150 Years of the Senate Appropriations Committee | United States Capitol Historical Society

On June 28, 2017 the United States Capitol Historical Society hosted an evening reception in the Kennedy Caucus Room to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Current and former members and staff of the committee and special guests of the Society gathered to share memories and commemorate the significant historical milestone.

Former Staff Director Charlie Houy shared a heartfelt message from Irene Hirano Inouye which conveyed the appreciation of her late husband, Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, for his time serving on and chairing the Appropriations Committee. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Chairman of the Committee, reflected on the rewarding nature of his work with the committee in remarks given during the reception. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Vice-Chairman of the Committee, spoke of the bipartisan friendships he cherishes which formed he formed in service on the Appropriations Committee.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Senate Historian Betty Koed, who recounted the vivid history of the committee. Dr. Koed shared the particularly inspiring story of Leona Wells, who became the first woman to hold a top committee position in the Senate when she served as Chief Clerk of the Appropriations Committee in 1911. Humorous and informative, her talk was the highlight of the evening.

The reception gave long-time friends who served on the committee an opportunity to reunite and reminisce together. Former Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland and a plethora of former staff were right at home among their colleagues.

A recording of the event aired on C-SPAN in July and can be found here.

The event was made possible through the generous support of these donors:

Bank of America
Altria Client Services
Allergan
Leonardo DRS
Independent Community Bankers of America
Airlines for America
Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell, P.C.
Mr. Terry Lierman

Anna Schneider, USCHS Trustee, greeted honored guest and Committee Vice Chairman, Sen. Patrick Leahy, before assuming responsibilities as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening.

Casey Dinges, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Sen. Jack Reed chatted as Senators and Society members gathered prior to the Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Capitol Police Ceremonial Unit.

Aaron Stetter, of the Independent Community Bankers of America, and Cara Stetter attended the reception.

Former Appropriations staffers and Society members recalled legislative triumphs.

Former Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski was greeted enthusiastically by her former staff members. Sen. Mikulski was the first woman to chair the Committee.

Anna Schneider offered a toast to the Committee.

Sen. Patrick Leahy with Jay Tilton and Kevin McDonald.

Appropriations Committee member Sen. Susan Collins shared a conversation with Heideh Shahmoradi, a Committee staffer.

Steve Cortese, James Hayes, and John Rafetto attended the reception.

Sen. Thad Cochran with Wayne Kaplan and Aaron Taylor

Charlie Houy, Committee Staff Director for Sen. Daniel Inouye, shared a letter from Irene Hirano Inouye. Inouye noted how much her late husband cherished the friendships of his Committee colleagues of both parties.

Sen. Susan Collins and former Sen. Barbara Mikulski

Dr. Betty Koed, Senate Historian, recounted turning points in the Committee's history, including arguments between Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Kenneth McKellar and his House counterpart, Rep. Clarence Cannon in the 1950s that nearly led to fisticuffs.

Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy told of his deep friendship with Sen. Cochran. They have served together in the Senate for nearly 40 years. Sen. Leahy reflected on the role of the Committee to translate the priorities of the nation into programs and action.

Honored guest and Committee Chairman Thad Cochran recalled former legendary Committee leader John Stennis and former House Appropriations Chairman Jamie Whitten.

Sen. Lamar Alexander and Sen. Jack Reed talked shop during the reception.

Steve Livengood, USCHS, and a Senate photographer studied the collage of historic photos of the Committee.

Former and Current Staff Directors for the Senate Appropriations Committee: (from top left) Frank Sullivan, Jim Morhard, Steve Cortese, Charles Kieffer (current Minority Staff Director), Bruce Evans (current Majority Staff Director), Terry Sauvain, and Charlie Houy.