Robert Brady

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this joint resolution will reappoint Roger W. Sant to be a citizen regent of the Smithsonian Institution for a second 6-year term. The last few years have been very difficult ones for the Smithsonian. The aftermath of the September 11 attacks caused a significant drop in public attendance at the Smithsonian facilities, which has only recently begun to bounce back. Many believe the Institution has become too closely identified with donors and corporate sponsors of its buildings and activities, which threatens its reputation for independence. Mr. Speaker, the House Administration Committee thought long and hard about whether it would be appropriate to replace some members of the Board of Regents. In prior years, the committee had essentially rubber- stamped appointment recommendations from the board, and candidates seeking a second term routinely received it. This year, two citizens regents are seeking reappointment, including Mr. Sant, and two additional seats will be filled by new members who have who not yet been recommended to us. So there is a process of natural rotation. We ultimately decided to give the board more time to implement the promising reforms recommended both by its Governance Committee and the Independent Review Committee. The committee expects the board to appoint a secretary who will be fully responsive to the board and protect the values the American public has expected of the Smithsonian. As part of the process of considering this joint resolution, committee members met with Mr. Sant 2 weeks ago to hear his views about recent events in the Smithsonian and assessment of the pace of the ongoing reforms at the Institution. We were cautiously optimistic that the board is on the right track. Mr. Sant has broad understanding of the Smithsonian operation and its past flaws, and we believe he can make a useful contribution to the restructuring of the board. He also informed the committee that he is not running for the new and enhanced position of chairman of the board, which is expected to be created January 2008 as one of the principal reform recommendations. We think the new occupant of this position should bring a fresh perspective of the management of the board's affairs. For these reasons, we have decided to recommend Mr. Sant's reappointment to the board for a second 6-year term and urge his approval by the House. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 2206) to provide technical corrections to Public Law 109-116 (2 U.S.C. 2131a note) to extend the time period for the Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks, and for other purposes.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise on this occasion to honor Wanda Chaney, a dedicated employee of the CAO, for her service to the House of Representatives. Wanda Chaney began her career at the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 serving as a user information specialist in the User Assistance Office, now known as the CAO Technology Call Center. Wanda soon went on to be a technical support representative (TSR) providing excellent service with enthusiasm and passion. Wanda's dedication and leadership qualities soon found Wanda leading a team of TSRs whose mission was to provide timely and efficient services to Member offices. Throughout Wanda's career, she continued to expand her services beyond technical support. Wanda's contribution to the transitioning of Congresses cannot be overstated. Wanda moved services to a higher standard, raising the bar for all who assisted her in these endeavors. Wanda identified the problems facing Members as they transition in and out of Congress and presented practical and time-saving solutions for Members and staff. Wanda can be credited for infusing technology in the dissemination of information critical to new Members of Congress. She created an interactive CD-ROM to familiarize Members with technology services provided by the House. She introduced an interactive web page to help offices navigate through the transition. Wanda's contribution to the rollout of U.S. Active Directory for user authentication to the House ensured that Members' requirements were satisfied and complete. There are countless examples of how Wanda made a difference in the provisioning of technology services to Member offices. A common theme shared by her customers and colleagues speaks to her commitment, resourcefulness and drive to provide a meaningful solution to any problem sent her way. Wanda's ability to see the ``big'' picture, understand the needs of her customers and passion for doing what's right are inspiration to all. Wanda gave tirelessly in the pursuit of excellence and it is an honor to recognize her service to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Joann E. Evans, one of my most distinguished constituents, for her service to the people of Philadelphia. Throughout her life, Ms. Evans has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to her community and church. The recipient of numerous rewards, she has held a number of leadership positions that allowed her to better our city. She has showcased her administrative skills by serving as the Director of Support Services for the Center City Association and the Client Relations Manager for Penn Health Pass Corporation. In her efforts with Philadelphia's Mariama House and the United Negro College Fund, Ms. Evans has worked to advance the city's young adults. In addition to her involvement in the community, Ms. Evans has furthered her commitment to education through participation in her church. She has worked as a youth minister and retreat leader for parochial schools and religious organizations throughout the Nation. As a contributing writer for The National Catholic Reporter and the Faith Alive Series, Ms. Evans shares this sense of faith and activism with readers. As a native of Philadelphia, Ms. Evans has made a remarkable contribution to her city. I assure you that her leadership is felt by all members of this community. Once again, I congratulate and thank Ms. Evans for her immeasurable service to this Philadelphia.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a man who rose through the Sheet Metal Worker ranks to become a figurehead and an important contributor to the Sheet Metal Worker community. Joseph Sellers, Jr. is a self-made man who has worked hard to get to where he is today. He began as an apprentice in 1980, and became a journeyman in 1984. Joseph Sellers, Jr. began his career on the Local 19 Executive Board in 1994. Two years after, he was elected to the position of training coordinator, which he held for 4\1/2\ years. He followed this position with the position of business representative, and then was unanimously elected by the Local 19 Executive Board to the office of president and business manager. In June of 2003, he was again unanimously elected to this position. He is currently serving his third term in this office. During his tenure on the Local 19 Executive Board for the Sheet Metal Workers, Mr. Sellers has held a number of other important positions, and left his mark in each of them. These titles include President of the Pennsylvania State Council of Sheet Metal Workers, President for the Metropolitan Association of Presidents and Business Representatives, President of the Board of Directors for the National Energy Management Institute, Vice President of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, and Vice President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO. These are only a fraction of the prestigious positions Mr. Sellers has held. He has been an influential leader among all of the Sheet Metal Workers in Philadelphia and beyond. It is no small wonder, then, that he has been selected to receive the esteemed Labor Man of the Year Award for his unparalleled service and dedication to the Sheet Metal Workers community across Pennsylvania. I would like my colleagues to join me in honoring Joseph Sellers, Jr., without whom the title of Sheet Metal Worker would not have the same honor.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 3068.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I would like to note that I am here for the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and if she does come in, I will relinquish my duties. But in the meantime, Mr. Speaker, this bill, H.R. 3068, as amended, is the result of two oversight hearings held by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that examined the role of Federal Protective Service, FPS, in providing security for our Nation's public buildings. There was evidence of serious allegations of wrongdoing, chaos, and irregularities in contracting employment of private security guards who protect Federal employees and facilities. This legislation intends to preserve the security of the country's most sensitive buildings. Due to the security needs of a Federal building, it is surprising that an individual with a felony conviction would hold a contract for security services in a Federal building. This bill codifies the commonsense approach to providing security for Federal buildings. Specifically, this bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security not to award any security guard contracts through the Federal Protective Service to any company that is owned, controlled, or operated by a convicted felon. The bill would ensure that contractors are capable, responsible and ethical as required by the Federal Acquisition Regulations. Contract security officers are a critical component of Federal strategies to protect the safety and security of Federal employees, visitors to Federal buildings and the surrounding community. Given the critical role these guards play in Federal security, this bill will hold owners of companies who provide security to Federal buildings to the highest standards. I urge all Members to vote for H.R. 3068, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3068) to prohibit the award of contracts to provide guard services under the contract security guard program of the Federal Protective Service to a business concern that is owned, controlled, or operated by an individual who has been convicted of a felony, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. I ask unanimous consent to relinquish control of the time to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the Office of Compliance is an independent agency that was tasked by Congress to oversee the administration of the Congressional Accountability Act, which provides congressional and legislative branch employees with workplace protections enjoyed by other Federal and private sector workers. Being responsible for the oversight of 12 workplace protection, health care, labor and civil rights laws is a huge task that requires a well-seasoned and experienced staff. Unfortunately, when the Congressional Accountability Act was signed into law in 1995, the law barred the Office of Compliance from promoting from within. This lack of flexibility threatens to impact the effectiveness of the office by preventing them from building on the expertise gained by certain personnel. This legislation would lift the current ban on hiring former legislative branch employees within 4 years of their appointment to the Office of Compliance, as well as allowing for the reappointment of executive staff for one additional term. Congress passed legislation during both the 108th Congress and 109th Congress to temporarily address the issue of reappointment. Both pieces of legislation, H.R. 5122 and H.R. 3071, were noncontroversial and passed both Chambers unanimously. Let us continue to provide the Office of Compliance with the tools needed to carry out their mandate of ensuring that all of our workers' rights are protected. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3571) to amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to such positions to serve one additional term.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record on H.R. 3571.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on House Administration and of the Joint Committee on Printing, I wish to pay tribute to Carl A. LaBarre, who served the U.S. Navy faithfully and well during his career, and who then brought a similar standard of service to the Government Printing Office, where he led his staff in improving public access to Government information. On October 4,2007, Carl LaBarre will be laid to rest with full honors in Arlington National Cemetery. A Montana native who attended the University of Montana and later the Naval War College, the Naval Post Graduate School, and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, LaBarre was a career U.S. Navy officer who retired as Inspector General of the Naval Supply Systems Command in Washington, D.C., with the rank of Captain. During his service he earned the Legion of Merit, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Award. Perhaps most significantly, especially to those of us who have been watching Ken Burns' latest documentary The War, then-Ensign LaBarre earned recognition for service in the best tradition of the Navy on December 7, 1941, while ``effecting the rescue of personnel trapped below decks'' on the battleship USS California, which was badly damaged in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As noteworthy as it was, Carl LaBarre's career did not end with his service in the Navy. In 1971, he joined the GPO as Deputy Director and then Director of its Materials Management Service, which was responsible for keeping the GPO supplied with paper, ink, equipment, and all the other materials required to accomplish its work. In 1975, then-Public Printer Thomas McCormick appointed him Superintendent of Documents, a statutory position which is responsible for the public distribution of all Government documents via sales, distribution to Federal depository libraries, and the international exchange program. From that post LaBarre directed a nationwide network involving warehouse-based mail order operations, 25 bookstores in major metropolitan areas, and depository libraries in virtually every State and congressional district; during his tenure, the numbers of depository libraries increased from 1,170 to 1,367, broadening the reach of the program across America. Sales also increased, from $34.5 million annually when he took office to $55 million by the time LaBarre retired in 1982. The hallmark of Carl LaBarre's service as Superintendent of Documents was his effort to improve the management of GPO's documents distribution operations and increase customer satisfaction. He adopted modern information technology and worked to make GPO's customer services comparable with those of private-sector firms. In the Federal Depository Library Program, LaBarre supported the automation of the Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, which transformed the world of bibliographic control for Government documents. He supported microfiche conversion of Government documents, at that time seen as a primary means for providing depository libraries with scientific and technical documents printed in small numbers outside of GPO. He made the Depository Library Council an effective advisory body for the Public Printer and it remains so to this day. For his efforts he was commended by the American Library Association. LaBarre also received GPO's Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award the Public Printer can bestow, not once but twice for ``his outstanding success in improving the management of the Documents operations and for creating an unprecedented era of customer satisfaction,'' and for ``his exceptional leadership and his unparalleled achievements while serving as Superintendent of Documents.'' Madam Speaker, I have not had the privilege of working with Carl A. LaBarre during my tenure on the Joint Committee on Printing. Those who did have the privilege attest that he was a remarkable man and a faithful, dedicated public servant. On behalf of the Joint Committee and indeed the entire Congress, I extend condolences to Carl LaBarre's family, friends, and former colleagues.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize outstanding employees of the Officers of the U.S. House of Representatives (Clerk of the House, Chief Administrative Officer, Inspector General, and Sergeant at Arms) who have completed 25 years or more of service to the U.S. House of Representatives. In any organization, the most important resource is its dedicated employees, and without these employees, failure is certain. The employees we recognize today are acknowledged and commended for their hard work, contributions, and support of House Members, their staffs and constituents, and the overall operations of the House. These people have accomplished a great many things in a wide range of activities, and the House of Representatives, Members, staff, and the general public are better served because of them. The individuals we honor today have collectively provided 3,896 years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives: Employee, officer, years of service: Maura P. Kelly, Clerk of the House, 50; Doris Boyd, Sergeant at Arms, 42; Ben J. Vann, Chief Administrative Officer, 40; Jerry L. Gallegos, Chief Administrative Officer, 40; Christine Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer, 38; Patricia A. Madson, Clerk of the House, 38; Gerald E. Bennett, Chief Administrative Officer, 38; James L. Newsome, Chief Administrative Officer, 37; Sue E. Dean, Clerk of the House, 36; Rodric J. Myers, Sergeant at Arms, 35; Deborah A. Bates, Chief Administrative Officer, 35; Janice L. Glosson, Clerk of the House, 35; Dane Stalbaum, Chief Administrative Officer, 35; Donna G. Downs, Clerk of the House, 34; Paul F. Lozito, Chief Administrative Officer, 34. Bobby R. Small, Chief Administrative Officer, 34; H.D. Engel, Sergeant at Arms, 34; Lea Fowlie, Chief Administrative Officer, 33; Donald W. Reedy, Chief Administrative Officer, 33; Gloria J. Washington, Chief Administrative Officer, 33; Flora A. Posey, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Caroline Klemp, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Richard R. Villa, Sergeant at Arms, 32; Elliot C. Chabot, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Elaine Comer, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; David J. First, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Eric C. King, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Daniel H. Ertel, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; William P. Sims, Sergeant at Arms, 32; George R. Cannon, Chief Administrative Officer, 32. Karen F. Forriest, Sergeant at Arms, 32; Marion M. Pacic, Chief Administrative Officer, 32; Kelly D. Patrick, Sergeant at Arms, 32; Marie E. Higgs, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Alice B. Bridges, Clerk of the House, 31; Sharyn B Alexander, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Charles R. McCall, Jr., Clerk of the House, 31; Richard N. Hughes, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Stanton Sechler, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Wendell E. Twombly, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Donald T. Kellaher, Sergeant at Arms, 31; Robert L. Stallings, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Bridget A. Cox, Chief Administrative Officer, 31; Deborah M. Spriggs, Clerk of the House, 30; Vincent L. Marcum, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, 30. Charles D. Roche, Sergeant at Arms, 30; Stefan L. Rusnak, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; James M. Garrott, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Joe D. Berg, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Frank H. Jones, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Newton B. Pendergraph, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; John P. Mooney, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Trevera R. Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Mark D. O'Sullivan, Clerk of the House, 30; Alessandro Cusati, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Cathy J. Kell, Chief Administrative Officer, 30; Michael J. Arceneaux, Clerk of the House, 30; Peyton J. Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Peggy C. Sampson, Clerk of the House, 29; John F. Kelliher, Sergeant at Arms, 29. Jacqueline L. Hurda, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Carnelius Thomas, Clerk of the House, 29; Michael K. Allen, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Frederick J. Masheter, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Arden Moser, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Robert W. Warnick, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; John T. Lewis, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Douglas C. Toms, Clerk of the House, 29; Ronny K. VanDyke, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; John T. Whitmyer, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; William M. Cox, Clerk of the House, 29; Pearl J. Mangrum, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Lois A. Cortese, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Thomas K. Hanrahan, Clerk of the House, 29; Stephen E. Pingeton, Clerk of the House, 29. Joseph P. Coppa, Chief Administrative Officer, 29; Joseph A. Lee, Sergeant at Arms, 29; Matthew F. Cizek, Clerk of the House, 28; Patrica N. Smith, Clerk of the House, 28; Willie M. Roane, Chief Administrative Officer, 28; Teresa A. Rowe, Chief Administrative Officer, 28; Alfredda L. Horton, Chief Administrative Officer, 28; Cookie Clark-Henry, Sergeant at Arms, 28; Peter Shipman, Chief Administrative Officer, 28; Patrick H. Pettis, Sergeant at Arms, 28; Timothy A. Claggett, Chief Administrative Officer, 28; Horace E. Hamlin, Sergeant at Arms, 28; Russell A. Malone, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Edwarda P. Moore, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Alvin C. Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer, 27. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the House, 27; Louis A. Constantino, Sergeant at Arms, 27; Alfred R. Powers, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Stephen P. Mathis, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Ted Daniel, Sergeant at Arms, 27; Sheila L. Roscoe, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; David W. Roth, Clerk of the House, 27; Thomas D'Amico, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; John P. Long, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Mary K. Niland, Clerk of the House, 27; Melissa K. Franger, Sergeant at Arms, 27; Patricia C. Nuzzo, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Ronnie W. Reed, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Nicarsia K. Mayes, Sergeant at Arms, 27; George D. Moore, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, 27. Willie C. Williams, Sergeant at Arms, 27; Sandra M. Rubio-Marrero, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Kevin N. Chambers, Chief Administrative Officer, 27; Charles M. McGee, Clerk of the House, 26; Helene M. Flanagan, Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Frederick H. Bowles, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Philip Melvin, Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Sandra F. Durham, Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Gail P. Davis, Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Anthony A. Thompson, Chief Administrative Officer, 26; Timothy W. Babcock, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; John M. Wright, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Lewis L. Maiden III, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; John L. Carter, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Jeanne M. Mershon, Sergeant at Arms, 25. Roland S. Janifer, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Janet H. DiMatteo, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Bernestine Kea, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Leslie D. Henderson, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Floyd M. Johnson, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Andrew W. Straughan, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Thomas K. McGarry, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Annette G. Brown, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Su-Hwa Chang, Chief Administrative Officer, 25; Standley Brady, Sergeant at Arms, 25. On behalf of the entire House community, I extend congratulations and once again recognize and thank these employees for their commitment to the U.S. House of Representatives as a whole, and to their respective House Officers in particular. Their long hours and hard work are invaluable, and they have set an example for other employees to share in their dedication and commitment, and to follow in their footsteps. I celebrate our honorees and celebrate the importance of their public service.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 196, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, as chairman of the Committee on House Administration and of the Joint Committee on Printing, I want to recognize Ms. Violet Moorhouse, a long-time map cataloger at the Government Printing Office, who retired on July 31, 2007, following nearly 40 years of dedicated service. Ms. Moorhouse went to work at the GPO in 1968 committed to serve the public, a commitment strengthened by a desire to do something positive following the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968. During her long career, Ms. Moorhouse worked in almost every type of library, including public, school, university, and special libraries. Prior to GPO, she cataloged documents at the New York Public Library. After working on cataloging general monographs, Ms. Moorhouse turned to map cataloging when maps were brought into GPO's Federal Depository Library Program in the 1970's. She cataloged all types of Federal maps, including serial maps and maps on microfiche and CD-ROM from the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. She pioneered many currently used cataloging practices for maps while welcoming advances in technology and cataloging that allowed more timely access to these important materials. She also trained incoming librarians in map cataloging, and was generous in sharing her expertise and detailed knowledge of the nuances of Federal maps with others. During her career, Ms. Moorhouse contributed more than 100,000 bibliographic records to the Catalog of United States Government Publications and initiated many geographic name authority records in the Library of Congress authority database, providing a deep contribution to the field of geophysical data. Her prodigious talents were so valued that in 1998 she received the American Library Association's Map and Geography Round Table (MAGERT) award, which is presented to librarians for outstanding service to map librarianship. Her articles on GPO map cataloging appeared regularly in the MAGERT publication ``base line'' and in GPO's ``Administrative Notes'' newsletter. She also wrote the chapter on the Superintendent of Documents classification of maps in GPO's Classification manual. Ms. Moorhouse was active in the ALA's Government Documents Round Table and in the Cartographic Users Advisory Council, as well as in MAGERT. Ms. Moorhouse earned a B.A. in English and comparative literature at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned an M.L.S. while on a one-year fellowship at Berkeley. She also did graduate work in Far Eastern Regional studies, with an emphasis on China, at the University of the Pacific, and continued her academic studies in the computer and cartographic fields in Washington, D.C. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Moorhouse for her significant contributions to the GPO through her distinguished service in the Federal Depository Library Program, and extending best wishes for her well-earned retirement.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 196.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in May, I rise today to thank Mr. Phil Nichols for his long career of outstanding service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Phil Nichols has been an employee of the House for 31 years. During that time, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow co- workers. Phil is a person of great character and will leave behind a legacy of professionalism, hard work and dedication to the institution. His accomplishments while serving the House were many. One of his most notable contributions was as a member of the team responsible for reupholstering the two chairs on the dais in the House Chamber which are used by the Vice President of the United States and the Speaker of the House during every State of the Union speech. Phil's retirement is bittersweet. The House will lose an individual who from day one of his employment made a long term commitment to excellence. His performance has always been exceptional and beyond expectations. His legacy will live on in the Chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish Phil many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement on July 24, 2007, I rise today to thank Arthur ``Art'' Baltrym for over 32 years of outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives. Art began his career with the House in 1966 as a Congressional Page. After completing his education at St. John's University in New York and Georgetown University in Washington, DC, he graduated with a bachelors degree in Political Science. At that time, he returned to the U.S. Capitol and worked as a Capitol Police Officer. Art left the Capitol Police in 1971 to pursue a challenging opportunity to work for the Education and Labor Committee, where he worked for the next seven years. In January 1978, Art was hired by the Clerk of the House as a cabinetmaker for the former Property Supply department. Over the next 32 years, he was promoted to various positions and eventually became manager of the CAO Furnishings department. Art's accomplishments are far too lengthy to list in this tribute. However, two examples of his contributions are worthy of recognition. After the original Speaker's Chair was given to then Speaker Thomas P. (``Tip'') O'Neal for placement in his official library, the Clerk of the House commissioned the construction of a replacement chair. Art was a key member of the team that hand-built the replacement Speaker's Chair. He personally spent numerous hours hand-carving the exquisite detail that is displayed on much of the chair. Another significant contribution was his oversight of the team which constructed the two hydraulic-controlled lecterns currently used today on the House floor. On a more personal note and equally worthy of recognition, Art has dedicated his life to making the CAO and the U.S. House of Representatives a better place. He has served as a tutor for the CAO's literacy program since its inception. He also serves his community by working as a ``Food for Others'' volunteer and assisting the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network. After his retirement, it is Art's goal to pursue more volunteer opportunities and to perform community services in order to continue making a difference in the lives of others. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Art for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement in July, 2007, I rise to thank William ``David'' Crudup III for his 36 years of outstanding service to the U. S. House of Representatives. David began working for the House in 1971 in the Longworth Bake Shop where he served many of our Nation's leaders and foreign visitors. One of his most memorable events was when he had the opportunity to bake a birthday cake for then-First Lady Betty Ford. Upon leaving the Longworth Bake Shop, David worked the next 20 years for the Clerk of the House in the Office Furnishings division. He served as a Logistics and Distribution Specialist performing a wide range of duties including furniture delivery to Congressional offices, warehouse inventory management and assisting with the proper disposal of excess furniture. In September 1991, David took a position with Office Systems Management, also under the Clerk. He was responsible for a wide range of duties including the delivery and removal of office equipment from Congressional offices, as well as performing and reconciling equipment inventories and assisting with the proper disposal of excess equipment. Throughout his career, David has been admired by House staff and his co-workers for his enthusiasm, professionalism and willingness to help others. He frequently went above and beyond the call of duty. His dedication and hard work should be commended. On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to David for his years of outstanding service and contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, this concurrent resolution provides for printing additional copies of three congressional publications that our constituents frequently request from us and of which supplies are nearly exhausted. Two of the publications are about the U.S. Constitution. With Constitution Day, September 17, approaching fast, we need to replenish our supplies so that Members can fulfill the requests from schools, civic organizations and others. Madam Speaker, I know of no controversy and urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I send a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 190) to the desk and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2630) to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit authorized committees and leadership PACs of a candidate or an individual holding Federal office from making payments to the candidate's or individual's spouse, to require such committees and PACs to report on disbursements made to the immediate family members of the candidate or individual, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I stand with the House leadership in full support of H.R. 2630, the Campaign Expenditure Transparency Act. This legislation will help to reassure Americans that their public officials are working in their interest and not for personal gain. This bill will amend the Federal Election Campaign Act to protect candidates or Federal officeholders from either directly or indirectly compensating their spouses with funds from any authorized political committee under their control. H.R. 2630 also creates an important new requirement to disclose any compensation paid from campaign coffers to the immediate family members of the candidate or officeholder. The bill ensures that the rigid penalties for violations are enforced personally against the candidates or officeholders. It would prohibit political committees from reimbursing candidates or officeholders for any penalties. Some may say this legislation may prevent some from running for office because they will run the risk of accidently violating the law. This is not the case. These penalties may only take effect if the candidate or officeholder is aware of the violation. H.R. 2630 is another way we can restore the confidence that the people's House is working for all Americans. I urge all Members to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.