The publication is reproduced in full below:
THANKING CHRISTOPHER MARTIN FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE HOUSE
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HON. STENY H. HOYER
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 3, 2021
Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my constituent Christopher Martin on his retirement this month after a career of more than thirty years as a distinguished Master Cabinet Maker for the U.S. House of Representatives. We depend so greatly on the talented carpentry staff to ensure that House offices are properly equipped to perform the people's work, and I want to thank all of those employees, like Chris, who are working hard to restore, maintain, and upgrade the furnishings of this historic building of more than two centuries.
Chris aspired to be a woodworker from a young age, and he attended the St. Mary's County Technical Center, now called the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. After working on his family's tobacco farm and in several other jobs, including house-building, Chris applied for a job opening in the House cabinet shop. His father had worked for the Congress before serving in the U.S. military, and his mother, also previously in Congressional employment, drove him to the interview. Indeed, Chris grew up in a home steeped in public service and love of country.
Impressing the manager with the breadth of his woodworking knowledge and his hands-on skills, Chris was hired on the spot, and he began serving as an Apprentice Cabinet Maker. He started out running service calls and soon advanced to the position of Journeyman. Chris honed his skills on the job under the tutelage of his former Managers--Art Baltrym, Peter Shipman, and Anthony Thompson--all distinguished furniture makers. One of his most memorable tasks included redesigning the furnishings in the historic office used by Rep. James Clyburn, now the Democratic Whip. This included constructing a custom desk, glass cabinets, and a matching credenza, all still in use today. The cabinet shop was often called to perform other tasks in the historic Hall of the House, and Chris and his co-workers spent many hours refurbishing the seats on the House Floor and installing safety measures to protect Members in the years after the 9/11 attacks. He also worked on the Floor of the House and on the Speaker's dais and podium.
Chris has been the cabinet shop's Design Specialist for over ten years and has been responsible for designing every piece of constructed furniture during that time. He is considered an exceptionally valuable Master of the Trade. When reflecting on his achievements, Chris has cited countless committee-room renovations and his involvement in completing the equipment consoles on the daises in each of the House's committee rooms.
Chris was here twenty years ago during the tragic 9/11 attacks and the evacuation of the Capitol complex. He was at work when an earthquake struck the District of Columbia, ten years ago, causing structural damage and cracks to the Capitol Building. Chris was also on campus during the fatal shootings of U.S. Capitol Police Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut on July 24, 1998, as well as, earlier this year, during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, when he and so many others had to shelter in place. Like so many others serving in House employment, Chris has been a firsthand witness to history and to the challenges and threats facing the Capitol and all who work here.
During the COVID pandemic, Chris has taken a lead role in the shop. He has continued to demonstrate high standards with respect to building and design, and he has been assigning work, answering calls, attending meetings, and handling shop attendance during these trying times and while working to protect the health and safety of his co-workers. I continue to express my admiration for all of those, like Chris and his colleagues, who are working here during the pandemic to keep Congress operating and to help Members perform their jobs for the American people.
Chris is retiring after an illustrious career in House employment, and I am told that he plans to spend more time pursuing his passions of fishing, hunting and drag racing while continuing to work part-time in electrical and woodworking. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in extending congratulations to Chris Martin for his many years of dedication, superb craftsmanship, and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives, many of which we literally sit in today on this Floor. I join in wishing him a very enjoyable retirement and thank him for all of his hard work in service to this House and to our country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 153
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