The Senate is mourning the death of Assistant Parliamentarian Michael Beaver. 

As the chamber convened Monday afternoon for the first time since its one week recess, Chaplain Barry Black noted Beaver’s loss in his opening prayer.

“Lord, we thank you for the life, contributions, and the legacy of our assistant parliamentarian, Michael Phillip Beaver. Sustain his loved ones and friends during this season of grief,” Black said.

In their leader remarks, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., also paid tribute. 

“I’d like to pay respect to a member of the Senate family who tragically passed away last week. Michael Beaver was a talented attorney who served as assistant parliamentarian. He was a deputy legislative counsel for the state of California. He was 39 years old. He leaves behind his wife Gilda, his two beloved sons Bradley and Connor, his parents and an extended family that mourns his loss. They are joined by his colleagues on the Senate staff in the Secretary’s Office and the floor staff on both sides of the aisle and throughout our whole institution. So the Senate’s prayers are with all of Michael’s family and friends at this immensely difficult hour,” McConnell said. 

Senate Pays Tribute to Assistant Parliamentarian Michael Beaver

“Michael was incredibly bright, unfailingly honest, had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. I know that as an assistant parliamentarian, he was a member of a small but crucial team of behind-the-scenes staffers. Without him, the Senate couldn’t function. Our thoughts are with his family today, especially his wife Gilda, his two young boys who will remember him as a loving and devoted father. In the words of scripture, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” Schumer said.