Walter J. Stewart
Walter J. Stewart | |
|---|---|
| Secretary of the United States Senate | |
| In office 1987–1994 | |
| Preceded by | Jo-Anne Coe |
| Succeeded by | Kelly D. Johnston |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1922 |
| Died | September 18, 2004 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Nonpartisan |
| Profession | Legislative administrator |
Walter J. Stewart (1922 – September 18, 2004) was an American public servant who served as the 27th Secretary of the United States Senate from 1987 to 1994. Stewart was known for his expertise in Senate procedure, administrative reform, and commitment to nonpartisan service in the United States Congress.[1]
Career
[edit]Stewart began his Senate service in the 1950s and worked in a range of administrative roles, including as Assistant Secretary of the Senate. In 1987, then-Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd nominated him as Secretary of the Senate. He was unanimously confirmed and became the 27th individual to hold the position.[2]
During his tenure, Stewart modernized internal operations by overseeing computerization efforts, streamlining document processing, and professionalizing the Senate staff. He was instrumental in planning the 1989 congressional bicentennial celebrations.[3] Stewart also advised on procedural matters during key moments of legislative transition and national policy debate.[4]
His tenure spanned both Republican and Democratic majorities, and he earned bipartisan respect for his dedication to institutional integrity. He retired in 1994 after four decades of public service.[5][6]
References
[edit]- ^ "U.S. Senate: About the Secretary of the Senate | Walter J. Stewart, 1987-1994". www.senate.gov. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Looking Back Twenty Years at the Opening of Congress". Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Resolution Relating to the retirement of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the United States Senate" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-02-25.
- ^ Walter J. Stewart (1988-03-02). "Letter to Secretary J. Edward Fox" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-02-23.
- ^ "Walter Joseph Stewart | C-SPAN.org". www.c-span.org. Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Resolution Relating to the retirement of Walter J. Stewart, Secretary of the United States Senate" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-02-25.