Political Quotes

“the blizzard of 1996 caused untold inconvenience and problems to those in the Washington metropolitan area. The record snowstorm virtually shut down this city and surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs. The infrastructure which supports the U.S. Senate met the challenge. I thank the Sergeant at Arms for providing me the facts and the names of these individuals. The U.S. Capitol telephone operators who were scheduled to work during the weekend storm that struck on January 6 knew the forecast. They came to work prepared to stay as long as necessary to keep the Capitol switchboard open and covered. Their commitment to duty resulted in many remaining overnight in their offices, carrying on with their duties, as others could not get here to relieve them. Bringing in extra food and clothing, they were prepared to work through the weekend. Supervisors of the Capitol switchboard came to work a day early to make certain they would be on duty. While these Capitol switchboard operators and supervisors are designated "emergency personnel," they consider getting to work under extreme weather conditions as simply doing their job. I would like to commend these supervisors and operators for their exemplary public service and mention them by name: Barbara Broce, Martha Brick, Joan Sartori, Joan Cooksey, Mary Quesenberry, Lisa Thompson, and Laura Williams. Thanks to all of you for your fine efforts and dedication to your jobs serving the U.S. Congress and our citizens.”