On the recordDecember 18, 2012
I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute one of the hardest working and longest serving staff members in Congress, Jay Pierson. More than any other, Jay's is the face that I associate with the House floor. He is the man who keeps the debate moving, who tells us where to go and when to vote, and teaches new Members the rules of the road. No one knows the procedures of the House better. He has kept the clockwork of the American democracy ticking ahead with the precision of a symphony conductor, and he has done it all with a steady, patient grace that has earned him the friendship and respect of everyone on this floor. I know everyone who works on or watches the House floor will miss Jay's daily presence. He is an institution and a source of procedural wisdom that few, if any, could hope to match. I'm honored to have served alongside of him and thankful for all the time that he has helped me to make it to the floor on time, catch the votes, deliver a speech, or just know when the gavel is coming down. Like me, Jay is probably looking forward to spending some quality time with his family and away from the daily grind of the legislative business, and I wish him a long and happy retirement. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I'd just like to thank him for his long service and for being a reliable friend behind the scenes to so many Members of the House.
