Thanking Mr. Bobby Small for His Service to the House

Floor Speech

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Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, for his retirement in September 2021, I rise today to thank Bobby Small for over 47 years of outstanding service to the House of Representatives.

Bobby grew up in the District of Columbia, where he was enrolled in an experimental program at School Without Walls. Following graduation, he worked in construction for J. W. Bates & Son. It was through family members that he heard of an opportunity to work in Congress. He was hired by Ed Kelleher, and began work with the Labor Force, which eventually became the Logistics Group. Initially, the Clerk of the House oversaw this work, but when the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) was established, he began working for the CAO. Bobby's hands-on approach and rapport with the staff led to an Assistant Supervisor position. He would eventually become the Supervisor and will retire in a Manager's position with Logistics & Support, supervising up to 20 employees.

Some of his former bosses include Cosmo Quattrone, Jerry Bennett and Walt Edwards, to mention a few. Bobby remarked that these were some of his favorite bosses and credited Cosmo and Jerry for grooming him and helping him to navigate the Logistics world. He remarked that they always gave good advice, treated him fairly and mentored him.

Given his long House career, Mr. Small has witnessed and been involved in many events, notably his contribution during the October 17, 2001 ``Response Project'' related to the anthrax attack. All Members, committees and staff were able to be relocated to an alternate location, and Mr. Small and his team were among those responsible for all logistical aspects of this project. He and his team were commended for making it possible to ensure that everyone remained safe and that the legislative business of the House of Representatives continued uninterrupted.

Another big project that Bobby was involved with is the ongoing Cannon Renewal Project, which began in 2013. It is a 12-year project that he and the Logistics staff work on daily. While the oversight for this project remains with the Architect of the Capitol and the CAO Office Design and Move Services department, the Logistics group has an integral part to play in this multi-year renovation, moving and relocating furniture between offices.

After such a long career, Bobby has collected many fond memories of his time in Congress. Chief among them is meeting the Tuskegee Airmen when they were honored in the Rayburn Committee Room. He has said that the meeting with the late Representative John Lewis was one of the highlights of his career, noting what an impressive man he was and how moving it was seeing the Memory Wall in John Lewis's office showing the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Years ago, Bobby met with a congressman from Cleveland, Ohio to discuss discrimination in Congress, making a case about diversity and highlighting a lack of opportunity in Congress. Bobby believes that following his meeting with the congressman, measures were taken to improve the House environment for diversity and inclusivity.

The list of people he has worked with is long and distinguished--too many to mention. He has known some of his coworkers for many years, including, Lewis Maiden for over 40 years, Kevin Allison for 35-plus years and Steven Janifer, recently retired, who he supervised and knew over his entire work career.

I have met Bobby on several occasions.

Bobby has lots of hobbies, including fishing, hunting and watching sports. He is known to have a bit of a green thumb, raising fruits and vegetables, an activity he shared with his dad on an acre of land. In retirement, he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and children and continuing to take occasional trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii and Hilton Head, South Carolina. When not traveling, he hopes to get involved in more volunteer work.

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

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