[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MR. PAUL HAYS--THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES READING CLERK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 30, 2007

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
the service to the House of Representatives of our reading clerk Paul 
Hays, who after 19 years in that position and 41 years as an employee 
of this House has announced that he will retire--effective Monday, 
April 30--and begin a new phase of his life.
  The fact is, Madam Speaker, Paul Hays--with his deep, crisp, 
commanding voice--is perhaps more recognizable to regular viewers of C-
SPAN than many of the Members of Congress who are privileged to serve 
here.
  Since 1789, the House has employed reading clerks, who are 
responsible for reading aloud the text of bills, amendments, motions, 
messages, special rules and other privileged resolutions, and veto 
messages.
  Our reading clerks almost always have been appointed from the ranks 
of existing House employees who have extensive prior floor experience.
  And, Paul--a graduate of Georgetown University--is no exception.
  In fact, Paul was appointed reading clerk in 1988 by my very good 
friend and a great public servant, the former Republican minority 
leader Robert Michel of Illinois.
  It is no coincidence, Mr. Speaker, that--given his speaking talents--
Paul intends to do voice-over work in the future.
  Paul, we thank you for your service and wish you well in the future.

                          ____________________