            (13) Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Mr. Michaud.

        Mr. CLYBURN (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson).(4) Is there 
    objection to the request of the gentleman from South Carolina?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

    Parliamentarians' Note: The resignations and subsequent elections 
were aimed at rectifying mistakes made in previous resolutions and 
moving Members whose previous appointments were mere placeholders. The 
second sentence of clause 5(a)(1) of Rule X(5) provides that 
a resolution ``to change the composition of a standing committee'' 
shall be privileged if offered by direction of the caucus or conference 
and can support removal or removal-and-replacement. The sentence was 
added by Sec. 227 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control 
Act (Pub. L. No. 99-177) to a provision in the rules already addressing 
the election of members to the standing committees. The drafters chose 
not to focus on ``election'' but rather used the broader phrase 
``change the composition.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. House Rules and Manual Sec. 757 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 6.7 The House, by unanimous consent, accepted the resignation of a 
    Member from a standing committee, which cited her recent 
    appointment to a permanent select committee.

    On Sept. 8, 2004,(1) the following 
occurred:(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 150 Cong. Rec. 17754, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. See Sec. 6.8, infra, for Rep. Davis's appointment to the Permanent 
        Select Committee on Intelligence.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Committee on Government 
    Reform:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Stevan Pearce (NM).


                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, August 10, 2004.

[[Page 452]]

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing to inform you that I am 
    resigning my seat on the House Government Reform Committee 
    effective August 10, 2004 to accept a seat on the House Permanent 
    Select Committee on Intelligence.
        Thank you for your time and consideration.

            Sincerely,
                                                     Jo Ann Davis,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 6.8 The Chair laid before the House two letters of resignation 
    from the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, each to be 
    effective during August (when the House was unavailable to accept 
    the resignations), and announced that the Speaker, in consonance 
    with those letters of resignation, and pursuant to Rule I clause 
    11,(1) had removed the resigning Members from the 
    permanent select committee and appointed other Members to fill the 
    resulting vacancies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. House Rules and Manual Sec. 637 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sept. 8, 2004,(2) the following 
occurred:(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 150 Cong. Rec. 17754, 17755, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 3. Parliamentarian's Note: In tendering his resignation as chairman, 
        Rep. Goss implicitly resigned also as a member of the 
        (permanent) select committee. When plans for his departure from 
        the House to become the Director of the CIA became final during 
        the August recess, the Speaker wanted to avoid any lapse in 
        either the chairmanship or the membership of the permanent 
        select committee. To achieve that end, the Speaker used his 
        authority under Rule I clause 11 to remove members of select 
        committees (albeit in consonance with their letters of 
        resignation) to perfect the vacancies to which he could appoint 
        replacements. Rep. Bereuter's resignation from the House had 
        been laid down on July 22, 2004, but was not effective until 
        Aug. 31, 2004. See 150 Cong. Rec. 17328, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., 
        July 22, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

         RESIGNATION AS MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO PERMANENT 
                        SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(4) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as a member of the Permanent Select Committee 
    on Intelligence:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. Mike Pence (IN).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                                   August 9, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                        The Capitol, Washington, DC.

[[Page 453]]

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective immediately, I resign my seat on 
    the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

            Best Wishes,
                                                    Doug Bereuter,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair announces that on August 10, 
    2004, in consonance with the letter of resignation from the 
    gentleman from Nebraska and pursuant to clause 11 of rule I, the 
    Speaker appointed the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) 
    to serve on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, vice 
    the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
    Bereuter).                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN AND APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN TO 
                   PERMANENT SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence:


                                    U.S. House of Representatives,
                       Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
                                  Washington, DC, August 10, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As a result of the honor bestowed upon me by 
    the President today, nominating me for the position of Director of 
    Central Intelligence, I believe it is appropriate to relinquish my 
    position as Chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence during the pendency of the confirmation process of 
    that nomination, effective immediately.
        Therefore, I would ask that you appoint a Member to take the 
    Chairmanship of the Committee on a temporary basis, effective 
    immediately, until the Senate makes a final determination on the 
    President's nomination.
        I believe it continues to be appropriate for me to remain a 
    Member of the Committee, however.
        Thank you for your consideration of this request.

            Very truly yours,
                                                   Porter J. Goss,
                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair announces that on August 25, 
    2004, in consonance with the letter of resignation from the 
    gentleman from Florida and pursuant to clause 11 of rule I, the 
    Speaker designated the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) as 
    chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, vice 
    the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Goss).

Sec. 6.9 Form of postponement of proceedings (pursuant to an earlier 
    order) on a concurrent resolution for the purpose of accepting 
    resignations from standing committees and electing Members thereto.

    On Feb. 2, 2005,(1) the House, by unanimous consent, 
accepted

[[Page 454]]

resignations of Members from standing committees:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 1390, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson).(2) Pursuant 
    to the order of the House of today, further proceedings on this 
    concurrent resolution will be postponed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT REFORM

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Government Reform:


                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 1, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am requesting a leave of absence (effective 
    immediately) from the House Committee on Government Reform due to 
    my pending appointment to the House Permanent Select Committee on 
    Intelligence.
        Thank you.

            Sincerely,
                                                  John F. Tierney,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

               RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Agriculture:

                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 1, 2005.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: I would like to resign my seat from the 
    Committee on Agriculture, effective immediately.

            Sincerely,
                                               Bennie G. Thompson,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Later that same day,(3) a privileged resolution was 
submitted by direction of the Democratic Caucus electing minority 
Members to standing committees:(4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 151 Cong. Rec. 1391, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 4. Parliamentarian's Note: The Members needed to be elected to their 
        assigned committees in order to participate in committee 
        activities scheduled for that day.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE HOUSE

        Mr. [Robert] MENENDEZ [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a 
    privileged resolution (H. Res. 62) and ask for its immediate 
    consideration.
        The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:

                                 H. Res. 62

            Resolved,  That the following named Members and Delegates 
        be

[[Page 455]]

        and are hereby elected to the following standing committees of 
        the House of Representatives:
            (1) Committee on Agriculture.--Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Boswell, 
        Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Davis of Tennessee, Mr. Chandler.
            (2) Committee on the Budget.--Mr. Kind.
            (3) Committee on Government Reform.--Ms. Norton.
            (4) Committee on Resources.--Mr. George Miller of 
        California, Mr. Markey, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. Inslee, Mr. Udall of 
        Colorado, Mr. Cardoza, Ms. Herseth.
            (5) Committee on Science.--Ms. Hooley of Oregon (to rank 
        immediately after Ms. Woolsey), Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Ms. 
        Zoe Lofgren of California, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Baird, Mr. 
        Matheson, Mr. Costa, Mr. Al Green of Texas, Mr. Melancon.
            (6) Committee on Small Business.--Mr. Faleomavaega, Mrs. 
        Christensen, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Case, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. 
        Grijalva, Mr. Michaud, Ms. Linda T. Sanchez of California, Mr. 
        Barrow, Ms. Bean.
            (7) Committee on Veterans' Affairs.--Mr. Strickland, Ms. 
        Hooley of Oregon, Mr. Reyes, Ms. Berkley, Mr. Udall of New 
        Mexico.

        Mr. MENENDEZ (during the reading). Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the resolution be considered as read and printed in 
    the Record.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of 
    the gentleman from New Jersey?
        There was no objection.
        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.


                      

[Page 455-470]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
            C. Resignations from Committees and Delegations
 
Sec. 7. Reason for Resignation

Election to Leadership

Sec. 7.1 Upon his election as Speaker, a Member resigned from various 
    committees on which he had served while Majority Leader.

    On Jan. 10, 1962,(1) after his election as Speaker, John 
W. McCormick, of Massachusetts, resigned from various committees of the 
House on which he had served while Majority Leader.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 108 Cong. Rec. 8, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          RESIGNATION FROM COMMITTEES

        The SPEAKER. The Chair desires to announce that he is herewith 
    submitting his resignation as a member of the Committee on 
    Government Operations; the Committee on Science and Astronautics; 
    and also as a member of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial 
    Commission.
        Without objection the resignations will be accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 7.2 Upon his selection as Majority Leader, a Member resigned from 
    a standing committee.

    On Feb. 7, 2006,(1) the House, by unanimous consent, 
accepted

[[Page 456]]

the resignation of a Member as chairman of a standing committee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 988, 989, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE 
                                   WORKFORCE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(2) laid before the House the 
    following resignation as chairman of the Committee on Education and 
    the Workforce:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. John Campbell (CA).

               Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of 
                                                  Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, February 6, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: As a result of my election Thursday as 
    Majority Leader, this letter is to inform you that I resign as 
    Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce and from 
    further service on that Committee. During my five years of service 
    as Chairman on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the 
    Committee has overseen and enacted 131 public laws designed to 
    improve the lives of all Americans.
        I also resign from the Committee on Agriculture on which I have 
    served since being elected to Congress. I would ask that Conference 
    Rule 2 be invoked with respect to my status on both Committees. I 
    am humbled by my peers' decision to elect me as our Majority Leader 
    and I look forward to working with you in that capacity.

            Sincerely,
                                                  John A. Boehner,
                                                         Chairman.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 18, 1962,(3) Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, resigned 
from the Committee on Agriculture after his selection as Majority 
Leader.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 108 Cong. Rec. 470, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                          House of Representatives

                                    Office of the Democratic Whip,

                               Washington, D.C., January 18, 1962.

                             The Honorable the Speaker of the House.

        Sir: I herewith submit my resignation as a member of the House 
    Committee on Agriculture.

              Very truly yours,

                                                      Carl Albert.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.

        There was no objection.

Election as Committee Chair

Sec. 7.3 A newly elected chairman of a committee resigned as a member 
    of another committee.

    On Sept. 21, 1961,(1) the House agreed to a resolution 
electing a new chairman of the Committee on Science and Astronautics (a 
vacancy having been created by the death of the former chairman, 
Overton Brooks, of Louisiana). Thereupon, the newly elected

[[Page 457]]

chairman, George P. Miller, of California, resigned as a member of the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, which resignation was laid 
before the House and accepted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 107 Cong. Rec. 20549, 87th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           ELECTION OF GEORGE P. MILLER TO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND 
                                  ASTRONAUTICS

        Mr. [Wilbur D.] MILLS [of Arkansas]. Mr. Speaker, I offer a 
    privileged resolution (H. Res. 474) and ask for its immediate 
    consideration.
        The Clerk read as follows:

            Resolved, That George P. Miller, of California, be, and he 
        is hereby, elected chairman of the standing committee of the 
        House of Representatives on Science and Astronautics.

        The resolution was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the 
    table.                          -------------------

                           RESIGNATION FROM COMMITTEE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(2) laid before the House the 
    following communication which was read by the Clerk:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. John W. McCormack (MA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                             Washington, D.C., September 21, 1961.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby tender my resignation as a member of 
    the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 George P. Miller.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Election to Committee

Sec. 7.4 A Member resigned from certain committee assignments pending 
    his election to the Committee on Ways and Means.

    On July 30, 1968,(1) the chairman (2) of the 
Committee on House Administration, who also was a member of the 
Committee on Foreign Affairs, resigned from those positions pending his 
election to the Committee on Ways and Means.(3) His 
resignation was laid before the House by the Speaker:

 1. 114 Cong. Rec. 24215, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Omar T. Burleson (TX).
 3. See 114 Cong. Rec. 24220, 90th Cong. 2d Sess., July 30, 1968 (H. 
        Res. 1276).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, D.C., July 30, 1968.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                 Speaker of the House, the Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept my resignation from the 
    Committee on House Administration, the Joint Committee on Printing 
    and the Joint Committee on the Library.

[[Page 458]]

        With kindest regards, I remain,

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Omar Burleson.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation 
    from a committee:

                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                  Washington, D.C., July 30, 1968.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                 Speaker of the House, the Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept my resignation from the 
    Committee on Foreign Affairs.
        With kindest regards, I remain,

              Sincerely yours,

                                                    Omar Burleson.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Sec. 7.5 The House, by unanimous consent, accepted the resignation of a 
    Member from three standing committees.

    On Sept. 29, 2004,(1) Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, of 
Illinois, laid before the House the following resignation, which cited 
the Member's appointment to the Committee on Rules:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 150 Cong. Rec. 19888, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

          RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF CERTAIN STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE 
                                     HOUSE

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation as 
    a member of the Committee on Agriculture, the Committee on 
    Government Reform, and the Committee on Budget:


                                         House of Representatives,
                               Washington, DC, September 28, 2004.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                  Speaker of the House, The Capitol, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker, I hereby resign from the House Agriculture, 
    Government Reform and Budget Committees due to my appointment to 
    the House Committee on Rules.

            Sincerely,
                                                   Adam H. Putnam,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignations are accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 21, 2004,(2) Speaker pro tempore John Culberson, 
of Texas, laid down the following resignation:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 150 Cong. Rec. 140, 141, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

           RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, 
         SELECT COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND COMMITTEE ON SMALL 
                                    BUSINESS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson) laid before the House 
    the following resignation as a member of the Committee on Financial 
    Services,

[[Page 459]]

    the Select Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on 
    Small Business:

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                 Washington, DC, January 20, 2004.
                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
                                                                 DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Effective January 20, 2004, I hereby resign 
    from the Committee on Financial Services, the Select Committee on 
    Homeland Security, and the Committee on Small Business due to my 
    pending appointment to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

            Sincerely,
                                              Charles A. Gonzalez,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

Statement of Reasons for Resignation

Sec. 7.6 A Member's letter of resignation from a committee, addressed 
    to the Speaker, may state the reasons impelling the Member to 
    resign.

    On Apr. 26, 2001,(1) Speaker pro tempore Paul Ryan, of 
Wisconsin, laid before the House a communication from Rep. Collin C. 
Peterson, of Minnesota, resigning his seat on a standing committee in 
light of his recent appointment to a permanent select committee and a 
rule of his party's caucus restricting the number of committee 
assignments.

 1. 147 Cong. Rec. 6299, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, April 24, 2001.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Thank you for appointing me to serve on the 
    House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
        In keeping with the Democratic Caucus rules and Rules of the 
    House that limit me to serving on no more than two full committees 
    I am resigning from my seat on the House Committee on Veterans' 
    Affairs.
        Please notify me as to the disposition of this request. . . .
        Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.

              Sincerely,

                                               Collin C. Peterson,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 17, 1980,(2) Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr., of 
Massachusetts, laid before the House a communication from Rep. Michael 
O. Myers, of Pennsylvania, resigning his membership on a conference 
committee in light of a felony conviction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 126 Cong. Rec. 25886, 96th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                  Washington, D.C.

                                               September 17, 1980.


[[Page 460]]


                                                  Hon. Carl Perkins,

                    Education and Labor Committee, Rayburn Building.

        Dear Mr. Chairman: In compliance with House Rule XLIII, I must 
    refrain from participation in the business of the committees of 
    which I am a member.
        Consequently, I am unable to act as a conferee on the Child 
    Nutrition legislation and would ask that you excuse me from this 
    duty and appoint another member to the conference committee.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 Michael O. Myers,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Sept. 24, 1974,(3) Speaker Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, 
laid before the House a communication from Rep. Frank J. Brasco, of New 
York, resigning his membership on a conference committee in light of a 
felony conviction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 120 Cong. Rec. 32420, 93d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                               September 19, 1974.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: In view of my present circumstances, and 
    because of the provisions of House Resolution 128, I hereby tender 
    my resignation as a member of the conference committee on S. 386 
    and H.R. 11221.
        With warmest personal regards, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Frank J. Brasco.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 7, 1966,(4) a letter of resignation of a Member 
from a committee was laid before the House and accepted. The letter 
noted certain restrictions against dual committee assignments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 112 Cong. Rec. 2383, 2384, 89th Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., February 7, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I herewith tender my resignation as a member 
    of the Committee on Agriculture.
        Having thoroughly enjoyed my work on this committee, I wish to 
    advise the House that this resignation is being submitted in 
    accordance with a decision of our committee on committees that 
    members of the Committee on Rules should not have dual committee 
    assignments.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                 Delbert L. Latta,

                                       Representative to Congress.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 13, 1966,(5) a Member's letter of resignation as 
the chairman and member of a committee

[[Page 461]]

was laid before the House by the Speaker and accepted. The letter made 
reference to the Member's appointment as a Federal district court 
judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. Id. at p. 170.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 January 13, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                                        The Speaker,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: In view of my imminent departure from the 
    House of Representatives to assume a new role for me as U.S. 
    district judge for the eastern and western districts of Arkansas, I 
    hereby tender to you my resignation as chairman and a member of the 
    Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.
        I leave this important assignment with affection and deep 
    appreciation for the members of the committee with whom I have 
    served over the years.
        With genuine respect and high esteem, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                                       Oren Harris

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation of the 
    distinguished gentleman from Arkansas, who has rendered outstanding 
    service as a legislator and as chairman of the important Committee 
    on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, is--and I pause--accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Feb. 3, 1965,(6) a member of the Committee on the 
Judiciary, having ceased to serve on the subcommittee dealing with 
immigration matters, submitted his resignation from the Joint Committee 
on Immigration and Nationality Policy.

 6. 111 Cong. Rec. 1870, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., February 3, 1965.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                               Speaker of the House,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Having transferred this year from 
    subcommittee No. 1 of the Committee on the Judiciary, which has 
    special jurisdiction over immigration legislation, it would be 
    inappropriate for me to serve on the Joint Committee on Immigration 
    and Nationality Policy to which I was reappointed on February 1, 
    1965.
        In accordance with custom, I hereby respectfully submit my 
    resignation from the Joint Committee on Immigration and Nationality 
    Policy.

              Sincerely,

                                                  Richard H. Poff.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Similarly, on Jan. 25, 1943,(7) the resignation of a 
Member from the five committees to which he had been assigned at the 
opening of the Congress was laid before

[[Page 462]]

the House. In the letter, the Member, James H. Morrison, of Louisiana, 
set forth his reasons for resigning all the committees on which he had 
been placed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 89 Cong. Rec. 356, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Washington, D. C.,

                                                 January 23, 1943.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                            Speaker of the House of Representatives,

                                             United States Congress,

                                                   Washington, D. C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I herewith tender my resignation as a 
    member of each of the following five committees:
        Coinage, Weights, and Measures; Invalid Pensions; Public Lands; 
    War Claims; Mines and Mining.
        I want to make it plain that in taking this action I am not 
    attempting to shirk my share of work. It is a fact, however, that 
    the work of these committees is of no interest to people in my part 
    of the country. Nor does the work of these committees have to do 
    with the war, or national policy. Hence, if I tied myself down to 
    committees of this type I would be serving interests which are of 
    no concern to my people.
        My district is predominantly agricultural. My whole personal 
    background is agricultural. I have been intimately associated with 
    farmers and farm organizations. I know little, if anything, of (1) 
    mines and mining, (2) coinage, weights, and measures, (3) pensions, 
    (4) war claims, and (5) there are no public lands worth mentioning 
    in all my territory.
        I requested an assignment to the Committee on Appropriations, 
    where I hoped that I might serve in connection with agricultural 
    appropriations, or to the Committee on Agriculture. I know that 
    they are important committees, and that it is not ordinarily 
    considered that a new Congressman has a right to demand them. I did 
    not ask for them because of any personal interest or virtue of my 
    own. I asked them in the name of my people, who form one of the 
    largest and most important agricultural communities in the country. 
    I felt that if I did not get some such assignment, then I could be 
    more useful by leaving myself free to devote whatever talents and 
    energy I possess to the war, to national affairs, and to things in 
    which my people are directly concerned. I certainly should feel 
    that I was not representing my people if I permitted myself to be 
    tied down with the details of five such committees as these.
        I assure you, Mr. Speaker, that in taking this action I hold no 
    resentment against anybody. I have been told that it is an unusual 
    action for a new Congressman to take. If so, my answer is (1) that 
    these are unusual times; and (2) that it ought not to be unusual 
    for any Congressman to insist on devoting his time and energy to 
    the purposes for which he is elected.
        I assure you that in all matters which appear to me to be in 
    the interest of the war effort, the welfare of my people, and the 
    national good, you shall have my support.

              Yours very truly,

                                                James H. Morrison,

                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

[[Page 463]]

    On Jan. 14, 1937,(8) the following letter of resignation 
of Rep. Usher L. Burdick, of North Dakota, from certain committees was 
laid before the House and read by the Clerk. The letter emphasized Mr. 
Burdick's dissatisfaction with the committees to which he had been 
assigned:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. 81 Cong. Rec. 245, 75th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication:

                                                 Washington, D. C.

            Mr. Speaker: The Republican minority having filed its 
        resolution on committee appointments, and the same having been 
        duly adopted by the House, I hereby tender my resignation from 
        all committees to which I was named by the Republican minority 
        for the following reasons, to wit--

        Mr. [Bertrand H.] SNELL [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, reserving 
    the right to object, is it proper to give the reasons for resigning 
    from committees?
        The SPEAKER.(9) It has been done before. The Clerk 
    will proceed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. William B. Bankhead (AL).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The Clerk continued reading:

            First. I received no committee assignments from the 
        minority in the Seventy-fourth Congress, save three minor 
        committees. I endeavored to serve on these to the best of my 
        ability, believing that in the Seventy-fifth Congress I might 
        be advanced.
            Second. Instead of being advanced I was left on the same 
        committees and actually demoted in rank to the tail-end kite of 
        a discredited political party. I was fully advised of the 
        punishment in store for me if I did not support Mr. Snell for 
        the speakership. I refused to support him for the good of the 
        Republican Party, and this action has been the result.
            Third. I am not in sympathy with the present leadership of 
        the Republican Party in this House and will not accept this 
        demonstration of party punishment.

                                                 Usher L. Burdisk.

        The resignation was accepted.

Change of Party Affiliation

Sec. 7.7 A resignation from a committee based on a change in a Member's 
    political party affiliation was, in the earlier practice, subject 
    to acceptance by the House.

    On Mar. 27, 1972,(1) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter from a Member by which the Member, having changed his political 
party affiliation, submitted his resignation as a member of two 
committees of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 118 Cong. Rec. 10198, 92d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                   March 23, 1972.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Having changed my registration yesterday from 
    Republican to Democrat, I hereby resign from the Committee on 
    Education and Labor and the Committee on Government Operations, as 
    a Republican member.

[[Page 464]]

        With warm regard,

              Sincerely,

                                                    Ogden R. Reid.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Jan. 20, 1958,(2) a Member, having submitted his 
resignation from a House committee, took the floor immediately before 
the Clerk read his resignation letter to explain that he had changed 
his party affiliation. He enunciated the steps he had taken to ensure 
that records and proceedings of the House would properly portray his 
changed affiliation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 104 Cong. Rec. 673, 674, 85th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Speaker then laid Mr. Dellay's resignation from the Committee 
on Merchant Marine and Fisheries before the House.

        Mr. [Vincent J.] DELLAY [of New Jersey]. Mr. Speaker, on 
    October 27, 1957, I notified the people of my constituency that 
    henceforth I considered myself a member of the Democratic Party and 
    would support the candidate of that party and its policies and 
    program. Inasmuch as I had been elected to the 85th Congress as a 
    Republican, I did, on November 1, 1957, notify the Republican 
    leader in the House of Representatives, the Honorable Joseph W. 
    Martin, Jr., that thereafter I would consider myself an affiliate 
    of the Democratic Party and would, if permitted to do so, attend 
    and become a member of the Democratic caucus of the House of 
    Representatives. I was invited to attend such a caucus on January 
    14, 1958. I make this statement at this time, Mr. Speaker, so that 
    the records and proceedings of this House will properly portray my 
    present party affiliation. I insert at this point a copy of the 
    letter I addressed to the Honorable Joseph W. Martin, Jr., on 
    November 1, 1957.

                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., November 1, 1957.

                                         Hon. Joseph W. Martin, Jr.,

                      Minority Leader of the United States House of 
                Representatives, United States Capitol, Washington, 
                                                                D.C.

        Dear Mr. Martin: This is to ask that my name be withdrawn from 
    the rolls of the House as a Republican Congressman. After I vote 
    for the Democrat gubernatorial candidate as well as the entire 
    Democrat ticket for Hudson County, N. J., in the general election 
    on November 5, 1957, I will officially become a member of the 
    Democrat Party.
        I have notified the Democrat State committeeman and the 
    Democrat State committeewoman to list me as a member of the 
    Democrat State organization and to notify the chairman of the 
    National Democrat Committee, the Speaker of the House, and the 
    majority leader of the House that I will sit on the Democrat side 
    of the House when the next session of Congress convenes.
        Thanking you for your many past courtesies and with every good 
    wish.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                Vincent J. Dellay.

[[Page 465]]

                                   -------------------RESIGNATION FROM 
                                   COMMITTEE

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following resignation 
    from committee.
        The Clerk read as follows:

                                                 January 16, 1958.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

        The Speaker, United States House of Representatives, United 
                                   States Capitol, Washington, D. C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Having changed my politics from Republican to 
    Democratic during the gubernatorial campaign in New Jersey last 
    year, this is my official resignation from the House Merchant 
    Marine and Fisheries Committee as a Republican member.

              Sincerely,

                                                Vincent J. Dellay.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    Parliamentarian's Note: After Mr. Dellay's resignation from the 
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries as a Republican, and after 
the Clerk listed Mr. Dellay as a member of his new party, Mr. Dellay 
was, on Jan. 27, 1958, elected as a Democratic member to two 
committees.(3)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. See H. Res. 452. Id. at p. 1073.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Committee Membership Dependent on Continued Caucus or Conference 
    Affiliation

Sec. 7.8 A Member's membership on a standing committee is contingent on 
    the Member's continuing membership in the nominating party caucus 
    or conference.

    On Sept. 7, 2004,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House communications reflecting 
the operation of clause 5(b) of Rule X.(3) Under clause 5(b) 
of Rule X, membership on a standing committee is contingent on 
continuing membership in the party caucus or conference that nominated 
the Member for election thereto. When a Member ceases to be a member of 
a party caucus or conference, pursuant to clause 5(b) of Rule X, the 
chairman of the caucus or conference notifies the Speaker, and the 
Speaker notifies the chairman of each standing committee to which the 
Member was elected on the nomination of that caucus or conference that 
the Member's election to the committee is automatically vacated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 150 Cong. Rec. 17535, 17536, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 2. Mike Pence (IN).
 3. House Rules and Manual Sec. 760 (2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

            COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ, CHAIRMAN, 
                               DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from the Honorable Robert

[[Page 466]]

    Menendez, Chairman, Democratic Caucus:
                                                Democratic Caucus,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, August 9, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
                                                                 DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Pursuant to clause 5(b)(1) of Rule X, I am 
    writing to inform you that Rep. Rodney Alexander has ceased to be a 
    member of the House Democratic Caucus.

            Sincerely,
                                                  Robert Menendez,
            Chairman.                          -------------------

                         COMMUNICATION FROM THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from the Speaker:

                                            Office of the Speaker,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, August 16, 2004.
                                                 Hon. Bob Goodlatte,
                       Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of 
                                    Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Chairman: This is to advise you that Representative 
    Rodney Alexander's election to the Committee on Agriculture has 
    been automatically vacated pursuant to clause 5(b)(1) of rule X 
    effective August 9, 2004.

            Sincerely,
                                                J. Dennis Hastert,
Speaker of the House.                          -------------------

                         COMMUNICATION FROM THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from the Speaker:

                                            Office of the Speaker,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                  Washington, DC, August 16, 2004.
                                                 Hon. Duncan Hunter,
                    Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House of 
                                    Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Chairman: This is to advise you that Representative 
    Rodney Alexander's election to the Committee on Armed Services has 
    been automatically vacated pursuant to clause 5(b)(1) of rule X 
    effective August 9, 2004.

            Sincerely,
                                                J. Dennis Hastert,
                                             Speaker of the House.

    On Sept. 13, 2000,(4) Speaker pro tempore Michael K. 
Simpson, of Idaho, laid before the House correspondence reflecting a 
change of party affiliation by Rep. Matthew G. Martinez, of 
California.(5)

 4. 146 Cong. Rec. 17832, 17833, 106th Cong. 2d Sess.
 5. For other recent examples see: 150 Cong. Rec. p. 17536, 108th Cong. 
        2d Sess., Sept. 7, 2004 (Rodney Alexander [LA]); 150 Cong. Rec. 
        65, 108th Cong. 2d Sess., Jan. 20, 2004 (Ralph M. Hall [TX]); 
        146 Cong. Rec. 401, 106th Cong. 2d Sess., Feb. 1, 2000 (Virgil 
        Goode [VA]); 145 Cong. Rec. 16586, 106th Cong. 1st Sess. July 
        19, 1999 (Michael P. Forbes [NY]); James A. Hayes (LA), Dec. 
        12, 1995, 141 Cong. Rec. 36172, 36173, 104th Cong. 1st Sess., 
        Dec. 12, 1995 (James A. Hayes [LA]); 141 Cong. Rec. 32627, 
        104th Cong. 1st Sess., Nov. 15, 1995 (Michael Parker [MS]); 141 
        Cong. Rec. 24717, 104th Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 12, 1995 (W.J. 
        [Billy] Tauzin [LA]); 141 Cong. Rec. 18252, 18253, 104th Cong. 
        1st Sess., July 10, 1995 (Gregory H. Laughlin [TX]); and 141 
        Cong. Rec. 12396, 18397, 104th Cong. 1st Sess., May 10, 1995 
        (J. Nathan Deal [GA]).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Congress of the United States,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                    Washington, DC, July 27, 2000.


[[Page 467]]


                                                 Hon. Jeff Trandahl,

              Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives, H-154, Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Trandahl: Effective July 26, 2000, please change my 
    party designation on your official records and databases to 
    ``REPUBLICAN.''
        Your assistance is appreciated.

              Sincerely,

                                              Matthew G. Martinez,

  Member of Congress.                          -------------------

           COMMUNICATION FROM THE HONORABLE MARTIN FROST, CHAIRMAN, 
                               DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from the Honorable Martin Frost, Chairman of the 
    Democratic Caucus:
                                                Democratic Caucus,

                                         House of Representatives,
                                               September 13, 2000.

                                                Hon. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This is to notify you that the Honorable 
    Matthew Martinez of California has resigned as a Member of the 
    Democratic Caucus.

              Sincerely,

                                                     Martin Frost,

            Chairman.                          -------------------

                         COMMUNICATION FROM THE SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from the Speaker of the House of Representatives:

                                            Office of the Speaker,

                                    U.S. House of Representatives,

                               Washington, DC, September 13, 2000.

                                            Hon. Benjamin A. Gilman,
         Chairman, Committee on International Relations, U.S. House 
                                of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Chairman: This is to advise you that Representative 
    Matthew G. Martinez's election to the Committee on International 
    Relations has been automatically vacated pursuant to clause 5(b) of 
    rule X effective today.

              Sincerely,

                                                J. Dennis Hastert,

Speaker of the House.                          -------------------

                    ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the foregoing 
    communications, the party affiliation of Representative Martinez 
    has been switched for informational voting record purposes and

[[Page 468]]

    his committee memberships have been vacated.
        Had the foregoing communication of July 27, 2000, from 
    Representative Martinez to the Clerk been laid before the House at 
    that time, the party affiliation for voting informational purposes 
    would have been changed or, as has been the case in the past, the 
    process would have been timely noticed in writing to the chairman 
    of the Democratic Caucus who, in turn, would notify the Speaker by 
    letter pursuant to clause 5(b) of rule X.

Allegations of Improprieties

Sec. 7.9 The chairman of a special investigating committee, having been 
    accused of accepting fees for appearing before a government agency, 
    tendered his resignation from such committee after taking the floor 
    in defense of his position.

    On Sept. 30, 1943,(1) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, 
recognized Mr. Edward E. Cox, of Georgia, to offer his resignation as 
chairman of a special committee to investigate the Federal 
Communications Commission after he was charged with accepting a fee for 
appearing before a government agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 89 Cong. Rec. 7936, 7937, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Georgia 
    [Mr. Cox].
        Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I never gave my heart and my hand to 
    another in friendship but that they were his forever, and nothing 
    has delighted me more than hazarding injury by going to his aid in 
    time of stress. This sweet manner of receiving me with such 
    gracious applause evidences to me that the Members of the House 
    have this same devotion to this highest of human relationships.
        Mr. Speaker, for more than a year, now, I have been the object 
    of bitter and scurrilous attacks.
        Day after day the poisoned shafts of slander have been driven 
    through my heart. Every effort to tear down and to destroy a 
    reputation I have spent a lifetime in building has been put forth. 
    All this is something that I have been compelled to endure in 
    silence. My hands have been tied--tied by the chairmanship of the 
    select committee of this House to investigate the F.C.C.
        This chairmanship has compelled me to maintain a judicial 
    attitude which cannot longer be done in the face of the insults and 
    the slander being hurled at me from day to day.
        Mr. Speaker, that which is being dealt out to me is a sorry 
    wage for a service I have tried to render in the interests of my 
    fellow men. . . .
        Mr. Speaker, moved by these considerations, and fortified by 
    the concurrence of friends in this House in whose friendship and 
    judgment I have the utmost confidence, I tender you my resignation 
    as chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate the Federal 
    Communications Commission. Its work thus far has been well done. 
    Its membership is excellent. Its staff is composed of men and women 
    who are able,

[[Page 469]]

    conscientious, and skilled in the work they have undertaken. This 
    committee must continue its work under a new chairman, freed of any 
    possible embarrassment of my personal problems or controversies. I 
    thank you for the honor of having named me chairman of the 
    committee, and for your expressed confidence in my administration 
    of its affairs. I urge the House to support, to continue and to 
    stand solidly back of the work of the committee under its new 
    chairman, whoever he may be.
        So far as I am personally concerned, my love and admiration for 
    this House, my devotion to its ideals, make it a matter of pride 
    with me that I, as one of its Members, efface myself so that the 
    work of one of its committees may go forward. Let no man mistake 
    me. I shall continue to make the fight where I find it. I leave the 
    well of this House today with my head unbowed and with my devotion 
    to my duties undimmed.
        The SPEAKER. The resignation of the gentleman from Georgia is 
    accepted.

Sec. 7.10 Form of final speech by the former Majority Leader engineered 
    via debate on the question of resignation from committee that was 
    accepted by unanimous consent.

    On June 8, 2006,(1) the following letter of resignation 
was laid before the House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 10498, 10500, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

              RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    resignation as a member of the Committee on Appropriations:
                                         House of Representatives,
                                     Washington, DC, June 8, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Please accept my resignation, effective 
    immediately, from the House Committee on Appropriations.
        It has been my great pleasure to serve on the committee under 
    the fine leadership of Chairman Jerry Lewis and Chairman Bill 
    Young.
        Thank you for your attention to this request.

            Sincerely,
                                                        Tom DeLay,
                                               Member of Congress.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) The question is, Shall 
    the resignation be accepted?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Michael K. Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The gentleman from Texas is recognized.

                                {time}  1715

        Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, political careers tend to end in one of 
    three ways: defeat, death, or retirement. And despite the fervent 
    and mostly noble exertions of my adversaries over the years, I rise 
    today to bid farewell to this House under the happiest of the 
    available options. . . .
        I say good-bye today, Mr. Speaker, with few regrets, no doubt. 
    And so with love and gratitude for friends and foe alike, patriots 
    all, I yield back the floor of our beloved House. And I exit as 
    always, stage right.

[[Page 470]]

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.


                        

[Page 470-473]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
            C. Resignations from Committees and Delegations
 
Sec. 8. Resignations From Delegations and Commissions

Sec. 8.1 A Member's letter of resignation as a delegate to an 
    international conference is laid before the House.

    On Jan. 3, 1961,(1) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, laid 
before the House two letters of resignation of Members as delegates to 
the NATO Parliamentarians Conference:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 107 Cong. Rec. 26, 87th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                November 14, 1960.

                                                        The Speaker,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Sir: Because of the extreme press of business at the present 
    time it is impossible for me to attend the NATO Parliamentarians 
    Conference to be held in Paris this week. Therefore, I hereby 
    submit my resignation from the House contingent.
        I wish to take this opportunity to express to you my gratitude 
    for your confidence in me in appointing me. If I may be of service 
    to you in any way I am yours to command.

              Most cordially yours,

                                                      Merwin Coad,

                                                Representative in 
            Congress.                          -------------------

            RESIGNATION AS A DELEGATE TO THE NATO PARLIAMENTARIANS 
                                   CONFERENCE

        The SPEAKER laid before the House the following communication, 
    which was read:
                                                November 14, 1960.

                                                   Hon. Sam Rayburn,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I sincerely regret that I must tender my 
    resignation as a delegate to the NATO Parliamentarians Conference 
    for the year 1960.
        I appreciate very much your having appointed me.

              Very truly yours,

                                                Robert J. Corbett,

                                               Member of Congress.

    The Speaker then announced to the House that pursuant to an order 
of the House authorizing him to accept resignations and make certain 
appointments, he had appointed two Members to replace the two Members 
who had resigned.

Resignations from Commissions

Sec. 8.2 The Chair laid before the House a communication from a Member 
    resigning from the House Commission on Congressional Mailing 
    Standards.

[[Page 471]]

    On Sept. 20, 2006,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid before the House the following 
communication:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 152 Cong. Rec. 18788, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
            Parliamentarian's Note: Because his appointment to the 
        Franking Commission did not require House approval, neither did 
        his resignation. Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers (MI) was appointed to 
        fill this vacancy on the Commission. See Id. at p. 18832.
 2. Michael K. Simpson (ID).

                                         House of Representatives,
                               Washington, DC, September 19, 2006.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Speaker Hastert: It has been an honor and a privilege to 
    serve the House as Chair of the Franking Commission. I am grateful 
    to Chairman Ehlers for the opportunity I have had to serve in this 
    position.
        I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the majority and 
    minority staff of the Franking Commission, as we have worked 
    together to ensure the standards of the Commission have been met. 
    In particular, I would like to commend Jack Dail and Rich Landon 
    for unending dedication to the commission. The purpose of this 
    letter is to inform you that I am removing myself from the Franking 
    Commission effective today.

            Sincerely,
                                                          Bob Ney,
                                               Member of Congress.

Sec. 8.3 The Chair laid before the House the resignation of a Member 
    (the former Majority Leader) from the House Office Building 
    Commission.(1)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. Before title 40 was codified as positive law in 2002, the statute 
        appeared at 40 USC Sec. 175.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Pursuant to statute (2 USC Sec. 2001), as well as ``recess 
appointment'' authority granted by unanimous consent on Dec. 18, 2005, 
the Chair announced the Speaker's appointment of the (new) Majority 
Leader to fill a vacancy on the House Office Building Commission.
    On Mar. 9, 2006,(2) the following occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 152 Cong. Rec. 3172, 109th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        RESIGNATION OF MEMBER AND APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO HOUSE OFFICE 
                              BUILDING COMMISSION

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following communication from the Hon. Tom DeLay, Member of 
    Congress:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. John Campbell (CA).

                                    Congress of the United States,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, February 13, 2006.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
        Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, The Capitol, 
                                                     Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker, I hereby resign my position as a member of 
    the House Office Building Commission effective immediately.

            Sincerely,
                                                        Tom DeLay,
                                               Member of Congress.


[[Page 472]]



        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 2001, and the 
    order of the House of December 18, 2005, the Chair announces that 
    on February 13, 2006, the Speaker appointed the gentleman from Ohio 
    (Mr. Boehner) to the House Office Building Commission to fill the 
    existing vacancy thereon.

Sec. 8.4 The Speaker may be authorized by unanimous consent to accept 
    resignations notwithstanding an adjournment sine die.

    On Oct. 14, 1968,(1) Speaker John W. McCormack, of 
Massachusetts, was authorized to accept resignations (and appoint 
commissions, boards, and committees), notwithstanding adjournment of 
the second session of the 90th Congress sine die.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 114 Cong. Rec. 31313, 90th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. [Carl] ALBERT [of Oklahoma]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that notwithstanding the adjournment of the 2d session of 
    the 90th Congress, the Speaker be authorized to accept 
    resignations, and appoint commissions, boards, and committees 
    authorized by law or by the House.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from Oklahoma?
        There was no objection.

    On Dec. 15, 1967,(2) Mr. Albert asked for unanimous 
consent that, notwithstanding the adjournment of the first session of 
the 90th Congress, Speaker McCormack be authorized to accept 
resignations (and to appoint commissions, boards, and committees 
authorized by law or by the House). There was no objection and it was 
so ordered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 113 Cong. Rec. 37190, 90th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. ALBERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
    notwithstanding the adjournment of the first session of the 90th 
    Congress, the Speaker be authorized to accept resignations, and 
    appoint commissions, boards, and committees authorized by law or by 
    the House.
        The SPEAKER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
        There was no objection.

    On Oct. 22, 1965,(3) Speaker McCormack was authorized to 
accept resignations and to appoint commissions, boards, and committees 
authorized by law, notwithstanding adjournment sine die.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 111 Cong. Rec. 28563, 89th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. [Hale] BOGGS [of Louisiana]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that notwithstanding the adjournment of the 1st session of 
    the 89th Congress, the Speaker be authorized to accept 
    resignations, and to appoint commissions, boards, and committees 
    authorized by law or by the House.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from Louisiana?
        There was no objection.

[[Page 473]]

Sec. 8.5 The Speaker was authorized by unanimous consent to accept 
    resignations notwithstanding an adjournment to a day certain.

    On Oct. 13, 1970,(1) Mr. Carl Albert, of Oklahoma, asked 
for unanimous consent that, notwithstanding any adjournment of the 
House until Nov. 16, 1970, the Speaker be authorized to accept 
resignations and to appoint commissions, boards, and committees 
authorized by law or by the House. Speaker John W. McCormack, of 
Massachusetts, asked if there was any objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oklahoma and there was none.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 116 Cong. Rec. 36600, 91st Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. ALBERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
    notwithstanding any adjournment of the House until November 16, 
    1970, the Speaker be authorized to accept resignations and to 
    appoint commissions, boards, and committees authorized by law or by 
    the House.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from Oklahoma?
        There was no objection.

Informing House of Resignations During Adjournment

Sec. 8.6 The Speaker and party leaders may be authorized by unanimous 
    consent to accept resignations from commissions, boards, and 
    committees, as authorized by law or by the House, for a stated 
    period.

     On Jan. 8, 2003,(1) the House by unanimous consent 
authorized Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, of Illinois, Majority Leader Tom 
DeLay, of Texas, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, of California, to 
accept resignations and make appointments to commissions, boards, and 
committees during the first session, as authorized by law or by the 
House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 149 Cong. Rec. 239, 108th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Ms. [Deborah] PRYCE [of Ohio]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that during the first session of the 108th Congress, the 
    Speaker and majority leader and minority leader be authorized to 
    accept resignations and to make appointments authorized by law or 
    by the House.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(2) Is there objection to 
    the request of the gentlewoman from Ohio?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Dennis R. Rehberg (MT).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There was no objection.

[[Page 474]]

                      

[Page 474-515]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
         D. Resignations of Officers, Officials, and Employees
 
Sec. 9. Procedure


Officers

Sec. 9.1 A Speaker has resigned ``effective upon the election of his 
    successor.''

    On May 31, 1989,(1) Speaker James C. Wright, Jr., of 
Texas, was recognized by the Chair on a question of personal privilege. 
During the course of his remarks, the Speaker announced to the House 
his resignation as Speaker effective upon the election of his successor 
and his intention subsequently to resign as a Member of the House. 
Speaker Wright was the first Speaker to resign since Speaker Schuyler 
Colfax in 1869.(2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 135 Cong. Rec. 10431-41, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. For a listing of Speakers of the House, see www.clerk.house.gov/
art--history/house--history/speakers.html.
            See also 1 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 225.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

          QUESTION OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE--JIM WRIGHT, SPEAKER OF THE 
                                     HOUSE

        The Speaker pro tempore. (Mr. Foley).(3) The Chair 
    recognizes the distinguished Speaker of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Thomas S. Foley (WA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Mr. WRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I ask that I may be heard on a 
    question of personal privilege.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The distinguished Speaker is 
    recognized for 1 hour.
        (Mr. Wright asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
    his remarks and include extraneous matter.)
        Mr. WRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, for 34 years I have had the great 
    privilege to be a Member of this institution, the people's House, 
    and I shall forever be grateful for that wondrous privilege. I 
    never cease to be thankful to the people of the 12th District of 
    Texas for their friendship and their understanding and their 
    partiality toward me.
        Eighteen times they have voted to permit me the grand privilege 
    of representing them here in this repository of the democratic 
    principles.
        Only a few days ago, even in the face of harsh news accounts 
    and bitter criticisms, they indicated in a poll taken by the 
    leading newspaper in the district that 78 percent of them approved 
    of my services, and that includes 73 percent of the Republicans in 
    my district. I am very proud of that.
        And you, my colleagues--Democrats and Republicans--I owe a 
    great deal to you. You have given me the greatest gift within your 
    power to give. To be the Speaker of the U.S. House of 
    Representatives is the grandest opportunity that can come to any 
    lawmaker anywhere in the Western World, so I would be deeply remiss 
    if I did not express my sincere appreciation to you for that 
    opportunity.
        I would hope that I have reflected credit upon the people of my 
    district who know me best, perhaps, and upon

[[Page 475]]

    the people of this House who, next to them, know me best.
        I am proud of a number of things that we have done together 
    while you have let me be your Speaker. I am proud of the record of 
    the 100th Congress.
        Many people feel that it was the most responsive and productive 
    Congress in perhaps 25 years, and all of you who were here in that 
    Congress had a part in that.
        Many of the things we did were truly bipartisan in character. 
    Together we made it possible for great leaps forward to be made in 
    such things as U.S. competitiveness in the world. Together we 
    fashioned the beginnings of a truly effective war on drugs--to 
    stamp out that menace to the streets and schools and homes of our 
    Nation.
        We began the effort to help the homeless, and we still have 
    work to do to make housing affordable to low-income Americans so 
    that there will not be any homeless in this country.
        We did things to help abate the financial disaster of 
    catastrophic illness, to provide for welfare reform, clean water, 
    and a great many other things that I shall not detail.
        For your help, your great work, and for permitting me to be a 
    part of this institution while that was happening, I thank you and 
    I shall forever be grateful for your cooperation.
        I love this institution. I want to assure each of you that 
    under no circumstances, having spent more than half my life here, 
    this House being my home, would I ever knowingly or intentionally 
    do or say anything to violate its rules or detract from its 
    standards. All of us are prone to human error.
        The Speaker of the House is, in fact, the chief enforcer of the 
    rules of the House. It is really a wonderful thing that any Member 
    of the House may, at his or her will, bring questions against any 
    other Member and under our rules the case must be investigated. I 
    have no quarrel with that, nor do I have any criticism of the 
    people who serve on the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 
    That is a thankless job, and we have to have such a committee.
        For nearly a year I have ached to tell my side of the story. 
    True, the questions which I have to respond to keep changing. But 
    today silence is no longer tolerable, nor, for the good of the 
    House, is it even desirable.
        So without any rancor and without any bitterness, without any 
    hard feelings toward anybody, I thank you for indulging me as I 
    answer to you, and to the American people, for my honor, my 
    reputation, and all the things I have tried to stand for all these 
    years.
        For the past year, while the Committee on Standards of Official 
    Conduct has had these matters under advisement, I have ached for 
    the opportunity to speak. Almost daily I besought the committee to 
    let me come and answer whatever questions the Members had on their 
    minds.
        Finally, on the 14th of September, 1988, they gave me 1 day in 
    which to respond. I gratefully went and spent the whole morning and 
    the whole afternoon, answering as candidly and as freely as I 
    possibly could, any question that anyone asked. I believe when I 
    left everyone was reasonably well satisfied.
        Suffice it to say that the five original charges were dropped, 
    dismissed. In

[[Page 476]]

    their place, however, came three additional charges. Well, some 
    said 69. But the 69 are actually just a matter of multiple counting 
    of the 3.
        In April the committee said, well, the members thought there 
    was some reason to believe that rules may have been violated in 
    these three basic areas.
        I owe it to you, and to the American people, to give a 
    straightforward answer on those three areas.
        While I am convinced that I am right, maybe I am wrong. I know 
    that each of us, as Benjamin Franklin suggested, should be careful 
    to doubt a little his own infallibility.
        Before those charges were issued, press leaks filtered out 
    almost daily, tarnishing my reputation and, by inference, spilling 
    over to the reputation of this institution.
        I pleaded for the privilege to come and answer those questions. 
    Under the rules, that was not permitted to me. And the charges were 
    formally made.
        So let us look at them--one by one--dispassionately.
        The committee has raised three basic questions. It does not say 
    there is clear and convincing proof that I violated the rules; it 
    does not say that the committee knows I violated the rules. The 
    committee said it had some reason to believe I may have violated 
    the rules. For these last few weeks I have been trying to 
    understand that and get an opportunity to address it.
        Now is the day; I am going to do it now.
        The three questions are these: One relates to my wife Betty's 
    employment at $18,000 a year for some 4 years by a small investment 
    corporation which she and I formed with friends of ours, George and 
    Marlene Mallick. Did the salary and the attendant benefits of that 
    employment--the use of an apartment when she was in Fort Worth on 
    company business and the use of a company-owned car--constitute 
    merely a sham and subterfuge and a gift from our friend Mr. 
    Mallick? Betty's employment and those things related to it--were 
    they gifts?

                                {time}  1610

        Members have read in the papers the suggestion made by 
    committee counsel that I may have received up to $145,000 in gifts 
    from my friend, Mr. Mallick. Half of it, $72,000, was Betty's 
    income, Betty's salary. The other half involved the use of a car 
    and use of an apartment. The question is whether this is right or 
    wrong. Let us look at it.
        Betty's employment--was this a gift? The first question, I 
    suppose Members might be asking, is why was Betty working for the 
    corporation. Why did we put her to work at $18,000 a year? The 
    answer is very simple. She was the only one of the four of us who 
    had the time and the inclination to handle the job--to look into 
    the investment opportunities that our investment corporation was 
    created to explore. George Mallick was too busy looking after his 
    own interests. He has business interests of his own. Marlene 
    Mallick was raising a family. I was busy being a Member of Congress 
    and majority leader. I did not have any time to spend on it. Betty 
    alone, among all of us, had the time, the opportunity, the 
    experience, and the desire to give effort and energy to exploring 
    and promoting investment opportunities.

[[Page 477]]

        She did, indeed, perform work. It paid off for the little 
    corporation. She did it well. She studied and followed the stock 
    market on regional stocks. I had brought into the corporation some 
    that I had owned personally, in my personal estate. Betty advised 
    us as to the best time to sell, the best time to buy, and the 
    corporation made some money on those regional stocks. Not a lot of 
    money by some people's standards, but we made some money. Betty's 
    work paid for her salary, several times over.
        She made very frequent contacts with a drilling company that 
    was working on a series of exploratory west Texas gas wells, in 
    which each of the partners had an interest, having all borrowed 
    money from the corporation in order to invest. She visited the site 
    of drilling and maintained contact with the company for us.
        She went to New York and studied the gemstone business and the 
    corporation made an investment in gemstones. We made some money on 
    that. Betty also looked into the possibility of the corporation, 
    Mallightco, building an apartment complex for young people but she 
    concluded that the interest rates were unfavorable. Betty also 
    spent a considerable amount of time studying the wine culture 
    industry which was then just getting started in Texas. She made an 
    economic study that concluded it was too speculative for a little 
    corporation of our type.
        She looked into other prospective investments such as a small 
    and limited partnership in the movie, ``Annie,'' and a prospective 
    venture in sulfur extraction, but advised against both of those 
    investments. It was lucky for us that she did because people 
    investing in them lost money.
        Now I want to include for printing in the Record affidavits 
    from several business people who know from their personal 
    experience and attest to the work that Betty did in this regard. 
    There will appear in the Record, at this point, an affidavit by 
    Pamela L. Smith, one by Kay F. Snyder, one by John Freeman, one by 
    Louis A. Farris, Jr., and one by J.B. Williams, all attesting to 
    their personal knowledge of the things Betty did in working for the 
    corporation at $18,000 a year.
        The affidavits follow:

                                 Affidavit
    State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

            Personally before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary 
        Public in and for the County of Tarrant, State of Texas, duly 
        commissioned and qualified, there came and appeared Pamela L. 
        Smith, who being first duly sworn, did depose and say:
            ``My name is Pamela L. Smith, my address is 921 Holly, 
        Crowley, Texas 76036. I am the Managing Director of The Mallick 
        Company and its affiliates.
            I have read in newspapers, magazines and hear on T.V. that 
        Mr. Phelan has made the charge that Mallightco was a sham 
        corporation and Mrs. Betty Wright did not do work or earn her 
        pay. These charges are completely false and I have given 
        testimony of this information to the Ethics Committee when I 
        appeared before them.
            I was first introduced to Mrs. Wright in 1973 by my 
        employer Mr. Mallick. I was 23 years old. Through the years 
        Mrs. Wright became a role model to me. Mrs. Wright encouraged 
        me to join a professional business women's club. On her advice, 
        I

[[Page 478]]

        joined Zonta International in 1978. I became the youngest 
        President of the Fort Worth Chapter in 1982.
            I became associated with Mrs. Wright professionally when 
        she began working for Mallick Properties, Inc. in 1979. Mrs. 
        Wright worked on the Mallick Concept from 1979-1981. The 
        Mallick Concept was a small apartment unit designed for the 
        young adult to be built throughout the Sunbelt area. Mrs. 
        Wright, along with other staff including myself, studied 
        approximately 10 different cities throughout the Sunbelt 
        states. Mrs. Wright was excited about being a part of a team to 
        develop and construct an apartment designed especially for 
        young people. Mrs. Wright liked the idea of an apartment that 
        was affordable for young people--first-time apartment dwellers 
        and young married couples out on their own.
            Mrs. Wright traveled often to many cities to discuss the 
        concept with attorneys, city planners and engineers. Mrs. 
        Wright along with others would survey the cities and locate 
        building sites. She would return, complete her notes, and help 
        prepare lengthly written reports.
            In the latter part of 1979, I helped assemble and form the 
        corporation Mallightco Inc. to be owned by the Mallicks and the 
        Wrights. The Wright's contribution was $58,127 in stocks and 
        securities. The stock was delivered to me. As assistant 
        secretary of Mallightco, the stock was under my safekeeping. 
        Thereafter, I was in charge of day-to-day operations of 
        Mallightco, Inc., under Mr. Mallick's direction.
            In 1981, Mrs. Wright left Mallick Properties' payroll and 
        went on the Mallightco Inc. payroll at $18,000 a year.
            Mrs. Wright pursued many business opportunities presented 
        to Mallightco, including, but not limited to the following:
                                             1. Barite and chemical.
                                          2. Lou Farris--Chain Bank.
                                                3. Everman Property.
                                            4. Nigerian Oil Trading.
                                                      5. Matrix Oil.
                                6. Brazos River Vineyard and Winery.
                                            7. ``Annie''--the movie.
                                         8. Oil and gas investments.

            Additionally, Mrs. Wright met with Mr. Mallick and business 
        associates on so many occasions that it is impossible to recall 
        each, but I attended dozens of meetings with Mrs. Wright and 
        Mr. Mallick from 1981 through 1984 on Mallightco business both 
        in and outside of our offices.
            For newspapers or Mr. Phelan to suggest that Mrs. Wright 
        did not work is unreasonable and untrue. In addition to the 
        above projects, I know that Mrs. Wright regularly tracked stock 
        market/interest rate trends and discussed on the telephone by 
        long distance Mallightco business affairs.''
            Sworn to upon my oath, this 15th day of April, 1989.
                                                  Pamela L. Smith.

            Given under my hand and seal of office this 15th day of 
        April, 1989.

                                                  Dorothy C. Wing.

        Notary Public in and for the State of Texas.



                                 Affidavit
    State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

            Personally before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary 
        Public in and for the County of Tarrant, State of Texas, duly 
        commissioned and qualified, there came and appeared Kay F. 
        Snyder, who being first duly sworn, did depose and say:
            ``My name is Kay F. Snyder, my address is 3813 Mattison, 
        Fort Worth, Texas 76107. I am Director of Dining Enterprises, 
        Inc. the corporate owner and operator of restaurants located in 
        Fort Worth.

[[Page 479]]

            Beginning in 1978, I and my husband at that time, Armand 
        Jones, began a vineyard in Parker County, Texas. Our vineyard 
        was successful and in the early 1980's we then began exploring 
        the idea of developing a winery project to produce wine at our 
        vineyard and to market it in the restaurants we owned, as well 
        as to conduct tours of the vineyard and winery.
            Beginning in 1981, I had discussions with the Mallick 
        group, initiated by Betty Wright. Although we never entered 
        into a joint venture for the development of this project, I 
        personally met with Betty Wright, Congressman Jim Wright and 
        Mr. George Mallick and other representatives of their group 
        over a period of several years to investigate the feasibility 
        of this project.
            The first substantive meeting was in July of 1984 and 
        included Betty Wright, Jim Wright and I; however, all of the 
        business that was discussed was between Betty and myself. Over 
        the next year, Betty and I had numerous meetings at the 
        vineyard, and telephone conferences regarding the project. Our 
        meetings were lengthy, lasting from five to eight hours each. 
        On one occasion, Betty Wright, Jim Wright and I spent a full 
        day touring the vineyard and reviewing projections and 
        proposals regarding the winery. Subsequent to my multiple 
        meetings with Betty Wright, I had at least 8 meetings with 
        George Mallick. After extended research, projections and 
        negotiations, we were unable to reach an agreement and the 
        joint venture was never consummated.
            From the inception, this proposed joint venture was a 
        project in which Betty Wright took an active part, contributing 
        many hours of her time and her management and business skills 
        to the analysis and development of the project. She initiated 
        our negotiations and was active throughout the process. In all 
        our meetings, she was well informed on the subject, asked 
        intelligent questions and was thorough in pursuing the details 
        of the project knowledgeably and in a business-like manner. In 
        fact, when I was in meetings with both George Mallick and Betty 
        Wright, Betty led the discussion.
            In summary, as regards the Mallick group's consideration of 
        our winery proposal, Betty Wright was in charge and in control 
        of the project. She initiated the contact, invested many hours 
        of her time and had an active, meaningful and integral role in 
        the Mallick group's analysis and evaluation of our proposal.''
            Sworn to upon my oath, this 15th day of April, 1989.
                                                    Kay F. Snyder.

            Given under my hand and seal of office this 15th day of 
        April, 1989.

                                                  Dorothy C. Wing.

        Notary Public in and for the State of Texas.



                                 Affidavit
    State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

            Personally before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary 
        Public in and for the County of Tarrant, State of Texas, duly 
        commissioned and qualified, there came and appeared John A. 
        Freeman, who being first duly sworn, did depose and say:
            ``My name is John A. Freeman, and my address is 5100 
        Crestline, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. I am an investor with 
        interests in many different industries. I came to Fort Worth in 
        1967 and was introduced to Congressman Wright by Mr. Amon 
        Carter, Jr. in 1968.
            Shortly after Mr. Wright married Betty Wright I met them at 
        a reception and continued to see them at irregular intervals. 
        In 1978 and 1979 I mentioned to Congressman Wright

[[Page 480]]

        that I had enjoyed moderate success in investing in some 
        shallow wells with Southeastern Resources. He said that he only 
        had modest funds to invest but would like to invest in oil and 
        gas exploration. I told him of a well that I had an interest in 
        and he invested in a small percentage.
            In 1979, at Congressman and Betty Wright's anniversary 
        party, Betty introduced me to Mr. George Mallick and asked if I 
        could meet with them at some convenient time to discuss 
        business opportunities.
            Shortly after that anniversary party, I met with Betty at 
        Mr. Mallick's office and she explained that he was an investor 
        as I was, and she was to assist him in looking for 
        opportunities in the real estate, oil, or possibly other areas 
        and that she would appreciate the chance to look at 
        opportunities I might be interested in and that they in turn 
        would do the same for me. I then met with Mr. Mallick and he 
        discussed his various business experiences.
            In early 1979 or 1980, I was having dinner with Mr. Jim 
        Ling in Fort Worth and discussing the formation of a company to 
        acquire interests in the energy field. Mr. Mallick and Betty 
        Wright were dining at the same club and come by the table and 
        were introduced to Mr. Ling. The following day I called Betty 
        and told her that I was discussing an investment in Matrix 
        Energy with Mr. Ling and it might be something that Mr. Mallick 
        would be interested in. She told me that her position was no 
        longer that of an employee but that she and Mr. Mallick had 
        formed a company that they jointly owned. I furnished her all 
        the information I had on Matrix Energy. Approximately six 
        months later, I received a call from Betty and she told me that 
        they had no interest in Matrix.
            In 1982, I met with Congressman Wright in Fort Worth and he 
        informed me that George Mallick and Betty were in New York 
        working and that he was going to join them when he left Fort 
        Worth. At that time, I was working with an institutional 
        investor and was planning to meet with them in New York. As I 
        was going to be in New York, I arranged to meet with George, 
        Jim and Betty there. We met and I told them what I was 
        presently working on in the real estate field and they asked to 
        meet with me in Fort Worth to see if they had any projects that 
        we might do together.
            Betty, George and I met in Fort Worth approximately two 
        weeks later and I was furnished a description of property that 
        they either knew of or controlled to see if we had any 
        interest. I submitted properties that I had and the other 
        properties to my investor. It was decided that we should pursue 
        one project that Betty and Mr. Mallick had submitted.
            I called Betty and she referred me to Mr. Mallick. We then 
        worked for a period of approximately 2 months on our 
        feasibility study during which time I met with Betty and George 
        on several occasions. As a result of our failure to pre-lease 
        the project, we decided not to build the building. Betty was 
        active throughout the development and consideration of this 
        project.
            Beyond the consideration of these two projects, I had 
        numerous contacts with Betty and George in New York City where 
        I ran into them while they were pursuing various business 
        investments.
            In summary, to my personal knowledge, Betty Wright was an 
        active and hard working member of the Mallick investment group. 
        She was the person who introduced me to George Mallick and she 
        worked with George and me throughout our consideration of the 
        Ling investment and the office building project in Fort Worth.

[[Page 481]]

            Based on my personal experience with Betty Wright and 
        George Mallick, Betty was a full and equal partner in 
        everything we tried to do together. She was the primary reason 
        I was involved with Mallightco and she was involved every step 
        of the way.''
            Sworn to upon my oath, this 15th day of April, 1989.

                                                  John A. Freeman.

            Given under my hand and seal of office this 15th day of 
        April 1989.

                                                  Dorothy C. Wing.

        Notary Public in and for the State of Texas.
    State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

                                 Affidavit

            Personally before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary 
        Public in and for the County of Tarrant, State of Texas, duly 
        commissioned and qualified, there came and appeared Louis A. 
        Farris, Jr., who being first duly sworn, did depose and say:
            ``My name is Louis A. Farris, Jr., and my address is 8214 
        Westchester, Suite 91J, Dallas, Texas 75225. I am President of 
        Empire Financial Corporation.
            Over a period of several months beginning in the summer of 
        1983, I had three meetings in my Dallas office with George 
        Mallick and Betty Wright to discuss various investments 
        proposals for which I was seeking partners.
            At our first meeting, Congressman Wright was also in 
        attendance. George, Betty, the Congressman and I discussed my 
        group's interest in acquiring common stock of the First 
        National Bank of Weatherford then held by Mallightco. As a 
        result of our discussions, the First National Bank of 
        Weatherford, bought the stock from Mallightco for approximately 
        $25,000.
            Over the next several months George, Betty and I met two 
        more times in my office. At the time I was attempting to 
        assemble a chain of banks in several states and I was looking 
        for partners and investors. George and Betty reviewed my 
        proposal, but decided not to participate in that venture with 
        me.
            From the outset of our meetings, I was told that George and 
        Betty were co-owners of an investment company and all of my 
        dealings with them confirmed such an arrangement. George and 
        Betty both participated in all of our discussions and 
        negotiations. In every way, Betty was a full and responsible 
        partner in all of their dealings with me.
            Sworn to upon my oath, this 15th day of April, 1989.

                                              Louis A. Farris, Jr.

            Given under my hand and seal of office this 15th day of 
        April, 1989.

                                                  Dorothy C. Wing.

        Notary Public in and for the State of Texas.



                                 Affidavit
    State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

            Personally before me, the undersigned authority, a Notary 
        Public in and for the County of Tarrant, State of Texas, duly 
        commissioned and qualified, there came and appeared J. B. 
        Williams, who being first duly sworn, did depose and say:
            ``My name is J.B. Williams, my address is 6150 Indigo 
        Court, Fort Worth, Texas 76112. I am Chief Executive Officer of 
        Southeastern Resources Corporation, an independent oil and gas 
        producer. Beginning in 1979, Congressman Jim Wright, his wife, 
        Betty Wright, George Mallick and his wife, Marlene Mallick 
        began a business relationship with our

[[Page 482]]

        company which led to the drilling of approximately 25 oil and 
        gas wells over a period of 2-3 years, with the production from 
        these wells continuing for approximately 10 years. The business 
        relationship began with a meeting in 1979 in which Mr. and Mrs. 
        Wright and Mr. and Mrs. Mallick met with our company and 
        various personnel, George Jett, Vice President of Field 
        Operations, Jean Williams, Executive Vice President, Dan 
        Flournoy, Comptroller, Bill McCormick, Field Engineer and later 
        on field people and other administrative personnel.
            I had the perception that George Mallick and Betty Wright 
        made the ultimate decisions to participate in the drilling of 
        the wells with our company. That perception was simply because 
        Betty and George asked more questions, and Betty in particular 
        asked for and received the various contract forms and 
        geological data of the intended area of drilling interest. 
        Later on and for several years Betty made many visits to our 
        office to gather information on the joint interest. She also 
        made many telephone calls with regard to same.
            To the best of my memory Betty made more than one trip to 
        Brown County for on-site inspection of the joint oil and gas 
        interest and on one occasion Congressman Wright, Betty, George 
        and Marlene visited several wells with me and I was impressed 
        by Betty's technical questions. My memory is not specific but 
        the impression lingered that she, more than anyone else in the 
        Mallick group, including George Mallick, attempted to learn the 
        why and wherefores of the business in which the group was 
        investing its money.
            On many occasions I made visits to the Mallick offices on 
        Hulen Street to discuss some aspects of the group's oil and gas 
        interest and in my memory George always called Betty into these 
        meetings and appeared to rely on her for dates, recall, 
        opinions and decisions. These are lingering and lasting 
        impressions as opposed to specifics, but I can testify under 
        oath that though I was not aware of any details of any 
        employer-employee relationship between Mallick and Betty 
        Wright, she was in my strong opinion an integral person in the 
        on-going business affairs of the Wrights and Mallicks, and in 
        regard to their investments with my company, she took a 
        leadership role.
            I have known George many years and greatly admire his 
        entrepreneurial enterprise but like most of us business types 
        his successes have been attendant with some failures. It is not 
        more than a personal opinion but during Betty's years with 
        George, I judged she helped him achieve a balance that he 
        didn't have in the years before or after their association.
            This affidavit is given on a voluntary basis. I have 
        neither seen nor talked with Congressman Wright (except to see 
        him on television) since May of 1988. I have not seen the 
        Mallicks for several years, although I have spoken to George on 
        the telephone as recently as last month and we did discuss the 
        investigation. Congressman Wright, Betty Wright, the Mallicks 
        nor anyone else has asked me to volunteer this information.
            The purposes of this affidavit is to personally refute the 
        Ethics Committee allegation and accusations that Betty Wright 
        was a sham employee of George Mallick. I will be glad to 
        testify before any authorized investigative body to the truth 
        of these statements.''
            Sworn to upon my oath, this 15th day of April, 1989.
                                                    J.B. Williams.

            Given under my hand and seal of office this 15th day of 
        April, 1989.

                                                  Dorothy C. Wing.

[[Page 483]]

        Notary Public in and for the State of Texas.

        The outside counsel employed by the committee has suggested 
    that Mrs. Wright's employment somehow amounted to a gift. I do not 
    know why, but he assumed that the services she rendered could not 
    have been worth $18,000 a year. How he concludes that she did not 
    perform duties is to me a mystery.
        On page 20 of the statement of alleged violation, there is a 
    very strange suggestion that, ``there was no evidence either 
    supporting or establishing that the money paid to Mrs. Wright was 
    in return for identifiable services or work products.'' Frankly, I 
    do not know exactly what Mr. Phelan means by ``work products.''
        Does he want so many pages of old shorthand notes? So many 
    pages of typed manuscript? Betty was not a carpenter.
        Is a woman's mental study, her time and her advice, not to be 
    counted as a work product? How the committee could conclude that 
    there was ``no evidence'' that Betty performed duties is very 
    puzzling to me. There certainly is no evidence that she did not.
        When I was before the committee, that was not one of the things 
    that was being considered. The committee did not ask me to go into 
    any elaborate details as I have just done--to tell them the things 
    that she did.
        The committee assumed--assumed--that there was no evidence. Oh, 
    but there was evidence. Both the people of whom questions were 
    asked, aside from myself, Mr. Mallick and Pamela Smith, testified 
    that she did indeed work.
        Mr. Phelan's report says that Pamela Smith could not identify 
    any more than maybe 12 days in the whole 4-year period in which 
    Betty worked. That is an inaccurate representation of what Mrs. 
    Smith said. Pamela Smith, both in this affidavit and in her 
    testimony before the committee, clearly said she saw Betty there 
    from 5 to 7 days every month including weekends. Mrs. Smith spoke 
    of her knowledge of Betty doing work in Washington and New York and 
    elsewhere. So there was surely evidence.
        Well, is one to conclude that my wife's services to a little 
    corporation were worth less than $18,000? For most of her adult 
    life Mrs. Wright has been a business person. She has been an 
    officer in a large hotel, an officer in a successful real estate 
    and construction firm, and a professional staff person on a 
    congressional committee. She was making more than $18,000 when she 
    worked for the congressional committee.
        And here is the irony, the supreme irony: In 1976, when I was 
    elected majority leader, Betty voluntarily left her job as a 
    professional staff person on the committee so as to avoid any 
    criticism of this institution or of her husband on the grounds that 
    we both were on the public payroll. How many colleagues in the 
    House and the Senate do Members know whose wives are on the public 
    payroll, doing good work? Yet Betty did not want to be the cause 
    for even unfounded criticism. She was legally entitled to continue. 
    She had occupied that job before our marriage. But she chose to 
    leave, to save the institution and her husband from unwarranted 
    criticism. That is the kind of person she is.

[[Page 484]]

        Now it just seems to me that there is not any justification at 
    all for any person even raising a question about whether she earned 
    her $18,000 a year. Should a Member of Congress have to prove that 
    his wife earned that much money? Bear in mind, this money was not 
    paid by Mr. Mallick. The money was paid by the corporation of which 
    Betty and I were half owners.
        In addition to charging that Betty's salary was a gift, the 
    outside counsel contends, in summing up $145,000 in gifts, that 
    Betty had the use of the company car. That is true, she did. For 
    the first 3 years it was used largely by Mr. and Mrs. Mallick. The 
    next 4 years, Betty had most use of it.
        It was not Mr. Mallick's car, it was the company car. The 
    company bought and paid for it. We owned half of it. The next 4 
    years Betty had most of the use of it.
        I have done what I can to resolve any doubt. I wanted to do the 
    right thing--the honorable thing. I bought and paid for that car 
    out of my personal funds.
        The trustee of my blind trust, at my instruction, paid the 
    corporation full book value for the car on the day Betty first 
    started driving it on company business, plus interest. The interest 
    amounted to about $3,000.
        What more can I do? Does that make it right? That has already 
    been done.
        Concerning the apartment, Betty and I have been more than 
    anxious to do what is right and honorable about that. We did not 
    think there was anything wrong with paying a per diem rate. The 
    apartment was not held out for rent to anybody else. It was not 
    owned for rental purposes. The Mallick family did not want anybody 
    also in the apartment. The family owned about six apartments in 
    this unit or complex. They held those apartments out for their 
    employees and their families. There would not have been anybody in 
    the apartment paying any amount of money at all if they had not 
    permitted us, when we were in town, to occupy the apartment. We 
    paid on a daily basis for our use of that apartment.
        But in an effort to resolve any doubt, last year I told Mr. 
    Mallick that I did not like the situation being criticized. He said 
    ``Ralph Lotkin, the counsel for the Committee on Standards, said it 
    was all right.'' Mr. Mallick pointed out that 4 years ago, there 
    was in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper a statement quoting 
    the chief counsel of the Committee on Standards, Mr. Lotkin, as 
    saying that be [sic] did not see anything improper with the per 
    diem arrangement on the apartment. I relied on that.
        Nevertheless, last year I said to George Mallick, ``I want to 
    buy the apartment, George. I want to pay you for it.'' I did. I 
    paid the amount suggested as appraised by two real estate persons 
    in Fort Worth, $58,000. Now, if anybody thinks that is too low a 
    price, I will sell it to you today for $58,000.
        Well, I just wanted to clear the air and remove doubts and say 
    that if we made a mistake, we have done what we can to set things 
    right. I do not think we violated any rules. I think you are 
    entitled to know that, and my respect for you leads me to want to 
    tell you that.
        The second alleged violation is based on the assumption that 
    Betty's employment and the job benefits that she had

[[Page 485]]

    were gifts, and the further assumption that George Mallick, our 
    friend and business partner, had a direct interest in influencing 
    legislation, which would make it a violation of the rules for us to 
    accept gifts from him.
        Now how does the committee arrive at that suggestion? I have 
    known Mr. Mallick for more than 25 years. He has been my friend. He 
    has been a good, decent, hard-working man, a man of Lebanese 
    extraction. His father had a wholesale grocery store in Fort Worth. 
    His grandfather came there with a wagon, a cart. George has been a 
    moderately successful businessman.
        Never once in all the years I have known this man has he ever 
    asked me to vote for or against any piece of legislation--not once. 
    That is not the basis of our friendship. That is not the way our 
    relationship goes. You have friends like that; they do not ask you 
    for anything. All they want is to be a friend. Not one time has he 
    asked me to intercede with any administrative agency of government 
    in his behalf or in behalf of any institution in which he has an 
    interest--not once.
        How do they say that he had a direct interest in influencing 
    legislation? Well, on page 58 of the committee report, it is 
    suggested that simply because he was in the real estate business 
    and because he had some oil and gas investments, the committee 
    might ``infer''--that is the word--the committee might infer that 
    he could be deemed a person with an interest of a direct nature in 
    legislation.
        The committee suggested he might have an interest in the Tax 
    Code. Well, who does not? Every taxpayer has an interest in the Tax 
    Code. Anybody who ever expects to receive Social Security has an 
    interest in the Social Security laws. All people have an interest 
    of some kind in the results of legislation; do they not?
        That is not what we are talking about. We are talking about 
    whether or not they have an interest in trying to influence the 
    course of legislation.
        Now where would you go to find out what that means? If somebody 
    wants to associate with you in some way and be in business with you 
    back home in a perfectly legal way, where would you go to find out 
    whether they have an interest in legislation or not? Whom would you 
    consult if you were in doubt about it? I was not in doubt, but 
    suppose you were. Would you think you could consult the 
    publications of the committee or consult the people who wrote the 
    rules?
        Well, the people who wrote the rules do not think George 
    Mallick had an interest in legislation. David Obey was the chairman 
    of the committee that drafted those rules. He asserts clearly, 
    unequivocally, emphatically, and unambiguously, both in an 
    affidavit and an op ed he wrote for the Washington Post, the 
    definition that does not fit George Mallick's case. Mr. Mallick 
    does not have an interest in legislation, as defined under the 
    rules, the rules that David and his committee wrote.
        Harold Sawyer, a former Republican Member from Michigan, who 
    served on that committee along with David Obey, says the same 
    thing. I have an affidavit from Mr. Sawyer in which he states 
    exactly that same conclusion.
        And there is an affidavit of Donald F. Terry, who is currently 
    employed by the Committee on Small Business, but

[[Page 486]]

    who was a staff member of the Commission on Administrative Review 
    which was charged in 1976 with responsibility for drafting new 
    rules of official conduct for the House. Most of what he refers to 
    has to do with the question of book royalties, and I shall come to 
    that next.
        But in these matters, these three people who had a great deal 
    to do with writing the rule say that is not what they intended when 
    they wrote the rule. I offer these for printing in the Record, as 
    follows:

                   [From the Washington Post, Apr. 25, 1989]

                The Wright Report--They're Misapplying the Rules

                                (By David Obey)

            I would like to offer some thoughts about the manner by 
        which Congress and the nation reach judgments on the ethics of 
        public men and women.
            My only particular credential is that in 1977 I chaired the 
        commission that rewrote, reformed and strengthened the House 
        Code of Conduct under which Speaker Jim Wright is now being 
        judged.
            Of course, the ethics of public figures should be judged in 
        a broad context. It is ironic, as George Will has thoughtfully 
        noted [op-ed, April 18], that in the '80s the ethics of public 
        figures are being discussed solely in terms of personal or 
        financial acts.
            When I first unpacked my bag of Wisconsin progressive 
        values 20 years ago, as an idealistic 30-year-old newcomer to 
        Congress, I had the idea--and still have the idea--that public 
        decisions which deny decent shelter to today's poor and steal 
        from the living standards of tomorrow's families in order to 
        continue the fiction that wealthy people are undertaxed are at 
        least as unethical as, say, Judge Ginsburg's smoking a 
        marijuana cigarette or a Cabinet nominee's feeling a female 
        knee in public. So is lying to Congress about financing an 
        illegal war.
            Of course, there must be a higher standard than that of the 
        marketplace for those of us who serve in public life. That is 
        why members of Congress disclose the amounts and sources of 
        their outside income even though those who report our actions 
        and shape public opinion in the process do not (disregarding 
        Adlai Stevenson's warning that those who shape the public mind 
        may do evil just as great as those who steal the public purse).
            I will reach no final conclusion about the speaker's case 
        until I have all the facts. My purpose in writing is to help 
        ensure that House rules for which I have prime responsibility 
        are correctly understood and applied by the House, which must 
        live by them, and the public, which must be served by them.
            I do so with reluctance because rewriting those rules in 
        1977 was painful. Those rules changes cost some of my 
        colleagues a lot of money--more than $100,000--and while the 
        vast majority have recognized that I was simply doing my job 
        for the good of the institution, a few have never forgiven me.
            The issue before the standards committee at the moment is 
        not, as some have written, whether Jim Wright should remain as 
        speaker. The issue is whether he has broken House rules. In my 
        view, two rules cited by the standards committee in its initial 
        report a week ago are being misapplied.
            Book Royalties: In examining the meaning of the rule of 
        book royalties, the committee report makes two mistakes:
            (1) It asserts that the intention of my commission in 
        drafting the House rule can be determined by

[[Page 487]]

        reading Senate debate. But the House rule was adopted before 
        that Senate debate took place on the basis of testimony before 
        us that occurred 77 days before Senate consideration.
            (2) Committee Counsel Richard Phelan was ``guided by the 
        language of Advisory Opinion 13'' in determining the royalty 
        provision. That is wrong because the advisory opinion had 
        nothing to do with the copyright exemption. It was drafted to 
        distinguish between earned and unearned income from businesses. 
        It was never even considered in the context of royalty income.
            If today's committee feels that the speaker violated House 
        rules in his actions on book royalties, it must cite different 
        rules and a different line of reasoning than the one contained 
        in its erroneous report.
            Interest in Legislation: The second misapplied rule is the 
        committee's new definition of who has a distinct interest in 
        legislation. This is crucial because it would determine if or 
        when the speaker received illegal gifts from George Mallick, a 
        business associate and a 30-year close, personal friend. The 
        committee report determined that Mallick had a direct interest 
        in legislation ``by virtue of the fact that he had large 
        holdings and investments.'' That interpretation is an 
        absolutely arbitrary ex post facto rewriting of the rule.
            In writing the gift limitation, we made no distinction 
        whatsoever on the basis of a citizen's economic status. 
        Advisory Opinion 10, produced to guide members through this 
        tricky thicket, spelled out four specific covered categories: a 
        lobbyist, one who hires a lobbyist, one who maintains a 
        separate political action committee, or one who the member 
        knows has a distinct and special interest that sets him apart 
        from others in his class. We specifically warned that members 
        must be wary of gifts over $100 ``unless such gift is from a 
        close, personal friend.''
            That language (and constant assurances I gave numerous 
        members in 1977--that it would not be construed to require 
        members to become accountants in their dealings with lifelong 
        personal friends) makes it reasonable to assume that for 1981-
        1985 Wright could have concluded the rule did not cover 
        Mallick. I do not know whether he was covered after 1985 
        because I do not have all the facts. The standards committee 
        will, I am sure, review those events carefully.
            I am confident that the House and the committee will be 
        mindful of their public obligation and will do whatever is 
        right. But T.S. Eliot also warned us that the greatest treason 
        is to ``do the right deed for the wrong reason.''
            One other point: I am amused when some members of the press 
        blithely dismiss as weak the rules under which Wright is being 
        judged. Any reading of the congressional debate that took place 
        at the time would leave no doubt that they were regarded as far 
        too strong by many thoughtful members. And they were also 
        regarded as being too tough by some members of the press, 
        including a highly respected reporter for The Post who wrote an 
        op-ed piece the day we adopted these rules, urging their defeat 
        because they were too meddlesome. I do not mind the change of 
        opinion expressed by some in the press today, but I do mind the 
        sanctimony that occasionally accompanies that change of 
        opinion.
            No branch of government in our 200-year history has so 
        thoroughly and excruciatingly examined the conduct of anyone 
        within it as has the House in this instance. That should bring 
        credit, not condemnation, on the House in which I proudly 
        serve.


[[Page 488]]





        [U.S. House of Representatives before the Committee on 
            Standards of Official Conduct]

                       Affidavit of Harold S. Sawyer

               In the matter of Speaker James C. Wright, Jr.
    State of Michigan,
    County of Kent, ss:

            I, Harold S. Sawyer, am competent to give affidavits at 
        law, and testify as follows:
            1. I am a partner in the Grand Rapids law firm of Warner, 
        Norcross & Judd. I served as a Republican Member of Congress 
        from 1977 to 1985.
            2. In 1978, I served as a Republican Member of the House 
        Select Committee on Ethics (``the Preyer Committee''), which 
        drafted and later issued a number of Advisory Opinions 
        implementing and interpreting the House's Rules of Official 
        Conduct.
            3. During my service as a member of the Preyer Committee, 
        our Committee had occasion to consider Rule XLIII, Clause 4, 
        which prohibits members from accepting gifts from persons with 
        a ``direct interest in legislation.'' We were very concerned 
        with who would be considered to have a direct interest for 
        purposes of the Rule, since virtually anyone who holds 
        property, belongs to a profession, receives Social Security or 
        any other form of government assistance, or works as a farmer 
        has a ``direct interest'' in legislation before Congress. In 
        the broad sense, any citizen does, but that certainly was not 
        what the Rule intended.
            4. In my opinion, Rule XLIII Is specifically limited to the 
        three classes of individuals described in the Rule: lobbyists, 
        officers or directors of lobbyists, and any person retained by 
        a lobbyist. Under the legal principal of exressio unus exclusio 
        alterius, persons not falling within one of these specific 
        three categories is not covered by Rule XLIII and does not have 
        a ``direct interest'' in legislation for purposes of the Rule. 
        To avoid the application of this rule, a draftsman normally 
        states ``including but not limited to'' or words to this 
        effect. This was deliberately not done.
            5. My understanding from public reports is that Mr. 
        Mallick--the person from whom Speaker Wright is charged with 
        having accepted a gift--is not a person who falls within any of 
        the three categories delineated in Rule XLIII. If he is not, 
        then in my opinion Speaker Wright cannot have violated the 
        Rule.
            6. While I was serving on the Select Committee, we adopted 
        Advisory Opinion No. 10, which interprets Rule 43. The Advisory 
        Opinion indicates that an individual who ``has a distinct or 
        special interest in influencing or affecting the federal 
        legislative process which sets such individual . . . apart from 
        the general public'' is, for purposes of Rule XLIII, an 
        individual with a ``direct interest'' in legislation. In my 
        opinion, the Advisory Opinion was intended to describe, not 
        expand, the scope of Rule XLIII. Indeed, an Advisory Opinion 
        cannot lawfully expand the scope of a House Rule.
            7. Even to the extent some members of the Select Committee 
        might have believed that Advisory Opinion No. 10 expanded the 
        scope of Rule XLIII, Mr. Mallick still would not constitute an 
        individual with a ``direct interest'' in legislation, assuming 
        that the media description of his activities is accurate. No 
        one serving with me on the Select Committee ever even suggested 
        that, under Advisory Opinion No. 10, an individual would be 
        deemed to have a ``direct Interest'' in legislation simply 
        because he had real estate investments, oil and gas 
        investments, or loans from federally insured lending 
        institutions. Indeed, if such a person

[[Page 489]]

        has a ``direct interest,'' then Advisory Opinion No. 10 has 
        rendered Rule XLIII essentially meaningless, since virtually 
        anyone would have a ``direct Interest.'' This was not the 
        purpose or intention of the Committee on which I served.
            8. As I previously have advised this Committee, I do not 
        believe that Speaker Wright's conduct relating to the sale of 
        books and the receipt of royalties can possibly have violated 
        House Rule XLVII, the limit on Outside Earned Income. The Rule 
        expressly excludes copyright royalties from the earned income 
        limit. This was a blanket exemption. In my opinion, any 
        qualified lawyer with whom the Speaker had consulted as to 
        whether he could sell books on which he was paid a royalty 
        without having the annual 30 percent limit apply, in lieu of 
        accepting honorariums, certainly would have advised him that he 
        could do so under the plain terms of Rule XLVII. While this 
        Committee may conclude that the blanket exemption of copyright 
        royalties is unwise, it cannot fairly or lawfully reinterpret 
        that Rule and apply a new definition retroactively in the 
        current proceedings against the Speaker.
            9. Since Speaker Wright plainly has not violated the letter 
        of the Rule, it would be grossly unfair, in my opinion, to 
        conclude that he has violated the ``spirit'' of the Rule. It is 
        difficult to perceive what the ``spirit'' of the Rule is. It 
        cannot be the restriction of outside income per se, since 
        unearned income is unlimited, as is earned income from farming, 
        ranching, or any other family-controlled business. Nor can the 
        ``spirit'' be to limit the time spent by members on outside 
        activities, since a member is permitted to give four times as 
        many $500 speeches as he is $2,000 speeches, and since there is 
        no limit at all on unpaid speeches. Indeed, my understanding is 
        that the Speaker gave hundreds of speeches for which he 
        received no honorarium and in connection with which he sold no 
        books. I point this out only to illustrate the danger and 
        unfairness of attempting to enforce the ``spirit,'' rather than 
        the letter, of a House Rule. Lawyers, after all, spend much of 
        their time advising clients as to how to comply with the letter 
        of the law while neither attempting nor even being able to make 
        any sense of the law or determine its ``spirit.''
            10. I do not know the Speaker well, and have no partisan 
        interest in this matter, as should be obvious from my political 
        affiliation. However, as a lawyer and as one who served on the 
        Select Committee during the relevant period, I feel obliged to 
        note the extremely serious legal shortcomings in the 
        Committee's preliminary interpretation of the House Rules the 
        Speaker has been charged with violating.
            Further affiant sayeth not.

                                                 Harold S. Sawyer.

            Subscribed and sworn to before me this 22nd day of May, 
        1989.

                                                Barbara J. Callan.

        Notary Public, Kent County, Michigan.



        [U.S. House of Representatives before the Committee on 
            Standards of Official Conduct]

                        Affidavit of Donald F. Terry

                 in the matter of Speaker James C. Wright, Jr.
    District of Columbia.

            I, Donald F. Terry, am competent to give affidavits at law, 
        and testify as follows:
            1. I am currently employed by the House Committee on Small 
        Business. I was a staff member on the Commission on 
        Administrative Review, which was charged in 1976

[[Page 490]]

        with the responsibility for drafting new Rules of Official 
        Conduct for the House. I also am the former Staff Director of 
        the House Select Committee on Ethics, which interpreted and 
        implemented the House Rules of Official Conduct, once they were 
        adopted by the House on March 2, 1977.
            2. In my capacity as Staff Director of the Select 
        Committee, I drafted Advisory Opinion No. 13, which was adopted 
        by the Select Committee to clarify the application of House 
        Rule XLVII (the Rule dealing with limitations on Members' 
        outside earned income).
            3. My understanding, and--to my knowledge--the 
        understanding of all members of my staff and of the Select 
        Committee at the time, was that the express copyright royalty 
        exclusion contained in Rule XLVII was a blanket exclusion.
            4. During the course of drafting Advisory Opinion No. 13, I 
        had several meetings and conversations with Douglas D. 
        Drysdale, a member of the law firm of Caplin & Drysdale, who 
        had been retained by the Select Committee to provide expert 
        counsel and technical assistance concerning issues relating to 
        the application of House Rule XLVII. One provision proposed by 
        Mr. Drysdale for inclusion in Advisory Opinion No. 13 was a 
        subparagraph entitled ``Real Facts Controlling.'' The 
        subparagraph, which I accepted for inclusion in my draft of the 
        Advisory Opinion, provides that ``The limitations proposed by 
        Rule XLVII may not be avoided by devices designed to circumvent 
        them. In all cases, the real facts will control'' My 
        understanding of this provision and the basis on which I 
        included it in the draft was that it principally related to the 
        concern that a Member might try to mischaracterize earned 
        income (which is limited under Rule XLVII) as unearned income 
        (which is not limited). To my recollection, there was no 
        discussion either between me and Mr. Drysdale or in my 
        conversations with members regarding the specific application 
        of this subsection to Rule XLVII's exclusion of copyright 
        royalties from the earned income limitation.
            5. Mr. Drysdale and his law firm did submit proposed 
        language specifically relating to copyright royalties, which 
        language arguably would have restricted the otherwise blanket 
        copyright royalty exclusion in Rule XLVII. I rejected this 
        proposed language, however, just as I rejected a number of 
        other provisions proposed by Mr. Drysdale in his 29-page 
        memorandum. Because I rejected at a staff level the copyright 
        royalty language proposed by Mr. Drysdale, to the best of my 
        knowledge, it was never reviewed by the members of the Select 
        Committee, and, therefore, cannot be now used as a basis to 
        interpret application of Rule XLVII.
            6. In the course of the investigation of Speaker Wright, 
        neither the Outside Special Counsel nor any member of the 
        Committee's staff has interviewed me or otherwise sought my 
        view as to the proper interpretation of Rule XLVII or Advisory 
        Opinion No. 13.
            Further affiant sayeth not.

                                                  Donald F. Terry.

            Sworn to and subscribed by the undersigned Notary Public on 
        this 22 day of May, 1989, to certify which witness my hand and 
        seal of office at 1:35 PM.

                                               Thomas J. Lankford.

        Notary Public in and for the District of Columbia.
        Where else might you turn if you were in doubt? Might you not 
    possibly go to the committee itself and see what advisory opinions 
    it has given? Here is the publication the committee sends to all of 
    us to tell us what is and what is not legal. Each year we receive 
    this as

[[Page 491]]

    instructions for filling out our financial disclosure statements. 
    Appendix E is an advisory opinion No. 10 which defines who has a 
    direct interest in legislation under the rules. It says:

            If the Member does not believe that the donor of the gift 
        has a distinct or special interest in the congressional 
        legislative process which set him clearly apart from the 
        general public, then the Member should feel free to accept such 
        gifts.

        That is the official advice from the committee given to every 
    Member. Then it defines, in summary, who has an interest in 
    legislation as prohibited under the rule. It given four classes. 
    That is all.
        Listed first are registered lobbyist. George Mallick is not a 
    registered lobbyist.
        Next comes any person who employs a registered lobbyist. George 
    Mallick never did that.
        Third, it refers to somebody who directs or operates a 
    political action committee. George Mallick has never done that.
        And finally, any other individual which the Member ``knows''--
    not ``should know'' or ``ought to suspect or ``ought to infer,'' 
    but which the Member knows has distinct or special interest in 
    influencing or affecting the legislative process. The definition is 
    not just somebody who has got an interest financially in the 
    outcome of legislation. Not at all. It is rather somebody you know 
    who has a direct or special interest in influencing the outcome of 
    the legislative process which sets that individual apart from the 
    general public.

                                {time}  1630

        My colleagues, that was just simply not the case with George 
    Mallick. He had no direct interest in legislation of any type.
        Now we have motions before the committee to set aside that 
    presumption of Mr. Mallick's having a direct interest in 
    legislation. Personally, I do not have reason to believe he has.
        The only thing the committee has suggested is that in 1986 his 
    son borrowed money from a savings and loan to build a shopping 
    center, wholly apart and separate from any investments Betty and I 
    had. Then in 1987, the lending institution had to foreclose on the 
    son's loans.
        But note the years involved here. Betty was employed, 
    purportedly as a gift, from 1981 to 1984. Mr. Mallick could not 
    have known in 1981 and 1984 that his son was going to borrow money 
    in 1986, and that the thing would go bad in 1987, and that an 
    economic decline would make it possible for him to pay off his note 
    on time. He could not have known that in any way.
        I ask my colleagues: ``Would you stretch this rule to the point 
    of saying it covers that just anybody who has a member of his 
    family who owes money to a bank or a savings and loan?''
        Of course my colleagues would not. That would cover more than 
    half the citizens of the country.
        The people who wrote the rules do not believe that Mr. Mallick 
    is covered. So I think under all reasonable circumstances that our 
    dismissal motion ought to be agreed to. Our motion ought to be 
    agreed to, if rules mean anything--if we are not just going to turn 
    the whole thing on its head and change the rules by whim every time 
    we turn around.
        Now the third count that remains in the statement of alleged 
    violations

[[Page 492]]

    which concerns the sales of a book called ``Reflections of a Public 
    Man,'' which I wrote and which was sold sometimes in bulk 
    quantities to people who took it and gave it away to other people--
    students, newspapers, public officials, and members of their 
    organizations. Did I want these books circulated widely? Of course 
    I did. My colleagues know that I wanted to get the widest possible 
    distribution of the book. A book that you write, you know, is a 
    part of you. You think of it as a child almost.
        Now this book probably is not great literature, but I like it. 
    Marty Tolchin of the New York Times, John Silber, president of 
    Boston University; Jim Lehrer of the MacNeil/Lehrer Report; and Dr. 
    Bill Tucker, chancellor of TCU, all said nice things about it. And 
    I appreciate that.
        Now, the contention of the committee, as I understand it, is 
    that the publication of this book, from which I got $3.25 for every 
    one that sold, was a kind of a sham and a subterfuge in itself and 
    an overall scheme for me to exceed and violate the outside earnings 
    limitation on a Member of Congress. Do my colleagues think that I 
    would so something like that?
        The purpose of the book was to publish something that could be 
    sold at a small price and get wide distribution. If monetary gain 
    had been my primary interest, do my colleagues not think I would 
    have gone to one of the big Madison Avenue publishers--the houses 
    that give writers big advances?
        I know people who have received advances before a single book 
    sells from those big companies--advances twice or three times as 
    much as I got in the total sale of all those books. If it had been 
    a scheme to get around outside earning limits, that is what I might 
    have done.
        I hear that a woman author of a book called ``Mayflower 
    Madam,'' got $750,000 in advance royalties. Our former Speaker, Mr. 
    O'Neill, is said to have received $1 million for his excellent and 
    readable book in advance before any of them were sold. I have read 
    that a woman named Kitty Kelly received as much as $2 million in 
    advance royalties for a book she has written on Nancy Reagan and 
    which, as I understand it, is not even an authorized biography. 
    Well, so much for that.
        It is true, I think, that people on my staff were eager to sell 
    these books. They knew I wanted them sold. I have got to accept 
    full responsibility for that if it was wrong. But the rule does not 
    say it was wrong.
        It could not have been an overall scheme to avoid outside 
    earning limits because the rules are clear. They are not equivocal. 
    The rules expressly exempt royalty income, and that, too, is 
    attested to by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), and it is 
    attested to by Donald Terry who gives the rationale. There were not 
    any exceptions; book royalties were exempted.
        Now maybe book royalties should not have been exempt. But the 
    rules clearly say that they are.
        Maybe somebody got the impression that buying a book was a 
    price of getting me to make a speech. I never intended that 
    impression. I never suggested that. I hope that friends of mine did 
    not.
        Of all the books that were sold, the committee suggests that 
    seven cases

[[Page 493]]

    involved instances where individuals associated with organizations 
    to which I made speeches bought multiple copies of the book and 
    distributed them among members of the organization or others.
        Now I have not been permitted to see a copy of their testimony, 
    so I do not know exactly what the witness said. I have asked people 
    on my staff, ``Did you tell these folks that they had to buy these 
    books or I wouldn't make a speech?'' and they said, ``no, they did 
    not.''
        The total amount, as I figure, from all of those sales involved 
    only about $7,700. That is what I received.
        My colleagues know I would do whatever was necessary, whatever 
    was right. If any of those people were under the impression that I 
    was not going to make a speech to them unless they bought a bunch 
    of books, and if they wanted their money back, I would give them 
    that money. I do not want the money. That is not important. What is 
    important is a person's honor and his integrity.
        During that 3-year period, the committee says there were seven 
    instances where I made speeches to groups that bought copies of 
    these books. In that period, I made at least 700 speeches for which 
    I did not get any honorarium at all, and no one offered to sell 
    anybody a book. Do my colleagues suppose that, if this had been an 
    overall scheme, that there would not have been a wider kind of an 
    experience than that? I do not know. I am just saying to my 
    colleagues that I did not intend to violate the outside earning 
    limitation, and I do not believe legally that I did.
        Some of the rest of my colleagues make a lot of speeches. I 
    ask, ``How many speeches do you suppose you make that you don't get 
    anything for?'' Most of us make many.
        One other thing about the book that I suppose needs elaboration 
    involves the allegation in the statement of alleged violations that 
    a man named S. Gene Payte, a reputable businessman in Fort Worth, 
    paid for more books than he got from the publisher. That is what 
    was said in the report of the outside counsel.
        S. Gene Payte, upon reading that report, issued an affidavit 
    that is not ambiguous at all. Here is what Mr. Payte says, I will 
    read in part this affidavit and put the whole thing in the Record.
        He says:

            I have read the Report of Special Outside Counsel Richard 
        J. Phelan on the Preliminary Inquiry conducted pursuant to the 
        Committee's June 9, 1988 resolution, as it relates to my 
        testimony. I also have reviewed the transcript of my deposition 
        testimony. The Report, and also the conclusions reached by the 
        Special Counsel, ignores much of the most pertinent testimony 
        in the transcript, takes certain statements out of context, 
        distorts clear statements of fact and in general, fails fairly 
        and accurately to summarize the matters as to which I 
        testified.

        And the conclusion reached by the Special Counsel that Wright 
    violated the rule was, quoting the affidavit, ``based on his [Mr. 
    Phelan's] categorical assertion that, `Gene Payte did not receive 
    the books?' ''

                                {time}  1640

        The Special Counsel asserts,

[[Page 494]]

            Payte

        And I am quoting--

            Testified that he only received between 300 and 500 copies 
        of the old book for his $6,000 and makes the flat statement, 
        ``Gene Payte did not receive the books.'' Citing as authority 
        Payte's transcript, on page 77.

        Now here is what Payte says:

            On the contrary, I did not so testify. I stated not once, 
        but three times, that I believed 1,000 books were delivered to 
        me.

        And he cites the transcript of this testimony, pages 27, 40, 
    and 41.
        Mr. Payte goes on:

            The Special Counsel ignores this testimony. Instead, he 
        cites Transcript 77. That citation does not support the Special 
        Counsel's assertion. Transcript 77 shows that Congressman 
        Myers--not I--made the comment, ``I believe you said you 
        received 3 to 500 books.''
            I did not confirm his recollection, my reply being, ``I 
        would like to have the new books.'' (Tr. 77). In fact, I never 
        so testified.

        So this is a copy of that affidavit which I should like to 
    submit for the Record, together with a copy of a letter that was 
    sent by the committee to Mr. Payte after he issued this affidavit 
    telling him he ought not to comment.

                         Affidavit of S. Gene Payte
    The State of Texas,
    County of Tarrant, ss:

            Before me the undersigned authority on this date personally 
        appeared S. Gene Payte, known to me to be the person whose name 
        is subscribed hereto, and he being duly sworn did depose and 
        say the following:
            My name is S. Gene Payte. I reside at 6450 Sumac, Fort 
        Worth, Tarrant County, Texas 76116. I have personal knowledge 
        of the matters contained herein.
            On or about October 17, 1988, I was called to testify in 
        the proceeding before the Committee on Standards of Official 
        Conduct of the U.S. House of Representatives, in the matter of 
        Speaker James C. Wright, Jr.
            I have read the Report of Special Outside Counsel Richard 
        J. Phelan (``R.'') on the Preliminary Inquiry conducted 
        pursuant to the Committee's June 9, 1988 resolution, as it 
        relates to my testimony. (R. 85-86). I also have reviewed the 
        transcript (``Tr.'') of my deposition testimony. The Report, 
        and also the conclusions reached by the Special Counsel, 
        ignores much of the most pertinent testimony in the transcript, 
        takes certain statements out of context, distorts clear 
        statements of fact and in general, fails fairly and accurately 
        to summarize the matters as to which I testified.
            The conclusion reached by the Special Counsel that ``Wright 
        violated Rule XLIII, Clause 4 (R. 86) was based on his 
        categorical assertion that, ``Gene Payte did not receive the 
        books.'' (Id.). The Special Counsel asserts, ``Payte testified 
        that he only received between 300 and 500 copies of the old 
        book for his $6,000 (R. 86), and makes the flat statement, 
        ``Gene Payte did not receive the books'' (Id), citing as 
        authority, ``Payte Tr. 77''.
            On the contrary, I did not so testify. I stated, not once, 
        but three times, that I believe 1,000 books were delivered to 
        me. (Tr. 27, Tr. 40, Tr. 41). The Special Counsel ignores this 
        testimony. Instead, he cites Tr. 77. That citation does not 
        support the Special Counsel's assertion. Transcript 77 shows 
        that Congressman Myers--not I--made the comment, ``I believe 
        you said you received three to five hundred books.'' I did not 
        confirm his recollection, my reply being, ``I would like to 
        have the

[[Page 495]]

        new books.'' (Tr. 77). In fact, I never so testified. 
        Apparently, Congressman Myers had in mind a telephone 
        conversation (a transcript of which I had furnished to the 
        Committee) which I had had with a reporter several months 
        earlier when the question had first arisen and before I had the 
        opportunity to check any records or refresh my memory. In that 
        conservation I had stated that over a period of time I bought 
        and gave away about a thousand books, but I also had stated in 
        the telephone conversation that I took delivery of, ``just four 
        or five hundred books, or three or four hundred books.'' There 
        had been some confusion in that early telephone interview both 
        as to the question of whether I was to receive additional books 
        from an anticipated new printing and as to whether the books 
        from the original printing which I actually [sic] had received 
        constituted what I termed ``delivery'' of all of the books 
        which I had purchased and which I was to receive. At no time in 
        my deposition before the Committee did I testify that I had 
        received only between 300 and 500 books. When Mr. Kunkle put 
        the question to me directly, my response was, ``No, I think he 
        delivered more than that.'' (Tr. 52). I did not intend to say, 
        and did not say to the Committee in my testimony, that I had 
        received only that number of books. However, I was still 
        desirous of receiving additional books which would identify Mr. 
        Wright as Speaker rather than Majority Leader. As I testified 
        before the Committee (which testimony was ignored by the 
        Special Counsel in his Report), I believed that Mr. Moore had 
        delivered 1,000 books to me, but I was ``not for sure'' (Tr. 
        27) and I repeated twice thereafter that I believed I had 
        received approximately 1,000 books. (Tr. 40, Tr. 41). Later in 
        my testimony, when Mr. Kunkle asked if it was my best 
        recollection that in fact Mr. Moore delivered somewhere between 
        300 and 500 books to me, I responded that I thought that he 
        delivered more than that. (Tr. 52).
            Since testifying, I have discovered positively that in fact 
        approximately 1,000 books were delivered to me. While I had 
        believed this to be the case, I had not been absolutely certain 
        of the fact. I now am certain. I had taken two large cases of 
        books to the home which I have in Rockport, Texas and had 
        forgotten this fact. These books, together with the books which 
        I had in Fort Worth, totaled 1,000. To reiterate, I received 
        all of the 1,000 books which I purchased.
            I also am disturbed by the false statements, implications 
        and innuendoes contained in the Report relative to my 
        motivation in purchasing the books. As I testified, it is true 
        that I had desired to make a cash gift to Jim Wright as an 
        expression of appreciation for all that he has done for the 
        community, the state and the nation. (Payte Ex. 4, Tr. 21). I 
        have made a practice for several years of giving money to 
        various charities, individuals, family members and things in 
        which I believe, (Tr. 18, Tr. 35-36, Tr. 55, Payte Ex. 15). It 
        is my belief that the members of the Congress are underpaid, 
        particularly with the necessity to support two households, and 
        I wished to make a contribution to a Congressman whom I admired 
        and whom I felt had been of service to his community, state and 
        nation. (Tr. 32). Since I had not had any direct interest in 
        legislation, had none at the time and did not expect to have 
        any such interest in the foreseeable future, I had believed 
        that it would be permissible to make a gift with no strings 
        attached to Jim Wright. However, he refused to accept it. I 
        then learned that he was interested in distributing his book, 
        ``Reflections of a Public Man,'' as widely as possible and I 
        felt that it would be worthwhile to do so. I believed that 
        distribution of the book,

[[Page 496]]

        particularly among young people, might encourage them to go 
        into public service. (Tr. 28, Tr. 32, Tr. 36, Tr. 53, Tr. 77). 
        This was not a subterfuge to attempt to put money into Jim 
        Wright's pocket that I could not otherwise give him, although 
        of course I realized that he would get some benefit from 
        whatever the royalties might be. (Tr. 36).
            The Special Counsel states in his Report, ``Payte contacted 
        his attorney, Tom Law. Law and Payte continued to search for a 
        way to help Wright. Law suggested that instead of giving Wright 
        cash, Payte make a contribution to support bringing one of 
        Jim's book up to date with a new addition.'' (R. 85). That 
        statement is absolutely untrue. Mr. Law never made any such 
        suggestion. I made the decision on my own and later told him 
        about it. The statement that my attorney, Tom Law, ``advised 
        Payte how to make a cash contribution to Wright by paying to 
        have Wright's book `updated'.'' (R. 168). Also is wholly 
        untrue. Mr. Law and I did not even discuss ``how to make a cash 
        contribution to Wright by paying to have Wright's book 
        updated.'' Our only discussion, before I decided to buy the 
        book, was my having asked him whether I could make a cash 
        contribution to Jim Wright. He asked me whether I had any 
        direct interest in legislation, whether I had had such an 
        interest in the past, and whether I anticipated that I would 
        have in the future. When I responded in the negative to each of 
        these questions, he told me that he believed that such a gift 
        would be permissible, but that he was concerned that there 
        conceivably could be some Congressional rule regarding such a 
        gift which he would want to check out before he gave me a final 
        conclusion. He also told me that such a gift conceivably could 
        be misinterpreted and perhaps be embarrassing, even though it 
        was perfectly legitimate. He went out of the city shortly after 
        this conversation, and I proceeded to attempt to make the gift 
        to Mr. Wright. However, he would not accept it and returned the 
        check. At this point, knowing of Mr. Wright's desire to 
        distribute his book widely, I made the decision to purchase a 
        large quantity of Jim Wright's books and support bringing the 
        book up to date with a new edition. I made this decision on my 
        own without consultation with Mr. Law. He later wrote a letter 
        to Mr. Dee Kelly, President of the Wright Congressional Club in 
        Fort Worth, and reported the facts to him as a matter of 
        interest. (Payte Ex. 4).
            Signed this 21st day of April 1989.

                                                    S. Gene Payte.

            Sworn to and subscribed before me by S. Gene Payte, this 
        21st day of April 1989.

                                                 Christy Moak Cox,

                                                    Notary Public.



                  Committee on Standards of Official Conduct,

                          Washington, DC, May 5, 1989.
    Mr. S. Gene Payte,
    6450 Sumac,
    Fort Worth, TX.

            Dear Mr. Payte: It has come to our attention that on April 
        21, 1989, you executed an affidavit addressing matters raised 
        during your testimony before the Committee on October 17, 1988. 
        In particular, your affidavit states that you were called to 
        testify before the Committee in connection with the Preliminary 
        Inquiry in the matter of Representative James C. Wright, Jr.; 
        and that as a result of having reviewed the transcript of your 
        deposition and the report of the Special Outside Counsel, you 
        have taken exception to a number of statements attributed to 
        you at the time of your testimony.

[[Page 497]]

            Regardless of the position you have taken in your April 21, 
        1989, affidavit, which has been publicly circulated, the fact 
        remains that at the time of your deposition you were expressly 
        admonished by the Ranking Minority Member who presided at the 
        deposition ``that these proceedings have been taken in 
        executive session, which means you are not to discuss anything 
        that took place here with anyone other than your counsel.'' The 
        transcript of the deposition reflects your agreement with the 
        instruction given to you by the Ranking Minority Member. See, 
        October 17, 1988, transcript at pp. 77-78.
            In view of the foregoing, your affidavit represents a 
        course of conduct in direct violation of the admonition given 
        to you at your October 17, 1988, deposition. Accordingly, we 
        wish to notify you that the matter of your violation may be 
        taken up by the Committee and, once again, to direct you to 
        refrain from any further discussion of your testimony with 
        anyone not serving as your legal counsel.
              Sincerely,

                                                  Julian C. Dixon,

                                                         Chairman.

                                                    John T. Myers,

                                          Ranking Minority Member.

        What do you think of that? A private citizen, a reputable 
    citizen of my community, is misquoted in a document published at 
    public expense, and sent widely to newspapers throughout the 
    country. It is widely cited as authority, uncritically, and assumed 
    to be accurate. The citizen being misquoted issues an affidavit to 
    straighten it out so that he is not misquoted in the public record, 
    and then he is warned by the committee that he might be held in 
    violation and in contempt of Congress if he does not shut up.
        First amendment rights supersede any rules of any committee, 
    and any citizen of the United States ought to have the right to 
    have his own testimony correctly characterized and not be 
    threatened, or silenced by a House committee. Any House committee 
    owes to a citizen of the United States that right and that 
    privilege.
        Well, those are basically the matters pending before the 
    committee in our motion to dismiss. Those motions could clear the 
    air.
        Rules are important, just as the constancy of what a law means 
    is important. The committee can resolve these particular legal 
    issues as to what constitutes direct interest in legislation and 
    whether or not book royalties are exempt, as the rules say they 
    are.
        I think it is important for the motions to be ruled upon, and I 
    earnestly hope the committee will look at it from that standpoint 
    and grant our motions.
        Members are entitled to know what the rules mean and if they 
    still mean what they meant when they were written and promulgated.
        Now, maybe the rules need to be changed. If so, let us change 
    them in a legal, orderly way. Let us vote on them. Let us vote to 
    change them. Maybe the whole process needs some change and 
    clarification.
        You know, the House may want to consider establishing a House 
    to whom Members can look for official advice and then rely on that 
    advice.
        The rules of the committee itself might need some 
    reconsideration.
        I have gone through this agonizing experience for about a year 
    now. Almost every day there is a new story and a newspaper leak 
    without any

[[Page 498]]

    chance for me to know what is coming next, no chance for me to go 
    to the committee and answer it and say, ``Hey, wait a minute. That 
    is not correct. That is not right.''
        Maybe the committee which is currently required to sit both as 
    a kind of grand jury and a petit jury ought to have a different 
    composition, rather than having those who issue the statement of 
    alleged violations being the same people who have to judge them. I 
    think it clearly is difficult to expect Members who publicly 
    announce reason to believe there is a violation to reverse their 
    position at the hearing stage and dismiss charges against a Member. 
    And maybe once a report of alleged violations is issued, the 
    committee rules ought to allow the Member to respond expeditiously.
        To deny a Member the opportunity to reply quickly can cause 
    serious political injury. It is unfair. Once alleged violations are 
    announced, the committee ought to release immediately to the Member 
    all the evidence that it has to backup what it has alleged.
        In my case, for example, the committee has yet to release any 
    witness testimony or documents that it obtained during the 
    investigation.
        Why hide the evidence? What is there to hide? This ought not to 
    be the kind of proceeding in which strategic maneuvering is allowed 
    to override fundamental principles of fair play.
        I urge the abolition of the gag order, too, which the committee 
    says forbids any witness who comes and makes a deposition from 
    discussing publicly or telling his side of the thing.
        In addition charges which the committee concludes are unfounded 
    should not be published and widely disseminated as though they were 
    true and bear the imprimatur of the committee's approval.
        Now, there are other things you ought to consider. I am not 
    trying to give you an exhaustive list of what might happen. I know 
    there are others who have views that are equally relevant.
        Perhaps we want to consider an outright abolition of all 
    honoraria and speaking fees. Maybe we want to do that in exchange 
    for a straightforward honest increase in the salary for members of 
    all three branches of Government. I do not know. It is up to the 
    House.
        It is intolerably hurtful to our Government that qualified 
    members of the executive and legislative branches are resigning 
    because of ambiguities and confusion surrounding the ethics laws 
    and because of their own consequent vulnerability to personal 
    attack. That is a shame, but it is happening and it is grievously 
    hurtful to our society.
        When vilification becomes an accepted form of political debate, 
    when negative campaigning becomes a full-time occupation, when 
    members of each party become self-appointed vigilanties carrying 
    out personal vendettas against members of the other party. In God's 
    name that is not what this institution is supposed to be all about. 
    When vengeance become more desirable than vindication and harsh 
    personal attacks upon one another's motives and one another's 
    character drown out the quiet logic of serious debate on important 
    issues--things that we ought to be involving ourselves in--surely 
    that is unworthy of our institution, unworthy of our American 
    political process.

[[Page 499]]

        All of us in both political parties must resolve to bring this 
    period of mindless cannibalism to an end. There has been enough of 
    it.

                                {time}  1650

        I pray to God that we will do that and restore the spirit that 
    always existed in this House. When I first came here, all those 
    years ago in 1955, this was a place where a man's word was his 
    bond, and his honor and the truth of what he said to you were 
    assumed. He did not have to prove it.
        I remember one time Cleve Bailey of West Virginia in a moment 
    of impassioned concern over a tariff bill jumped up and made an 
    objection to the fact that Chet Holifield had voted. In those days 
    we shouted our answers to the votes, and Mr. Holifield was there in 
    the back, and Bailey said, ``I object to the vote of the gentleman 
    from California being counted.'' He said, ``He was not in the 
    Chamber when his name was called and, therefore, he is not entitled 
    to vote.''
        It was a close vote. Speaker Rayburn grew as red as a tomato, 
    and I thought he was going to break the gavel when he hammered and 
    said, ``The Chair always takes the word of a Member,'' and then 
    because I was sitting over here behind Cleve Bailey, I heard other 
    Members come and say, ``Cleve, you are wrong. Chet was back there 
    behind the rail. I was standing there by him when he answered. His 
    answer just was not heard.'' Others said he should not have said 
    that. Cleve Bailey, the crusty old West Virginian, came down and 
    abjectly, literally with tears in his eyes, apologized for having 
    questioned the word of a fellow Member. We need that.
        Have I made mistakes? Oh, boy, how many? I have made a lot of 
    mistakes--mistakes in judgment. Oh yes, a lot of them. I will make 
    some more.
        Let me just comment on this briefly, because it is such a 
    sensational thing, and injury has been done to me in this 
    particular moment because of it. John Mack--and many of you 
    remember him, know him, and I think a lot of you like him and 
    respect him. I helped John one time in his life when he was about 
    20 years old. I did not know him and had never met him. I did not 
    know the nature of the crime of which he had been convicted. I knew 
    only that John Mack was a young man whom my daughter had known in 
    high school. My daughter was married to his brother, incidentally, 
    and that is how she knew about John. She mentioned it to me. All I 
    knew was that he had been convicted of assault and that he had 
    served 27 months in the Fairfax County jail.
        Contrary to what has been published, I did not intervene with 
    the court. I did not suggest anything to the court. I did not have 
    anything to do with his sentencing. I really did not know and did 
    not inquire, and maybe that is bad judgment. I did not inquire as 
    to the exact nature of the crime.
        The sheriff's office in Fairfax County called me and asked me 
    if I would know of any job that I could help this young man get. 
    They wanted to parole him. They said he had been a model 
    rehabilitative prisoner. I gave him a job as a file clerk at $9,000 
    a year, and he really blossomed and grew and developed.
        Those of the Members who know him found the story hard to 
    conceive,

[[Page 500]]

    as I did, when finally just 2 years ago I read in the newspaper the 
    precise nature of that crime. It just did not fit his character. 
    John was married and had two beautiful children. He was wonderfully 
    responsible. I think he had become a very fine person.
        Was that bad judgment to hire John? Maybe so. It does not have 
    any thing to do with the rules, but it got all mixed up with it, I 
    do not think though that it is bad judgment to try to give a young 
    man a second chance. Maybe I should have known more about him. But 
    in this case I think he has turned out well.
        I do not believe that America really stands for the idea that a 
    person once convicted should forever be condemned, but I think 
    maybe he ought to have a second chance, and that is what I thought 
    in the case of John Mack. Good judgment or bad, I believe in giving 
    somebody a second chance.
        Have I contributed unwittingly to this manic idea of a frenzy 
    of feeding on other people's reputations? Have I caused a lot of 
    this? Maybe I have. God, I hope I have not, but maybe I have. Have 
    I been too partisan? Too insistent? Too abrasive? Too determined to 
    have my way? Perhaps. Maybe so.
        If I have offended anybody in the other party, I am sorry. I 
    never meant to. I would not have done so intentionally. I have 
    always tried to treat all of our colleagues, Democrats and 
    Republicans with respect.
        Are there things I would do differently if I had them to do 
    over again? Oh, boy, how many may I name for you?
        Well, I tell you what, I am going to make you a proposition: 
    Let me give you back this job you gave to me as a propitiation for 
    all of this season of bad will that has grown up among us. Let me 
    give it back to you. I will resign as Speaker of the House 
    effective upon the election of my successor, and I will ask that we 
    call a caucus on the Democratic side for next Tuesday to choose a 
    successor.
        I do not want to be a party to tearing up this institution. I 
    love it.
        To tell you the truth, this year it has been very difficult for 
    me to offer the kind of moral leadership that our institution 
    needs. Because every time I try to talk about the needs of the 
    country, about the needs for affordable homes--both Jack Kemp's 
    idea and the ideas we are developing here--every time I try to talk 
    about the need for a minimum wage, about the need for day care 
    centers, embracing ideas on both sides of the aisle, the media have 
    not been interested in that. They wanted to ask me about petty 
    personal finances.
        You do not need that for a Speaker. You need somebody else, so 
    I want to give you that back, and will have a caucus on Tuesday.
        Then I will offer to resign from the House sometime before the 
    end of June. Let that be a total payment for the anger and 
    hostility we feel toward each other.
        Let us not try to get even with each other. Republicans, 
    please, do not get it in your heads you need to get somebody else 
    because of John Tower. Democrats, please, do not feel that you need 
    to get somebody on the other side because of me. We ought to be 
    more mature than that.
        Let us restore to this institution the rightful priorities of 
    what is good for

[[Page 501]]

    this country. Let us all work together to try to achieve them.
        The Nation has important business, and it cannot afford these 
    distractions, and that is why I offer to resign.
        I have enjoyed these years in Congress. I am grateful, for all 
    of you have taught me things and been patient with me.

                                {time}  1700

        Horace Greeley had a quote that Harry Truman used to like:

            Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident. Riches take wings. 
        Those who cheer today may curse tomorrow. Only one thing 
        endures: character.

        I am not a bitter man. I am not going to be. I am a lucky man. 
    God has given me the privilege of serving in this, the greatest law 
    making institution on Earth, for a great many years, and I am 
    grateful to the people of my district in Texas and grateful to you, 
    my colleagues, all of you.
        God bless this institution. God bless the United States.
        [Applause.]

    Speaker Wright announced his resignation as Speaker on May 31, 
1989, effective upon the election of his successor, on June 6, 
1989.(3) On that day, Speaker Wright conducted the election 
of his successor; he recognized the chairman of the Democratic Caucus 
and the chairman of the Republican Conference for nominations for the 
Office of Speaker, appointed tellers for an alphabetical roll call 
vote, announced the result of the vote (at which point his resignation 
as Speaker became effective), and appointed a committee to escort the 
Speaker-elect to the chair to be sworn in. The following proceedings 
occurred:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 135 Cong. Rec. 10800-803, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              ELECTION OF SPEAKER

        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the Speaker's announcement of 
    Wednesday, May 31, 1989, the Chair will receive nominations for the 
    Office of Speaker.
        The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. 
    Gray].
        Mr. [William (Bill) H.] GRAY [III]. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of 
    the Democratic Caucus, I am directed by the unanimous vote of that 
    caucus to present for election to the Office of the Speaker of the 
    House of Representatives the name of the Honorable Thomas S. Foley, 
    a Representative from the State of Washington.
        The SPEAKER. The Chair now recognizes the gentleman from 
    California [Mr. Lewis].
        (Mr Lewis of California asked and was given permission to 
    revise and extend his remarks.)
        Mr. [Jerry] LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of 
    the Republican Conference, I am directed by the unanimous vote of 
    that conference to present for election to the Office of the 
    Speaker of the House of Representatives the name of the Honorable 
    Robert H. Michel, a Representative from the State of Illinois. . . 
    .
        The SPEAKER. The Honorable Thomas S. Foley, a Representative

[[Page 502]]

    from the State of Washington, and the Honorable Robert H. Michel, a 
    Representative from the State of Illinois, have been placed in 
    nomination.
        Are there any further nominations?
        There being no further nominations, the Chair will appoint 
    tellers.
        The Chair appoints the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Annunzio]; 
    the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas]; the gentlewoman from 
    Colorado [Mrs. Schroeder]; and the gentlewoman from Nebraska [Mrs. 
    Smith].
        The tellers will come forward and take their seats at the desk 
    in front of the Speaker's rostrum.
        The roll will now be called, and those responding to their 
    names will indicate by surname the nominee of their choice.
        The reading clerk will now call the roll.
        The tellers having taken their places, the House proceeded to 
    vote for the Speaker.
        The following is the result of the vote:

                              [Roll No. 73] . . .

        The SPEAKER. The tellers agree in their tallies that the total 
    number of votes cast is 417, of which the Honorable Thomas S. 
    Foley, of Washington, has received 251 and the Honorable Robert H. 
    Michel, of Illinois, has received 164, with 2 voting ``present.''
        Therefore, the Honorable Thomas S. Foley, of Washington, is 
    duly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, having 
    received a majority of the votes cast.

Elected Officers

Sec. 9.2 The resignation of an elected officer of the House (other than 
    the Speaker) is subject to acceptance by the House. In the case of 
    a vacancy among the elected officers of the House, the Speaker is 
    authorized by law to appoint a person ``to act as, and to exercise 
    temporarily the duties of'' the vacant office until a successor is 
    elected.

    On Nov. 18, 2005,(2) the House, by unanimous consent, 
accepted the resignation of Jeff Trandahl as Clerk of the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 151 Cong. Rec. 27489, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
            Pursuant to Sec. 208 of the Legislative Reorganization Act 
        of 1946 (2 USC Sec. 75a-1), Speaker Hastert appointed Karen L. 
        Haas, of Maryland, to act as Clerk. Mrs. Haas subsequently was 
        elected as Clerk. See Id. and 153 Cong. Rec. 6, 110th Cong. 1st 
        Sess., Jan. 4, 2007.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                RESIGNATION AS CLERK OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore(3) laid before the House the 
    following communication from the Clerk of the House of 
    Representatives:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. Lee Terry (NE).

                                              Office of the Clerk,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                Washington, DC, November 18, 2005.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
              The Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I am writing to tender my resignation as 
    Clerk effective upon the appointment of my successor November 18, 
    2005.

[[Page 503]]

        It has been an honor to serve this Institution, its people and 
    the Nation for more than 20 years. I leave knowing the incredible 
    ability of the people who serve here and their commitment to the 
    people they represent.
        I will especially depart with a deep sense of admiration and 
    respect for the individuals working in and with the Office of the 
    Clerk. I wish to thank them for their efforts over the last seven 
    years during my tenure as Clerk of the House.
        With best wishes, I am

            Sincerely,
                                                    Jeff Trandahl.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    On Mar. 23, 2000,(4) Speaker pro tempore Ray LaHood, of 
Illinois, laid before the House a letter of resignation from the 
Chaplain. Upon its acceptance by the House, the Speaker appointed 
Father Daniel Coughlin to act as Chaplain and to exercise temporarily 
the duties of that office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 146 Cong. Rec. 3480, 3481, 106th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                           Office of the Chaplain,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                   Washington, DC, March 23, 2000.

                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: During the last 21 years it has been my 
    privilege and honor to serve as Chaplain of the U.S. House of 
    Representatives. I came to the House with a view that the practice 
    of politics can be a noble vocation and should be considered a high 
    calling and I leave with that view strengthened and with my 
    admiration enhanced for the people who serve in government.
        I write now to inform you that effective Thursday, March 23, 
    2000, I resign my office as Chaplain of the House of 
    Representatives.
        It has been a singular opportunity to be elected to the 
    position of Chaplain and now to be named Chaplain Emeritus, as I 
    have sought to serve all the Members of the House and to honor 
    their political and religious traditions. The friendships that have 
    begun here have nourished my life and my work and I leave with 
    appreciation for our years together and with a salute for the 
    opportunities of the future.
        With every good wish, I remain.

              Sincerely,

                                                    James D. Ford,

                                                         Chaplain.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, and with regret, 
    the resignation is accepted. . . .
        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to 2 U.S. Code, 75a-1, the Chair appoints 
    Father Daniel Coughlin of Illinois to act as and to exercise 
    temporarily the duties of Chaplain of the House of Representatives.

    Business of the preceding Congress transacted after its adjournment 
sine die (including such matters as appointments and communications of 
resignations and subpoenas) is reflected in the Congressional Record on 
the opening

[[Page 504]]

day of the new Congress under separate headings to show that it is not 
business of the new Congress. For example, the Congressional Record for 
Jan. 6, 1999,(5) the first day of the 106th Congress, 
reflects the resignation of the Clerk in the 105th Congress, effective 
Jan. 1, 1999, and the appointment of Jeffrey J. Trandahl to act as 
Clerk and to exercise temporarily the duties of that office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 145 Cong. Rec. 257, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the communication from the Clerk of the House, dated 
Dec. 21, 1998, is as follows:

                                              Office of the Clerk,

                                          House of Representatives

                                Washington, DC, December 21, 1998.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

        Speaker, House of Representatives, The Capitol, Washington, 
                                                                 DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I write today to inform you of my decision to 
    end my service as Clerk of the House effective January 1, 1999.
        Because of your vision and support, many of the goals you set 
    at the dawn of the 104th Congress have already been achieved, the 
    most significant among them being the amount of immediate 
    legislative information now available to all citizens via the 
    Internet. Many others are well underway and when fully implemented 
    will position this Office to support the efforts of the House in 
    even more dramatic ways as we approach the millennium.
        Thank you for providing such a magnificent opportunity for me 
    to be a part of this unique institution.
        With warm regards.

                                                   Robin H. Carle.

    The text of the communication from the Speaker, dated Dec. 21, 
1998, is as follows:

                                            Office of the Speaker,

                                         House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, December 21, 1998.

                                  Re temporary appointment of Clerk.

                                             Hon. William M. Thomas,

            Chairman, Committee on House Oversight, Longworth House 
                                     Office Building, Washington, DC

        Dear Bill: In accordance with 2 USC Sec. 75a-1, I hereby 
    appoint Mr. Jeffrey J. Trandahl to fill the vacancy in the Office 
    of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, effective January 1, 
    1999. Mr. Trandahl shall exercise all the duties, shall have all 
    the powers, and shall be subject to all the requirements and 
    limitations applicable to the position of Clerk until his successor 
    is chosen by the House and duly qualifies as Clerk.
        Please contact Dan Crowley, General Counsel in the Office of 
    the Speaker, if you have any questions.

              Sincerely,

                                                    Newt Gingrich,

                                                          Speaker.

    On Mar. 12, 1992,(6) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter of resignation from the Sergeant at Arms. Upon its acceptance by 
the

[[Page 505]]

House, the Speaker appointed Werner W. Brandt to act as Sergeant at 
Arms and to exercise temporarily the duties of that office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 138 Cong. Rec. 5519, 102d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    U.S. House of Representatives,

                                   Office of the Sergeant at Arms,

                                     Washington, DC March 12, 1992

                                               Hon. Thomas S. Foley,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                      Washington, DC

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I respectfully submit to you my resignation 
    as Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives 
    effective March 12, 1992.
        It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the Members of 
    Congress and this institution for the past 25 years.
        Thank you.

              Sincerely,

                                                        Jack Russ,

                                                 Sergeant at Arms.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation is accepted.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the provisions of the legislative 
    Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended (2 U.S.C. 75a-1), the Chair 
    appoints Werner W. Brandt of Virginia, to act as and to exercise 
    temporarily the duties of Sergeant at Arms of the House of 
    Representatives.

    On Feb. 28, 1980,(7) Speaker pro tempore James C. 
Wright, Jr., of Texas, laid before the House a letter of resignation 
from the Sergeant at Arms. Upon its acceptance by the House, the 
Speaker appointed Benjamin J. Guthrie, of Virginia, to act as Sergeant 
at Arms and to exercise temporarily the duties of that 
office.(8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 7. 126 Cong. Rec. 4349, 96th Cong. 2d Sess.
 8. Id. at p. 4350.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                February 28, 1980.

                                        Hon. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: It is with deep personal regret that I submit 
    herewith my resignation as Sergeant at Arms, U.S. House of 
    Representatives, effective at the close of business February 29, 
    1980.
        The decision to resign at this time has been most difficult, 
    and it is done with a feeling of sincere appreciation for having 
    had the privilege of serving the House for more than thirty years.
        My thanks to you, Mr. Speaker, to all Members, and to my fellow 
    employees for the many personal courtesies and acts of assistance 
    that have enabled me to perform my assigned duties.
        With kind personal regards, I remain,

              Sincerely,

                                               Kenneth R. Harding,

                                                 Sergeant at Arms.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no objection. . . .

[[Page 506]]

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the provisions of the 
    Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended by Public Law 
    197 of the 83d Congress, the Chair announces that today the Speaker 
    has appointed, effective March 1, 1980, Benjamin J. Guthrie, of 
    Virginia, to act as and to exercise temporarily the duties of 
    Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives.
        Without objection, the Chair will now administer the oath.
        There was no objection.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the appointee please come to the 
    well of the House and take the oath of office.
        Mr. Benjamin J. Guthrie appeared at the bar of the House and 
    took the oath of office.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is the Sergeant at Arms, 
    Acting, of the House.

    On Nov. 17, 1975,(9) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter of resignation from the Clerk. Upon its acceptance by the House, 
the Speaker appointed Edmund Lee Henshaw, Jr., to act as Clerk and to 
exercise temporarily the duties of that office.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 9. 121 Cong. Rec. 36901, 94th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                November 14, 1975.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                  Speaker, House of Representatives.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as Clerk of 
    the U.S. House of Representatives, effective at the close of 
    business on November 15, 1975.
        With kind regards, I am,

              Sincerely,

                                                  W. Pat Jennings,

                                  Clerk, House of Representatives.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the resignation is 
    accepted.
        There was no 
    objection.                          -------------------

             APPOINTMENT AS CLERK OF U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the provisions of the Legislative 
    Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended by Public Law 197, 83d 
    Congress (67 Stat. 387, 2 U.S.C. 75a-1(a)), the Chair appoints, 
    effective at the close of business on November 15, 1975, Edmund Lee 
    Henshaw, Jr., of Virginia, to act as and to exercise temporarily 
    the duties of Clerk of the House of Representatives.
        Will Mr. Edmund Lee Henshaw, Jr., come to the well of the House 
    to take the oath of office.
        Mr. HENSHAW presented himself at the bar of the House and took 
    the oath of office.

    On June 30, 1972,(10) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of the Sergeant at Arms, which was accepted by the 
House.

10. 118 Cong. Rec. 23665, 92d Cong. 2d Sess.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                     June 8, 1972.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                           House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as Sergeant at 
    Arms of

[[Page 507]]

    the U.S. House of Representatives effective at the close of 
    business June 30, 1972.

              Sincerely,

                                             Zeake W. Johnson, Jr.

                                                 Sergeant at Arms.

        The SPEAKER. Without objection, the resignation will be 
    accepted.
        There was no objection.

    The Speaker then announced his appointment of the same Mr. Johnson 
as temporary Sergeant at Arms to fill the vacancy caused by his own 
resignation.

        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the provisions of the Legislative 
    Reorganization Act of 1946; as amended by Public Law 197, 83d 
    Congress (67 Stat. 387; 2 U.S.C. 75a-1(a)), the Chair appoints, 
    effective July 1, 1972, Zeake W. Johnson, Jr., of Tennessee, to act 
    as and to exercise temporarily the duties of Sergeant at Arms of 
    the House of Representatives.(11)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Kenneth R. Harding was elected to the office of Sergeant at Arms on 
        Sept. 25, 1972 (H. Res. 1134). Id. at p. 32000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Parliamentarian's Note: Mr. Johnson was reappointed temporarily to 
his former position until a replacement could be elected.

Non-elected Officers, Officials, and Employees

Sec. 9.3 The resignation of a nonelected officer or official of the 
    House is not subject to acceptance by the House but is laid before 
    the House as a matter of information. In the case of a vacancy 
    among a nonelected officer of the House, a new appointment is made 
    as in the first instance.

    On May 26, 2005,(1) the Speaker pro 
tempore(2) laid the following communication before the 
House:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 151 Cong. Rec. 11441, 109th Cong. 1st Sess.
 2. John R. Kuhl (NY).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

         COMMUNICATION FROM INSPECTOR GENERAL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kuhl of New York) laid before the 
    House the following communication from Steven A. McNamara, 
    Inspector General, House of Representatives:

                                      Office of Inspector General,
                                         House of Representatives,
                                     Washington, DC, May 16, 2005.

                                 memorandum

        To: Hon. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House.
        Hon. Tom DeLay, Majority Leader of the House.
        Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the House.
        From: Steven A. McNamara, Inspector General.
        Subject: Notification of Resignation and Retirement.

        Please accept my offer of resignation, as the Inspector General 
    for the U.S. House of Representatives, effective May 30, 2005. This 
    date will also be my effective date of retirement from Federal 
    Service.
        It has been an honor to serve the House as the Inspector 
    General for the

[[Page 508]]

    last five years. My goal, and that of my staff, has been to help 
    the House achieve the best use of all the dollars it spends, 
    increase efficiencies, and ensure the health, safety, and security 
    of Members, staff, and visitors. Through the combined support of 
    the House Leadership, the Committee on House Administration, and 
    the hard work of my staff, I believe we have helped the House 
    accomplish its administrative goals.
        Now, after slightly more than 35 years of Federal Service, I 
    look forward to a new chapter in my life; the pursuit of a hobby 
    and business venture as a kayak instructor and kayaking guide.
        Once again, it has been a great honor to serve the House of the 
    Inspector General for the last five years. It has been a fulfilling 
    and rewarding experience!

    On Apr. 1, 2004,(3) the Speaker pro 
tempore(4) laid before the House the following letter of 
resignation from John R. Miller, Law Revision Counsel. Pursuant to 2 
USC Sec. 285c, the Speaker pro tempore appointed Peter LeFevre Law 
Revision Counsel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 150 Cong. Rec. 6258, 6259, 108th Cong. 2d Sess.
 4. Michael Simpson (ID).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The SPEAKER pro tempore laid before the House the following 
    communication from John R. Miller, Law Revision Counsel, House of 
    Representatives:
                       Office of the Law Revision Counsel, House of 
                                                    Representatives,
                                   Washington, DC, March 29, 2004.
                                             Hon. J. Dennis Hastert,
                  Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: Last October, I completed 28 years of service 
    with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of 
    Representatives. During that time, I have had the pleasure of 
    serving as Assistant Counsel, Deputy Counsel, and for the past 
    seven years Law Revision Counsel. After almost 33 years of service 
    to the Federal Government, it has been very difficult to make this 
    decision and select a particular date, but with your approval, I 
    will retire as Law Revision Counsel, effective May 3, 2004.
        Over the past seven years, the Office has become self-reliant 
    and greatly improved the procedures for preparing and publishing 
    the United States Code. Self-reliance had been the goal of the 
    Office since it was established in 1975. The Office continues to 
    produce the most accurate version of the Code but no longer 
    requires any outside assistance for its production of the Code. 
    This is the result of developing an outstanding staff as well as 
    new procedures for preparing and publishing the Code. The new 
    procedures and computer programs that have been developed and 
    implemented in the past few years will enable the Office to improve 
    its efficiency while maintaining the accuracy of the Code, and 
    eventually will increase the timeliness in which the Code becomes 
    available. While many challenges remain for the Office in our 
    rapidly changing environment, I am confident that the knowledge, 
    experience, and professionalism of the staff will enable the Office 
    to continue its successes and progress.
        Over this period, the Office also has prepared and submitted to 
    the Committee on the Judiciary bills to enact

[[Page 509]]

    two titles of the Code into positive law. In addition, a bill to 
    enact a third title should be transmitted to the Committee shortly. 
    Also, nearing completion is a bill to complete the enactment of 
    Title 46, Shipping.
        None of this could have been accomplished without the support 
    and expertise of the dedicated staff of the Office. I am deeply 
    grateful for their assistance and wish them every success. Finally, 
    I gratefully acknowledge the assistance and support that I, and the 
    Office, have received from the many House Officers and Offices, 
    especially the Speaker, the Chairman of the Committee on the 
    Judiciary, the Parliamentarian, and the fine staffs of those 
    Offices and the Committee.

            Respectfully yours,
                                                   John R. Miller,
Law Revision Counsel.                          -------------------

         APPOINTMENT OF LAW REVISION COUNSEL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

        The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). Pursuant to 2 USC 285c, 
    and the order of the House of December 8, 2003, the Chair announces 
    the Speaker's appointment of Mr. Peter LeFevre as Law Revision 
    Counsel for the House of Representatives, effective May 4, 2004.

    On July 31, 1997,(5) the Speaker laid before the House a 
letter of resignation from the Legislative Counsel of the House, Mr. 
David E. Meade. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. Sec. 282, the Speaker then 
appointed Mr. M. Pope Barrow as Legislative Counsel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5. 143 Cong. Rec. 17033, 17034, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                    U.S. House of Representatives,

                                Office of the Legislative Counsel,

                                     Washington, DC, July 8, 1997.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

              Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Capitol, 
                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I would like to resign from my position as 
    the Legislative Counsel of the House of Representatives effective 
    July 31, 1997. I would like to continue my service in the Office of 
    the Legislative Counsel as a Senior Counsel.
        I will leave my position knowing that my Office is finally 
    fully enabled to provide needed services to the House.
        As you know the primary function of the Office is to draft 
    legislation (including amendments and conference reports) which 
    will carry out the policy of the Members involved. Ideally, there 
    would be time for conferences to develop the policy and the persons 
    responsible for the policy would be available. If that can be done 
    it is very satisfactory work to participate in the process. I have 
    taken a real interest in seeing that the Office is able to 
    effectively do its work.
        When I joined the Office in 1962 it had 11 attorneys and did 
    not provide services to all the Committees. A good working 
    relationship had been established with only the Ways and Means 
    Committee and the Committee on Commerce. However, through time and 
    the changes in the Committees, the Office has been able to 
    establish good

[[Page 510]]

    working relationships with all the Committees. Without a doubt, 
    your actions and those taken by your leadership have facilitated 
    the Office in providing services to the Committees and the 
    Leadership. I think it can be said that the House does not act on 
    significant legislation which has not been a responsibility of an 
    attorney in the Office.
        The morale in the Office is quite high because of the action 
    you took on the pay comparability with the Senate and also on 
    account of the Committee responsibilities.
        The tutorial process the Office follows with new attorneys 
    allows the new attorney to begin Committee work with a fellow 
    attorney in about a year. When the new attorney graduates to 
    Committee work they feel they have been given a special 
    responsibility.
        Now an attorney doing Committee work can readily feel that he 
    or she is making a significant contribution to a public measure.
        I am encouraged about continuing in the Office. The Office 
    undertook an extensive audit of its work and the problems presented 
    to it in carrying out its work. As a result of the audit some very 
    interesting work has been developed in communicating our services 
    to the Members. The Office has a web site which provides 
    information about the Office and the services it provides. In 
    addition, we will soon have the capacity to fax material directly 
    from our personal computers. That will relieve us of the time 
    needed to make copies and deliver the work. In addition, the Office 
    has developed a team to mediate differences in the Office. Finally, 
    work has been done in improving the working conditions of the 
    clerical/administrative staff. Consequently, I think we are doing 
    well and we know what our difficulties are and we are prepared to 
    deal with them.
        I have particularly enjoyed serving as the Legislative Counsel 
    under your Speakership.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                   David E. Meade,

                                              Legislative Counsel.

        The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the provisions of section 521 of the 
    Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 (2 U.S.C. 282), the Chair 
    appoints Mr. M. Pope Barrow as Legislative Counsel of the United 
    States House of Representatives, effective August 1, 1997.
        The Chair would also like to thank Mr. Meade for all his 
    service to the House, and to remind all Members that the work done 
    by the legislative counsels is absolutely essential to the job we 
    do, and without the dedication and hard work and long hours of the 
    legislative counsels, it would be literally impossible to have the 
    legislative process that we now engage in.

    On Jan. 7, 1997,(6) as a matter transacted after the 
preceding adjournment sine die, Speaker Gingrich placed in the 
Congressional Record a letter of resignation from the Law Revision 
Counsel, Edward F. Willett, Jr. On Dec. 1, 1996, pursuant to statute, 
and under a previous order of the House,(7) the Speaker 
appointed

[[Page 511]]

Mr. John R. Miller as the new Law Revision Counsel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6. 143 Cong. Rec. 189, 190, 105th Cong. 1st Sess.
 7. See 142 Cong. Rec. 25776, 104th Cong. 2d Sess., Sept. 28, 1996 (H. 
        Res. 546).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                     U.S. House of Representatives

                               Washington, DC, September 16, 1996.

                                                 Hon. Newt Gingrich,

            Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: This past April, I completed 26 years of 
    service with the House of Representatives, first as Assistant Law 
    Revision Counsel and later as Law Revision Counsel for the 
    Committee on the Judiciary and, since the establishment of the 
    Office of the Law Revision Counsel in 1975, as Law Revision Counsel 
    for the House of Representatives. Together with prior executive 
    branch service, my total service is nearing 38 years. Accordingly, 
    I have concluded it is time to retire. I am most grateful for 
    having had the privilege of serving the House as Law Revision 
    Counsel. With your approval my termination as Law Revision Counsel 
    will become effective November 30, 1996.
        Permit me to provide a brief overview of the Office of the Law 
    Revision Counsel. Functions of the Office include the 
    classification of new laws to the United States Code, the 
    preparation and publication of the Code, the preparation of bills 
    to enact titles of the Code into positive law and to repeal 
    obsolete and superseded statutes, and the provision of advice and 
    assistance to the Committee on the Judiciary in carrying out its 
    functions with respect and codification.
        The Office functions with a staff of 18, all of whom have been 
    appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the 
    basis of fitness to perform the duties of the position. All have 
    expressed the desire for career service in the Office. This has 
    resulted in low turnover and in a highly motivated, productive 
    staff. My Deputy and the two Senior Counsels have accumulated 60 
    years of service with the Office. Accumulated service of the seven 
    Assistant Counsels totals 74 years and that of the seven support 
    staff 69 years.
        Methods and procedures for the preparation and publication of 
    the United States Code have been modernized. Working with the 
    Government Printing Office, the transition from hot metal to 
    electronic typesetting and composition for printing of the Code was 
    implemented commencing with the 1976 main edition. A computer 
    system was installed in the Office for use in maintaining the code 
    database and updating it to include newly enacted laws. The system 
    permits the text of new laws to be extracted from the bills 
    database and efficiently incorporated into the Code database. 
    Benefits resulting from modernization include increased 
    productivity, virtually error-free text, timelier publication, and 
    substantial reduction in typesetting costs. Main editions of the 
    code were published for 1976, 1982, 1988, and 1994, and annual 
    cumulative supplements were published for each of the intervening 
    years.
        The Code database is also utilized for a computerized Code 
    Research and Retrieval system for the legislative branch and for 
    the annual production of the Code on CD-ROM. Response to the 
    availability of the Code on CD-ROM has been exceptional, with 
    thousands being purchased from the Superintendent of Documents at a 
    unit cost

[[Page 512]]

    of about $35. Commencing in January 1995, the Code and the Code 
    classifications of new laws have been made available (utilizing the 
    Code database) on the House Internet Law Library and on the 
    Government Printing Office Internet access. Usage of the House 
    Internet Law Library to access the Code is increasing significantly 
    each month, with user totals for August in excess of 100,000. The 
    Internet Law Library has been the subject of numerous good reviews 
    and comments from both user groups and individual users.
        As a result of bills prepared by the Office and transmitted to 
    the Committee on the Judiciary, three titles of the Code have been 
    enacted into positive law without substantive change and numerous 
    obsolete and superseded laws repealed. Assistance was provided to 
    the Committee in connection with the substantive revision and 
    enactment into positive law of a fourth title of the Code. Bills to 
    enact three other titles have been transmitted to the Committee and 
    a bill relating to another title is in preparation.
        What has been accomplished could not have been done without the 
    assistance and expertise of an outstanding staff. I am truly 
    indebted to them. The Office has enjoyed a close working 
    relationship with the Committee on the Judiciary with regard to its 
    consideration of bills to enact titles of the Code into positive 
    law, for which I am most appreciative. I also gratefully 
    acknowledge the assistance of the support offices of the House, 
    particularly House Information Resources and the Office of the 
    Legislative Counsel, and of the Government Printing Office.

              Respectfully yours,

                                            Edward F. Willett, Jr.

    On Mar. 1, 1989,(8) Speaker pro tempore Earl Hutto, of 
Florida, laid before the House a letter of resignation from the 
Legislative Counsel of the House, Ward M. Hussey. Pursuant to 
statute,(9) the Speaker later that day appointed David E. 
Meade as Legislative Counsel.10)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 8. 135 Cong. Rec. 3084, 101st Cong. 1st Sess.
 9. 2 USC Sec. 282.
10. See 135 Cong. Rec. 3097, 101st Cong. 1st Sess., Mar. 1, 1989.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    U.S. House of Representatives,

                                Washington, DC, February 16, 1989.

                                                    Hon. Jim Wright,

                             Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives,
                                                     Washington, DC.

        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.

    For tributes to Legislative Counsel Ward M. Hussey and Deputy 
Legislative Counsel Lawrence E. Filson on their respective retirements, 
see Sec. 10.6, infra.
    For the resignation of Lewis Deschler as House Parliamentarian, 
effective June 30, 1974, see Sec. 10.3, infra. For the resignation of 
William Holmes Brown as House Parliamentarian, effective

[[Page 513]]

Sept. 15, 1994, see Sec. 10.4, infra. For the resignation of Charles W. 
Johnson III as House Parliamentarian, effective May 31, 2004, see 
Sec. 10.5, infra.

Sec. 9.4 Resignations of certain employees of the House sometimes have 
    been laid before the House as accepted.

    On Jan. 22, 1962,(1) the Speaker laid before House the 
resignation of the Legislative Counsel of the House which was read:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 108 Cong. Rec. 584, 87th Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 January 16, 1962.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                              The Speaker, House of Representatives,

                                       The Capitol, Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as legislative 
    counsel of the House of Representatives, United States, effective 
    at the close of January 31, 1962.

              Sincerely yours,

                                                  Allan H. Perley.

        Mr. [Oren] HARRIS [of Arkansas]. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
    consent that the reply to the letter just read into the Record of 
    the Speaker of the House be included at this point in the Record.
        The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
    from Arkansas?
        There was no objection.
        The letter referred to follows:

                                              The Speaker's Rooms,

                                   House of Representatives, U.S.,

                               Washington, D.C., January 17, 1962.

                                                Mr. Allan H. Perley,

                                                Legislative Counsel,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Perley: I am in receipt of your letter of January 16 
    resigning as legislative counsel, House of Representatives, United 
    States, effective at the close of business on January 31, 1962. 
    While I respect very much the reasons which prompted you to take 
    this action, I regret very much you are doing so.
        I am well aware of the fact that you have been associated with 
    the office of the legislative counsel since 1925 and from 1949 
    until the present you have been the legislative counsel. I 
    thoroughly understand the great responsibility of that office, and 
    the tremendous duties devolved upon you. Your life has been 
    dedicated through the House of Representatives in the service of 
    our Government. There is no man who could perform his duties more 
    effectively than you. You have had the respect throughout the years 
    of several Speakers and Members of the House of Representatives. 
    You have my complete respect as you had my confidence.
        In accepting your resignation, reluctantly as I do, but 
    respecting your wishes, I want to highly commend you for the 
    outstanding character of service that you have rendered in your 
    most trying, sensitive and important position. I cannot too highly 
    commend you. Speaking for myself, and for the Members of the House 
    of Representatives, I express to you my sincere thanks for service 
    well done. I also extend to you and Mrs. Perley my very best wishes 
    for many future years of happiness,

[[Page 514]]

    and in any activities in which you might engage, many years of 
    success to you.
        With kind personal regards to you and Mrs. Perley, I am,

              Sincerely yours,

                                                John W. McCormack,

                                                          Speaker.

Minority Employees

Sec. 9.5 The Speaker lays before the House the resignations of minority 
    employees. Formal acceptance of such resignations is not necessary. 
    The Journal entry shows merely that the letters of resignation were 
    laid before the House.

    On Dec. 6, 1973,(1) the Speaker laid before the House 
the resignation of an employee designated by House resolution as a 
``minority employee'', the employee having been appointed as Chief of 
Staff to the Vice President.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 119 Cong. Rec. 39927, 93d Cong. 1st Sess. See H. Jour. p. 1780, 93d 
        Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 Washington, D.C.,

                                                 December 5, 1973.

                                                   Hon. Carl Albert,

                                                        The Speaker,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Dear Mr. Speaker: I hereby submit my resignation as one of the 
    Floor Assistants to the Minority, generally known as Minority 
    Sergeant at Arms, effective as of the time that the Honorable 
    Gerald R. Ford becomes the Vice President of the United States.
        It has been a great privilege to serve the House of 
    Representatives for eight years and as one of the elected minority 
    officers in the 91st, 92d and 93d Congresses. May I express to you 
    my personal thanks for your many courtesies and my sincere regret 
    at having to leave the House which I will always revere and love.

              Respectfully,

                                               Robert T. Hartmann,

                                 Assistant to the Minority Leader.

    On Jan. 16, 1967,(2) Speaker McCormack laid before the 
House the resignation of a minority employee.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. 115 Cong. Rec. 444, 445, 90th Cong. 1st Sess. See. H. Jour. p. 87, 
        90th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 December 6, 1966.

                                             Hon. John W. McCormack,

                                                        The Speaker,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        My Dear Mr. Speaker: I feel that the time has come for me to 
    retire from active employment, and it is therefore requested that 
    you accept my resignation as assistant disbursing clerk (minority), 
    United States House of Representatives, as of December 30, 1966.
        You may be assured that my nearly twenty years service as an 
    employee of the House has been a most pleasant and gratifying 
    experience.
        With all good wishes.

              Sincerely yours,

                                           Frederick M. Kissinger.

[[Page 515]]

    On Oct. 31, 1969,(3) the floor assistant to the minority 
having retired under the provisions of Public Law No. 91-93, Speaker 
John W. McCormack, of Massachusetts, laid his letter of resignation 
before the House.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 3. 115 Cong. Rec. 32550, 91st Cong. 1st Sess. See H. Jour. p. 1039, 
        91st Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                         House of Representatives,

                               Washington, D.C., October 30, 1969.

                                          The Honorable the Speaker,

                                      U.S. House of Representatives,

                                                    Washington, D.C.

        Sir: I herewith submit my resignation as floor assistant to the 
    minority, U.S. House of Representatives, effective at the close of 
    business, October 31, 1969.

              Respectfully,

                                              Harry L. Brookshire.

    On Jan. 7, 1958,(4) Speaker Sam Rayburn, of Texas, laid 
before the House a communication from Lyle O. Snader, resigning from 
his position as minority clerk.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 4. 104 Cong. Rec. 5, 85th Cong. 2d Sess. See H. Jour. p. 14, 85th 
        Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      
                                                 October 28, 1957.

                                        The Honorable the Speaker,

            United States House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.

        Sir: I herewith submit my resignation as Minority Clerk, United 
    States House of Representatives, effective at the close of business 
    October 31, 1957.

              Respectfully,

                                                   Lyle O. Snader.

                        

[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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 96 Cong. Rec. 1095-97, 81st Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      

        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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 145 Cong. Rec. 29493-96, 106th Cong. 1st Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 120 Cong. Rec. 21590-95, 93d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1. 140 Cong. Rec. 24850-52, 103d Cong. 2d Sess.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        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:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2. Ray LaHood (PA).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        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 

[[Page 559]]

                         

[Page 559-566]
 
                               CHAPTER 37
 
                              Resignations
 
         D. Resignations of Officers, Officials, and Employees
 
Sec.                      INDEX TO PRECEDENTS

Addressing House regarding reasons for resignation
    committee, resignation from, see Committee, resignation from, infra
    former Majority leader final speech, Sec. 7.10
    Speaker James C. Wright, Jr., resignation of, Sec. 9.1
    unanimous consent to address House, Sec. 4.15
Adjournment
    Commissions and boards, Speaker authorized to accept resignations 
        from, notwithstanding, Sec. Sec. 8.4, 8.5
    Congressional Record of opening day of new Congress business 
        transacted during sine die adjournment as reflected in, 
        Sec. Sec. 3.5, 9.2
    House informed of resignations received during, Sec. Sec. 3.4, 3.5, 
        9.3
    sine die adjournment, procedures relating to resignations of 
        Members received during, Sec. Sec. 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7
Appointments to committees, Sec. 6.1
Armed forces, resignation to join, Sec. Sec. 4.1, 4.15, 5.2
Basis of resignation of Member, see Reasons for resignation of Member
Beginning of session, tendering at, Sec. 3.6
Cabinet, President's, resignation to serve in, Sec. Sec. 4.2, 5.11
Change in party affiliation, resignation to stand for special election 
    after, Sec. 4.10
Chaplain, resignation of
    appointment, temporary, to fill vacancy pending election of new 
        Chaplain, Sec. 9.2
    Emeritus, Chaplain, resolution appointing Chaplain as, 
        Sec. Sec. 10.1, 10.2
    letter of resignation, Sec. Sec. 9.2, 10.1
    tributes to Chaplain, Sec. Sec. 10.1, 10.2
Clerk of the House, resignation of, Sec. 9.2
Commissions and boards, resignations from
    accept resignations notwithstanding adjournment to day certain, 
        Speaker authorized by unanimous consent, to, Sec. 8.5
    accept resignations notwithstanding sine die adjournment, Speaker 
        authorized by unanimous consent to, Sec. 8.4
    accept resignations throughout session, Speaker and floor leaders 
        authorized to, Sec. 8.6
    adjournment sine die, Speaker authorized by unanimous consent to 
        accept resignations notwithstanding, Sec. 8.4
    adjournment to day certain, Speaker authorized by unanimous consent 
        to accept resignations notwithstanding, Sec. 8.5
    appointments to fill vacancies in delegation to NATO 
        Parliamentarian's Conference made by Speaker, Sec. 8.1
    appointments to fill vacancies, Speaker and floor leaders 
        authorized to make, Sec. 8.6
    conference, international, resignations from delegation to, 
        Sec. 8.1
    Congressional Mailing Standards, resignation from, Sec. 8.2
    House Office Building Commission, Sec. 8.3
    international conference, resignations from delegations to, 
        Sec. 8.1
    laid before House, letter is, Sec. 8.1
    letters of resignation laid before House, from delegation to 
        international conference were, Sec. 8.1

[[Page 560]]

    NATO Parliamentarian's Conference, resignations from delegation to, 
        Sec. 8.1
    vacancies in delegation to NATO Parliamentarian's Conference, 
        appointments by Speaker to fill, Sec. 8.1
    vacancies, Speaker and floor leaders authorized to make 
        appointments to fill, Sec. 8.6
Committee, resignation from
    acceptance of resignation, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.2, 7.7
    addressing House on reasons for resignation, Sec. 7.9
    Agriculture, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. Sec. 6.6, 6.9, 
        7.5, 7.8
    Armed Services, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 7.7
    assignments, committee, dissatisfaction with, Sec. 7.6
    basis of resignation (see also specific topics herein), 
        Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.2, 7.1-7.10
    Budget, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.1
    caucus or conference, continuing membership in, committee 
        assignment was contingent on, Sec. 7.8
    chairman of committee, election as, Member's resignation from 
        another committee after, Sec. 7.3
    chairmanship, resignation from, while remaining on committee, 
        Sec. 6.1
    committee, election to, resignation from other committee 
        assignments pending, Sec. 7.4
    conferee, Member remained as, after resignation from committee, 
        Sec. 6.1
    conference committee, resignation from, see Conference committee, 
        resignation from
    debate on acceptance of resignation, Sec. 6.2
    dissatisfaction with committee assignments, Sec. 7.6
    Education and the Workforce, Committee on, resignation from, 
        Sec. 6.1
    Energy and Commerce, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.1
    Ethics, Select Committee on, filling vacancy on, Sec. 6.5
    Ethics, Select Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.5
    Financial Services, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 
        6.6, 7.5
    Government Reform, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 
        6.6, 6.7, 6.9, 7.5
    Homeland Security, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.1
    Immigration and Nationality Policy, Joint Committee on, Member who 
        had ceased to serve on immigration subcommittee resigned from, 
        Sec. 7.6
    International Relations, resignation from, Sec. 6.1
    investigating committee, chairman of, resigned after being accused 
        of accepting fees for appearing before government agency, 
        Sec. 7.9
    judicial role, resignation from committee cited imminent departure 
        from House to assume, Sec. 6.1
    laid before House, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.2
    laid before House, manner in which request for leave of absence is, 
        Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.3
    leave of absence, request for, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.3
    letter of resignation may state reasons therefor, Sec. Sec. 7.4-7.6
    majority leader, election as, Member's resignation from committees 
        after, Sec. 7.2
    party affiliation, following change of, Sec. Sec. 7.7, 7.8
    party caucus or conference, continuing membership in, committee 
        assignment was contingent on, Sec. 7.8

[[Page 561]]

    privilege, question of, resignation as presenting, Sec. 6.2
    reasons for resignation (see also specific topics herein), 
        Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.2, 7.1-7.10
    Resources, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.6
    Science, committee on, resignation from, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.6
    select committee, Sec. Sec. 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.8
    Select Committee on Ethics, resignation from, Sec. 6.5
    Select Committee on Homeland Security, resignation from, Sec. 6.1
    Select Committee on Intelligence, Sec. 6.8
    Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparation for and 
        Response to Hurricane Katrina, Sec. 6.1
    slander cited as reason for resignation from investigating 
        committee, Sec. 7.9
    Speaker appointed Member to fill vacancy on select committee, 
        Sec. 6.1
    Speaker, election as, Member's resignation from committees after, 
        Sec. 7.1
    staff and colleagues, problems concerning, cited in resignation 
        from Select Committee on Assassinations, Sec. 6.2
    temporary surrender of seat on committee, Sec. 6.3
    Transportation and Infrastructure, Sec. 6.1
    vacancy on select committee, Speaker appointed Member to fill, 
        Sec. 6.1
    Veterans' Affairs, Committee on, resignation from, Sec. 6.3
    Ways and Means, Committee on, Member resigned certain assignments 
        pending election to, Sec. 7.4
Conference committee, resignation from
    approval of House, subject to, Sec. 6.4
    criminal conviction, following, Sec. 7.6
    vacancy, authorizing Speaker to fill, Sec. 6.4
Conferences, resignation as delegates to, Sec. 8.1
Constitutional or statutory provisions as affecting timing of 
    resignation of Member, see Member, resignation of
Contested seat, resignation of Member based on, Sec. 4.11
Contingency, resignation of Member based on
    confirmation of appointment to executive office, resignation to be 
        effective upon, Sec. 5.4
    election of successor, resignation to become effective after, 
        Sec. 5.6
    election to fill vacancy, resignation to be effective on date set 
        by Governor for, Sec. 5.7
    failure of contingency, resignation was made unconditional after, 
        Sec. 5.7
    successor, election of, resignation to become effective after, 
        Sec. 5.6
Convening of second session, procedures relating to, Sec. 3.5
Criminal conviction, resignation based on, Sec. 4.12
Effective date of resignation of Member
    alternative effective dates for resignation from Senate, see 
        Senate, resignations from
    clarification of, Sec. 3.9
    confirmation of appointment to executive office, resignation laid 
        down after, Sec. 5.11
    constitutional or statutory provisions as affecting timing of 
        resignation, Sec. 5.10
    contingency, resignation based on, see Contingency, resignation of 
        Member based on

[[Page 562]]

    earlier effective date where resignation laid before House after 
        assumption of executive office, Sec. 5.11
    election of successor, resignation to be effective after, Sec. 5.6
    election to fill vacancy, resignation to be effective on date set 
        by Governor for, Sec. 5.7
    future effective date, designation of, barred by State law, 
        Sec. 5.12
    future effective date, statement of, as enabling Governor to call 
        for election to fill vacancy, Sec. 5.1
    immediately, State law required resignation to take effect, rather 
        than at future date, Sec. 5.12
    laid down after assuming executive office, resignation as, with 
        earlier effective date, Sec. 5.11
    Senator, resignation of, see Senate, resignations from
    Speaker, resignation of, see Speaker, practices of or concerning
    stated in letter of resignation, as, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.6, 3.9
    State law required resignation to take effect immediately rather 
        than at future date, Sec. 5.12
    timing of resignation as affected by constitutional or statutory 
        provisions, Sec. 5.10
Election of new Speaker, precedence of, over submitting resignations 
    (see also Speaker, practices of or concerning), Sec. 3.7
Employees, minority, resignation of, see, e.g., Minority Clerk, 
    resignation of
Governor, resignation submitted to, Sec. 3.1
Judgeship, resignation to assume, Sec. Sec. 4.7, 4.8, 5.1, 5.10
Law Revision Counsel, resignation of
    functions of office described in letter of resignation, Sec. 9.3
    letter of resignation, Sec. 9.3
Legislative counsel, resignation of
    appointment to fill vacancy, Sec. 9.3
    Legislative Reorganization Act, appointment pursuant to, to fill 
        vacancy, Sec. 9.3
    letter of resignation laid before House, Sec. Sec. 9.3, 9.5, 10.6
    tribute to Legislative Counsel, Sec. 10.6
Letters of resignation by Members (see also Member, resignation of)
    conference, international, resignation from, see, e.g., 
        Conferences, resignation as delegates to, supra
    effective date, examples of statements as to, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.6, 
        3.9, 4.4, 5.1
    laid before House, Sec. Sec. 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9
    reasons for resignation, examples of letters stating, 
        Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.6, 3.9, 4.2, 4.7
    Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, see Resident Commissioner 
        from Puerto Rico, resignation of
    Speaker, letter submitted to, procedures in cases where, Sec. 3.2
Member, resignation of
    acceptance of resignation not necessary, Sec. 2 (introduction)
    allegations of improprieties, Sec. 4.12
    Administrator of Drug Enforcement Agency, resignation to become, 
        see Reasons for resignation of Member
    Cabinet, President's, resignation to serve in, Sec. Sec. 4.2, 5.11
    constitutional or statutory provisions as affecting timing of 
        resignation, Sec. 5.10
    contingency, resignation based on, see Contingency, resignation of 
        Member based on

[[Page 563]]

    criminal conviction, after, Sec. 4.12
    Director of the Office of Management and Budget, resignation to 
        become, see Reasons for resignation of Member
    effective after election of successor, to be, Sec. 5.6
    effective date of resignation, clarification of, Sec. 3.9
    effective date of resignation, examples of statement as to, in 
        letter to Speaker, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.6, 3.9, 4.4
    effective upon contingency, see Contingency, resignation of Member 
        based on
    executive branch, resignation to serve in, Sec. Sec. 4.2, 5.11
    future date stated irrevocably for resignation, Governor enabled to 
        call for election to fill prospective vacancy where, Sec. 5.1
    Governor of State, letter submitted to, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 
        3.6, 3.10
    Governor of State, resignation to become, Sec. 4.7
    Governor, resignation was accepted by, although State law required 
        submission to Secretary of State, Sec. 3.9
    irrevocability of resignation as predicate for declaration of 
        vacancy, Sec. 5.1
    judicial appointment, to accept, Sec. Sec. 4.8, 4.9, 5.1, 5.10
    laid before House, resignations are, Sec. Sec. 3.2, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9
    Mayor of New York, resignation to become, Sec. 4.7
    military service as reason for, Sec. Sec. 4.1, 4.15, 5.2
    notification to executive authority of State where Member submitted 
        resignation directly to Speaker, Sec. 3.2
    notification to House where Member submitted resignation to 
        executive authority of State, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6
    quorum, names of Members who resigned not called to establish, 
        Sec. 3.7
    prospective vacancy, Governor enabled to call for election to fill, 
        where future date for resignation has been irrevocably stated, 
        Sec. 5.1
    reasons for resignation, see specific topics hereunder; and see 
        Reasons for resignation of Member
    reelection, resignation or withdrawal after, Sec. Sec. 5.2, 5.3
    Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, see Resident Commissioner 
        from Puerto Rico, resignation of
    reelection, Member resigned after, before adjournment of Congress, 
        Sec. 5.2
    roll, stricken from, names of Members who resigned as, Sec. 3.7
    Secretary of State of State, letter submitted to, Sec. Sec. 3.6, 
        3.9
    Secretary of State of State, resignation submitted to Governor was 
        accepted although law required submission to, Sec. 3.9
    Senate, following election or appointment to, Sec. Sec. 4.3, 4.4
    Senate, resignations from, see Senate, resignations from
    Speaker, election of, proceeds before resignations received during 
        adjournment are laid before House, Sec. 3.7
    Speaker, procedure where resignation was submitted directly to, 
        Sec. 3.2
    Speaker, resignation of, as Member-elect, see Speaker, practices of 
        or concerning
    State law required that resignation be submitted to Secretary of 
        State of State, Sec. 3.9
    State law, resignation customarily submitted to official designated 
        by, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.9

[[Page 564]]

    swearing in, reelected Member resigned prior to, Sec. 5.2
    tendered to executive authority of State, resignation customarily 
        is, Sec. Sec. 3.3, 3.6, 3.9
    tendered to Speaker or to House, procedure where resignation is, 
        Sec. 3.2
    timing of resignation to coincide with resignation of Senator 
        permitted Governor to appoint Member to fill vacancy, Sec. 5.9
    vacancy, prospective, stating future effective date of resignation 
        as enabling Governor to call for election to fill, Sec. 5.1
Minority, assistant disbursing clerk to, resignation of, Sec. 9.5
Minority Clerk, resignation of, Sec. 9.5
Minority employee, formal acceptance of resignation of, not necessary, 
    Sec. 9.5
Minority, floor assistant to, resignation of, Sec. 9.5
Minority Sergeant at Arms, resignation of, Sec. 9.5
Multiple letters of resignation, Sec. Sec. 6.6, 7.5
Notification to executive authority of State where Member submitted 
    resignation directly to Speaker, Sec. 3.2
Notification to House where Member submitted resignation to executive 
    authority of State
    copy of letter submitted by Member, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.3
    Governor, notification to House sent by, Sec. 3.3
    Member, notification by, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.3, 3.9
Officers and officials of House, resignations of, Sec. 9.1-9.3
    acceptance by the House, resignation of elected officer is subject 
        to, Sec. 9.2
    acceptance by the House, resignation of nonelected officer not 
        subject to, Sec. 9.3
    appointed officers, resignation of, Sec. Sec. 9.3, 9.4, 10.3-10.6
    appointment, temporary, by Speaker to fill vacancy among elected 
        officers, Sec. 9.2
    Chaplain, Sec. Sec. 9.2, 10.1, 10.2
    Clerk of the House, Sec. 9.2
    elected officers, Sec. Sec. 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2
    floor, announcements from, as to, Sec. Sec. 10.1, 10.2
    Law Revision Counsel, Sec. 9.3
    Law Revision Counsel, functions of office of, described in letter 
        of resignation, Sec. 9.3
    Legislative Counsel, Sec. Sec. 9.3, 9.4, 10.6
    Legislative Reorganization Act authorizes Speaker to make temporary 
        appointment to fill vacancy among elected officers, Sec. 9.2
    nonelected officers, resignation of, Sec. 9.3, 9.4
    Sergeant at Arms, Sec. 9.2
    Speaker, resignation of, see Speaker, practices of or concerning,
    vacancy among elected officers, temporary appointment by Speaker to 
        fill, Sec. 9.2
    vacancy among nonelected officers, appointment to fill, Sec. 9.3, 
        10.5
Parliamentarian, resignation of
    appointment to fill vacancy, Sec. 10.5
    letter of resignation, Sec. Sec. 10.3-10.5
    tributes upon, Sec. Sec. 10.3-10.5
Primary or special election, resignation to participate in, 
    Sec. Sec. 4.11, 5.7
Procedure for resignation of Member, see, e.g., Member, resignation of

[[Page 565]]

Quorum, names of Members who resigned during sine die adjournment are 
    not called to establish, Sec. 3.7
Reasons for resignation of Member
    addressing House by unanimous consent to explain reasons, Sec. 4.15
    Administrator of Drug Enforcement Agency, to become, Sec. 4.2
    Ambassador of another nation, to become, Sec. 4.6
    Cabinet, President's, to serve in, Sec. Sec. 4.2, 5.11
    contested seat, resignation of, Sec. 4.11
    criminal conviction of Member, Sec. 4.12
    Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to become, 
        Sec. 4.2
    executive branch, to serve in, Sec. 4.2
    Governor of State, to become, Sec. 4.2
    judicial appointment, to accept, Sec. Sec. 4.8, 4.9, 5.1
    Mayor of New York, to become, Sec. 4.7
    military service, to join, Sec. Sec. 4.1, 4.15, 5.2
    party affiliation, change in, to stand for special election after, 
        Sec. Sec. 4.10, 5.7
    pastor of church, to pursue duties as, Sec. 3.9
    Securities and Exchange Chairman, to become, Sec. 4.2
    Senate, resignations from, see Senate, resignations from, infra
    special election, to stand for, after change of party affiliation, 
        Sec. 4.10
    United Nations, Ambassador to, resignation to accept appointment 
        as, Sec. 4.5
    United Nations, appointment as member of delegation to, resignation 
        to accept, Sec. 4.5
    United States Trade Representative, to become Sec. 4.2
Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico, resignation of
    letter from Governor naming successor laid before House, Sec. 3.8
    letter giving notice of, laid before House, Sec. 3.8
    oath administered to successor, Sec. 3.8
    vacancy, Governor of Puerto Rico makes appointment to fill, subject 
        to confirmation by Senate of Puerto Rico, Sec. 3.8
    vacancy, letter from Governor naming successor to fill, laid before 
        House, Sec. 3.8
Roll, names of Members who resigned during sine die adjournment as 
    stricken from, Sec. 3.7
Select Committee on Ethics, resignation from, see Committee, 
    resignation from
Senate, resignations from
    alternative effective dates, Sec. 5.8
    effective after taking oath as Senator, resignation following 
        election as Vice President was to be, Sec. 5.5
    effective date prior to end of term as affecting seniority of 
        Senator appointed to fill vacancy, Sec. Sec. 4.3, 5.9
    effective on certain date or at such earlier date as successor has 
        been elected and qualified, Sec. 5.8
    Governor to appoint new Senator, Sec. 4.3
    nomination of candidates in next primary, resignation by Strom 
        Thurmond to permit, after his election by write-in vote, 
        Sec. 4.14
    Thurmond, Strom, election by write-in vote followed by resignation 
        of, Sec. 4.14
    timing of resignation of Member of House to coincide with 
        resignation of Senator permitted, Governor to appoint that 
        Member to fill vacancy, Sec. 5.9
    vacancy prior to end of term, intention to create, to gain 
        advantages of seniority for newly appointed Senator, Sec. 4.14

[[Page 566]]

    Vice President, resignation after election as, Sec. 5.5
Senate, resignation to serve in, Sec. Sec. 4.3, 4.4
Sergeant at Arms, resignation of, Sec. 9.2
Speaker, practices of or concerning
    accept resignations notwithstanding adjournment, Speaker authorized 
        to, see, e.g., Adjournment, Commissions and boards, 
        resignations from,
    address to House by Speaker James C. Wright, Jr., concerning his 
        resignation, Sec. 9.1
    committee, select, appointing Member to fill vacancy on, see 
        Committee, resignation from
    election of new Speaker after resignation of Speaker James C. 
        Wright, Jr., Sec. 9.1
    election of Speaker, Members whose resignations were received 
        during sine die adjournment do not participate in, Sec. 3.7
    election of Speaker precedes presentation of resignations to House, 
        Sec. 3.7
    Gingrich, Newt, resigned as Member-elect to next Congress, Sec. 5.3
    notification to executive authority of State where resignation has 
        been first submitted to Speaker, Sec. 3.2
    resignation from committees upon election as Speaker, Sec. 7.1
    resignation from Speakership of James C. Wright, Jr., Sec. 9.1
    resignation of Speaker, proceedings for election of new Speaker 
        after, Sec. 9.1
    resignation or withdrawal of Speaker as Member-elect to next 
        Congress, Sec. 5.3
    resignation tendered directly to Speaker, procedure where, Sec. 3.2
    tendered to Speaker, resignation of Member was, Sec. 3.2
    withdrawal or resignation of Speaker as Member-elect to next 
        Congress, Sec. 5.3
Special or primary election, resignation to participate in, 
    Sec. Sec. 4.10, 5.7
Staff member, resignation of, see Employees, resignations of
State law, application of, Sec. Sec. 3.9, 3.10, 5.1, 5.12
State Secretary of State, resignations tendered to, Sec. Sec. 3.9, 3.10
Swearing in, reelected Member resigned prior to, see Member, 
    resignation of
Tendered to executive authority of State, Member's resignation 
    customarily is (see also Member, resignation of)
    Governor of State, letter submitted to, Sec. Sec. 3.1, 3.3, 3.6, 
        3.10
    Secretary of State of State, letter submitted to, Sec. Sec. 3.6, 
        3.9
Tributes to officers and officials upon resignation
    Chaplain, Sec. Sec. 10.1, 10.2
    Legislative Counsel, Sec. 10.6
    Parliamentarian, Sec. Sec. 10.3-10.5
    Speaker, tribute by, see, e.g., Sec. 10.4
United Nations, resignation to accept appointment to, Sec. 4.5
Vice President, resignation after both reelection as Senator and 
    election as, Sec. 5.5
Vice President, resignation of Member upon confirmation as, Sec. 5.4
Withdrawal of resignation of Member
    defects in compliance with State law, in case of, Sec. 5.1
Withdrawal of Speaker as Member-elect to next Congress, Sec. 5.3