Political Quotes

“I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Brian Monks of Huntingtown, NY, who graciously donated his time and unique talent to help create the beautiful and historic pen set for the United States Senate. In 2012, the Office of the Senate Sergeant at Arms began designing a new pen set for use at the Presiding Officer's desk when the Senate is in session. The pen set was to be constructed using historically significant materials, including marble removed from the West Brumidi Corridor of the Senate side of the Capitol during its expansion in 2001, and wood from a 120-year-old mahogany tree that was removed from the Capitol grounds in 2009. The Senate Cabinet Shop crafted the base and the pen holders using these historic materials. When the time came to construct the pens themselves from the same mahogany wood, the Cabinet Shop needed to look for outside assistance. This is when Mr. Monks stepped forward. He volunteered to expertly hand turn pieces of the historic wood into unique writing instruments for the new Senate Chamber pen set. Mr. Monks is the vice president of Underwriters Laboratories, and his home in Long Island has housed his wood working hobby for many years. He has earned a reputation as both an accomplished pen maker and a creator of fine hand crafted furnishings. His handiwork on the Presiding Officer's pen set debuted in the Senate in April 2012 and is now on display every time the Senate is in session. Mr.…”