Trent Lott: “this evening, a number of us will be gathering together to honor Stuart Balderson who recently retired from the United…”

“this evening, a number of us will be gathering together to honor Stuart Balderson who recently retired from the United States Senate after nearly four decades of exemplary service. I would like to take just a few moments to thank Stuart and to wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life. On May 23, 1960, Stuart Balderson, a twenty-two year old fresh out of the Navy, came to work in the United States Senate. At that time, Lyndon Johnson was the Majority Leader and Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House. Stuart was brought on board by Secretary of the Senate ``Skeeter'' Johnston and assigned a position in the Senate Finance Office. Over the course of the next 38 years, Stuart worked in every department of that office, including payroll, accounting, retirement and benefits, and legislative budgeting. In 1980, he assumed its top position, Financial Clerk of the United States Senate, and served in that capacity for the next 18 years. Over the past 38 years, Stuart has seen a lot of history on Capitol Hill.”