Tom Harkin: “when Richard Bender retires at the end of this month, the Senate will say farewell to one of its most respected…”

“when Richard Bender retires at the end of this month, the Senate will say farewell to one of its most respected, talented, and accomplished staff members. And I personally will be saying farewell to my longest serving legislative counselor. They say that there are no indispensable people here in Washington. Don't believe it. For the last three and a half decades, Rich Bender has been my indispensable person--a staffer with an encyclopedic knowledge of parliamentary procedure, the legislative process, the Federal budget, as well as the rules and traditions of this body. I am by no means the only Senator who has found Richard indispensable. In fact, he is a legend among Senators and staffers alike. Many times, the distinguished majority leader, Senator Reid, has come to me with some version of this request: Tom, I am having trouble with this bill. Opponents are raising all kinds of legislative and parliamentary hurdles. Have Bender give me a call. And, by the way, Leader Reid asking you for advice on parliamentary procedure is about like Wynton Marsalis asking you for advice on how he can play the trumpet better. In my Senate office, Richard has managed a broad portfolio, including budget and taxes, infrastructure, economic development, and a good share of appropriations. He has completed more than 37 years in public service in Congress, beginning in 1975 as a special assistant to Iowa Senator John Culver.…”