Recognizing the Exemplary Career of Tina Panetta

Floor Speech

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Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of a very special constituent of mine named Tina Panetta who lives in Silver Spring and has been a public servant here on Capitol Hill for many decades. She is popularly known as ``Mother on the Hill.''

Born in the small town of Ovindoli, Italy, Ms. Panetta came to the U.S. in 1955 with her two sons and husband, Ettore, to seek a better life. Five years later, Tina became a citizen, and in January of 1961, she gave birth to her youngest child, Maria Teresa.

In 1968, despite being unable to read, write, or speak English, she began serving as a waitress in the U.S. Senate cafeteria. Over the course of her decades-long career on Capitol Hill, Tina touched the lives of Senators, Representatives, Vice Presidents, Presidents, and their families.

When Tina sprained her ankle, then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey accompanied her to the nursing bay. When Tina was bedridden, she received bouquets of flowers and get-well cards from many Senators and Representatives.

Former Senator Paul Simon once said that Tina's story is ``the story of America.'' On her 90th birthday, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said that she is ``an inspiration to the Nation.'' On her 93rd birthday, Senator Durbin wrote that the Senate has ``deep respect and admiration for her.''

I am here today to remind my colleagues and my constituents of Tina's wonderful legacy here on Capitol Hill. At a time of polarization, Tina's story reminds us of our common bonds, both in Congress and in the country.

I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincere thanks to Tina for her many years of service to our country.

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