Doug Bereuter: “It is people that make an institution function, that make it great, that sustain and build respect for it; and Charles…”

“It is people that make an institution function, that make it great, that sustain and build respect for it; and Charles W. Johnson is certainly one of those people. He has helped the Congress respect and assert the best traditions and decorum of the House. I said to him, Charlie, you cannot retire before I do. I will miss you too much. And yet I guess we were born in the same vintage year. Nevertheless, we have great respect for John Sullivan, and we look forward to his service here as Parliamentarian. I think it was just a few minutes ago that the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) said Charlie Johnson is not only a knowledgeable man but he is a wise man and a caring man, and that is certainly the case. Charles Johnson has had a tremendous and very positive impact on the U.S. House of Representatives during his service here, 40 years to the month in the Office of the Parliamentarian, and 10 years as our Parliamentarian. Tremendous service!”