Thanking Mr. Kevin Harris for His Service to the House

Floor Speech

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Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, on his retirement in September 2021, I rise today to thank Kevin Harris for over 37 years of outstanding service to the House of Representatives as a distinguished wood finisher.

Kevin Harris first came to the Capitol as a 15-year-old to work on the grounds crew with the Architect of the Capitol on the Senate side. He was lucky enough to have an aunt who worked for the then Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy, who later hired him on the House side. He started working with the House restaurant system in 1984, which was eventually contracted out. He was able to secure a position with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Labor Room, now known as CAO, Office of Logistics & Support. Kevin worked for the logistics department for three years, where he remembers being mentored by Bobby Small, Lew Maiden and Steve Janifer, who showed him the ropes.

Later, it was determined that since he had gone to trade school, Kevin would be a good addition to the finishing shop and he made the move when a position opened. Back then, the finishing shop not only finished the furniture but also moved the furniture between offices. Some of his most memorable bosses were Mr. Kelleher, who hired him into the shop, Walter ``Teenie'' Woodburn and Robert Lee.

One his most memorable pieces was a special gold leafing project he completed with the staff on a bookcase for Representative William Clay. He had learned this technique through special training on this intricate skill. Kevin recalls a table he finished for Speaker Tip O'Neill, a very special stripping technique using the ``old style'' to strip down the finish. The Speaker was most appreciative. Kevin was also among the staff who refurbished the entire House floor, stripping the chairs and seats in the House Chamber, caked with shellac from years of usage.

In his long career in the halls of Congress, Kevin has personally met five Speakers of the House--Speaker Tom Foley, Speaker John Boehner, Speaker Tip O'Neill, Speaker Jim Wright, and Speaker Paul Ryan. Kevin has also reflected on the many lifelong friendships he has made in his office, including Timothy ``Tim'' Magruder and Vincent Plowden, who all motivated each other on the job. He has also made special mention of his favorite and current manager, John Garcia, who came into the shop and really heard their concerns, made the necessary changes and motivated the crew. He felt that Mr. Garcia really cared about their conditions. Because of the encouragement of Mr. Garcia, he had a newfound desire to perform his job at a new level and credits Mr. Garcia for the changes in the finishing shop.

Kevin felt lucky to be able to attend the first Inauguration of President Barack Obama, an opportunity afforded him since the finishing shop worked behind the scenes on the stage preparation.

Another fond memory occurred in 2004 when an unexpected celebrity made an appearance on Capitol Hill--musical superstar Michael Jackson. He had been summoned to a hearing to call attention to the AIDS crisis. As he tells it, Kevin and some of his coworkers were standing outside near the Rayburn Building in anticipation of his arrival. They had almost given up when they saw his motorcade pull up right beside the wall near Rayburn. Michael Jackson got out of the car and walked directly toward Kevin, Tim Magruder and others, wearing his iconic glitter gloves and boots. Kevin was starstruck and barely able to speak, but Michael Jackson engaged them briefly, shook hands and then he was off. Coworkers later teased Kevin about being so moved in that moment.

Kevin has witnessed many different events in his 37-year career. With a heavy heart, he remembers being present on 9/11. He will never forget being outside and seeing the smoke from afar, which was the moment the Pentagon had been hit by a plane. But like others, he did not know the implication at the time of this terrorist attack and how it changed our lives forever. He was also present during the anthrax attack, when he and his crew were called in to clean all the furniture that was exposed to the anthrax.

Kevin was working when the earthquake hit Capitol Hill in 2011. He was in the office when the buildings, doors and floors started to sway. After the buildings were evacuated, he had to shelter on the comer for several hours until the building inspections were concluded. He was present when two Capitol Hill police officers were. And most recently, he was at work during the insurrection on January 6, 2021. So many memories, both good and bad, because of his long career with Congress.

In retirement, he plans to pursue some of his hobbies, like boxing on a punching bag, traveling abroad, catching up on movies, a particular interest, and volunteering with the homeless community. He will continue to attend the church in Baltimore where his cousin is the pastor, which he has attended since childhood. Kevin is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and daughter and including them in his retirement activities.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Kevin Harris for his dedication and outstanding contributions to the House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

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