Expressing The Gratitude of The House of Representatives to its Parliamentarian, The Honorable Charles W. Johnson
EXPRESSING THE GRATITUDE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO ITS PARLIAMENTARIAN, THE HONORABLE CHARLES W. JOHNSON. -- (House of Representatives - May 20, 2004)
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.
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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 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.
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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.