Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring a truly distinguished public servant. A man without whom our jobs would be infinitely more difficult. Tim Friedman, for decades a fixture of the House Democratic Cloakroom, will take his well earned retirement.
Most people outside this building know nothing of the Cloakrooms. The staff there provide information to Members on the program for the day, the timing of votes, and myriad other details that go into the operation of this institution. As we all try to juggle the demands of committee meetings, visits from constituents, meetings with people concerning legislation, and floor debates and votes, the Cloakroom is a vital resource in making sure that everything runs smoothly.
In addition to being helpful, the staff of the Cloakroom have always provided a friendly and congenial environment even when the workload seems unmanageable, the pressure mounts, and tempers get short.
Tim has mastered the arcane science of the House. His voluminous knowledge, his institutional memory, his up-to-the-minute understanding of what is going on have more than once saved this Member, and many of my colleagues, from losing track of the proceedings.
Tim has always managed the job with good cheer and good humor, even when, perhaps, the circumstances might have called for a much different response.
My colleagues and I will greatly miss Tim Friedman, although we wish him well as he leaves this House. Tim, you will always have a home here, and, should you ever get tired of relaxing and enjoying life, you are always welcome back.
Congratulations and best of luck to you.