Political Quotes

“I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia for the time. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to rise this evening to pay tribute to one of our colleagues who's played a critical role--as has been said here tonight, a behind-the-scenes role--here in the House of Representatives for many years, of course, the man, Jay Pierson. As it's been noted here tonight, Jay has been a floor assistant to the top Republicans here in the House since '86, serving Republican Leader Bob Michel, Newt Gingrich, Speaker Hastert, current Speaker John Boehner, and even prior to that, of course, worked as floor assistant to the Journal Clerk for Republican Leader John Rhodes and assistant manager for the Republican Cloakroom. His experience has really been invaluable to all of us that serve here in the House of Representatives. Jay is known for his vast knowledge of the rules, for his vast knowledge of the traditions and history and the procedures of the House of Representatives. He has been a teacher and a coach to so many Members of Congress over the years, and we are grateful to the dedication that he has given this institution over the past 34 years. Jay was born in Santa Barbara, California, and of course graduated from Westmont College. Most don't realize that Jay has a master's degree and a Ph.D in English literature from California State University and University of Maryland, respectively. He and his wife, JoAnne, have two grown sons, Joel and Jeff.…”