Tony Thurmond: “It is neither an understatement, nor a misstatement of fact, to say that the United States Senate is an impressive, awe…”

“It is neither an understatement, nor a misstatement of fact, to say that the United States Senate is an impressive, awe inspiring, and unique institution for many different reasons. Certainly one of the biggest reasons that the Senate is such a special place is the talented, dedicated, and bright men and women who work in support of us and our duties. I rise to pay tribute to one of these individuals, Steve Benza, who is retiring today after thirty-two years of service as an employee of the United States Senate. Though he retains some of the mannerisms and accent that one would expect to find in someone who was born in the Bronx, New York City, Steve Benza is for all intents and purposes a native of the Senate. His family moved to the Washington area in 1958 and he began working in the Senate while a high school student, spending his summer breaks as a Page. Following graduation, Steve spent time working on the Grounds Crew and in the Senate Post Office before seizing the opportunity to work as a staff photographer, and his career was launched.”