Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise to thank our House Parliamentarian, John Sullivan, for his years of service to his Nation and to the House of Representatives. John has been a trusted adviser and an honest broker of the rules of the House. He has served at a time when partisan rancor has, unfortunately, been prevalent in this body, but his integrity and impartiality have remained beyond question and beyond reproach. John joined the Office of the Parliamentarian 25 years ago, rising to his current role in 2004 when he was appointed by Speaker Hastert. Before joining the Office of the Parliamentarian, he had a distinguished career as an active duty member of the U.S. Air Force. He also served as respected counsel on the House Armed Services Committee. As Parliamentarian, John's keen legal mind and passion for the Constitution has always been apparent. I remember with great fondness working with the Parliamentarian on some very difficult issues involving the Armenian genocide, one of the most challenging parliamentary issues I think we've faced in terms of how to navigate questions of germaneness. Through that process, and every other that I have come to work with the Parliamentarian, I respected his insights, his intellect, his integrity, and his dedication to his job. He has been a phenomenal asset to this institution, and I know that his successor, Tom Wickham, who currently serves as Deputy Parliamentarian, will continue in John's legacy of professionalism.…”