Kendrick Meek: “it is a not-so-closely-held secret that Congressional staff plays a crucial and indispensable role in making it possible…”

“it is a not-so-closely-held secret that Congressional staff plays a crucial and indispensable role in making it possible for Members of Congress to carry out their constitutional duties. That is certainly the case for Tim Friedman, who will mark 30 years of service--15 terms, if he were a Member--to the U.S. House of Representatives on July 19, 2006. Tim is a true ``Man of the House.'' He began his career in 1976, under Speaker Carl Albert. From his first job in the office of the Doorkeeper, he transferred to the House Sergeant at Arms office where he worked until 1985, when Speaker Thomas P. ``Tip'' O'Neill appointed him as Assistant Manager of the House Democratic Cloakroom in 1985. The Democratic Cloakroom is the crossroads of the Caucus, and Tim Friedman stands right in the middle of the intersection. He has been a constant source of information, wisdom and assistance, dispensed with characteristic good humor there for the past 20 years. He is so professional in his job that, like a great golfer, he makes something very hard look easy. Tim's distinguished service in the House Democratic Cloakroom has touched the lives of countless Members--and staff members--of this body. He plans to retire this September, and we all wish him and his wife, Colleen, our very best. But we'll keep him for as long as we can, because his absence will certainly leave a large void in the House Democratic Cloakroom and in this wonderful institution that he has served for so long.”