Jay Rockefeller: “today I rise to honor a longtime member of my staff, Ms. Althia Harris, who has served over 30 years in the Senate. Ms.…”

“today I rise to honor a longtime member of my staff, Ms. Althia Harris, who has served over 30 years in the Senate. Ms. Harris has reached an incredible benchmark in her career, and I stand today to reflect on her service. Ms. Harris began working in the Senate on April 30, 1975, for distinguished Senator Philip A. Hart of Missouri. Just a few days before the end of his term, Senator Hart lost his battle with cancer on December 26, 1976. Ms. Harris then served Senator Adlai E. Stevenson III of Illinois for 5 years. Upon Senator Stevenson's retirement, she joined the office of his successor, Senator Alan J. Dixon. I was then lucky enough to inherit a most loyal and experienced Senate employee when Ms. Harris joined my staff in 1984. Upon joining my team, Althia initially helped with my transition from the West Virginia Governor's office to Capitol Hill. An immeasurable and invaluable aide, I am sure without Althia's able assistance the job would have taken much longer to accomplish. I know it would have been more difficult without a seasoned Senate staffer knowledgeable in how to really make things work in the Senate.”