[Senate Document 109-16]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]




109th Congress                SENATE DOCUMENT         S.Doc 109-016  
--------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
                     TRIBUTES TO HON. BOB DOLE

                              Bob Dole

                        U.S. SENATOR FROM KANSAS

                                TRIBUTES

                           IN THE CONGRESS OF

                           THE UNITED STATES

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] 




[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] 28300.002


Bob Dole



U.S. Senate Historical Office


                                      Tributes

                                Delivered in Congress

                                      Bob Dole

                              United States Congressman

                                      1961-1968

                                United States Senator

                                      1969-1996


                            Compiled under the direction

                                       of the

                             Joint Committee on Printing

                               Trent Lott, Chairman


                                      CONTENTS
             Biography.............................................
                                                                      v 
             Proceedings in the Senate:
                Tributes by Senators:
                    Alexander, Lamar, of Tennessee.................
                                                                     22 
                    Brownback, Sam, of Kansas...................... 
                                                                     15 
                    Cochran, Thad, of Mississippi..................
                                                                     13
                    Enzi, Michael B., of Wyoming...................
                                                                     25
                    Frist, William H., of Tennessee................
                                                                      3
                    Harkin, Tom, of Iowa...........................
                                                                     21
                    Hutchison, Kay Bailey, of Texas................
                                                                     24
                    Inhofe, James M., of Oklahoma..................
                                                                     27
                    Martinez, Mel, of Florida......................
                                                                     23
                    McCain, John, of Arizona.......................
                                                                     18
                    McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky..................
                                                                 19, 20
                    Roberts, Pat, of Kansas........................
                                                                      8
                    Smith, Gordon H., of Oregon....................
                                                                     11
                    Stevens, Ted, of Alaska........................
                                                                   4, 6
                    Warner, John, of Virginia......................
                                                                   6, 7
                                      Biography


               Robert Joseph Dole was born in Russell, KS, on July 22, 
             1923, the eldest son of Doran R. and Bina Talbott Dole. He 
             is married to the Honorable Elizabeth Hanford Dole, 
             current Senator from North Carolina, and has one daughter, 
             Robin, from a previous marriage.
               Bob Dole was raised on the plains of western Kansas. He 
             is a graduate of Russell public schools, and attended the 
             University of Kansas, Lawrence. He received an A.B. and 
             LL.B from Washburn Municipal University in 1952.
               Senator Dole entered active duty in the U.S. Army in 
             June 1943, after completing his sophomore year at the 
             University of Kansas. He served 5\1/2\ years and was a 
             10th Mountain Division platoon leader in the Allied 
             liberation of Northern Italy. Twice wounded and twice 
             decorated for heroic achievement, Senator Dole was 
             discharged with the rank of captain, in July 1948, having 
             convalesced for 3 years from grave wounds sustained in 
             combat. His decorations include two Purple Hearts and a 
             Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster.
               Senator Dole was elected to the Kansas Legislature in 
             1950 and served in the House of Representatives from 1951 
             until 1953. He was elected to four consecutive terms as 
             Russell County Attorney, from 1952 to 1960. In 1960, 
             Senator Dole was elected to the U.S. House of 
             Representatives and reelected in 1962, 1964, and 1966. He 
             was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1968 and was reelected 
             in 1974, 1980, 1986, and 1992. His distinguished career in 
             the U.S. House and Senate includes, among many 
             assignments, long-standing service as a member of the 
             House and Senate Committees on Agriculture, and chair of 
             the Senate Finance Committee.
               In 1984, he was elected Senate majority leader, 1 of 
             only 18 Americans to serve in that position. According to 
             Congressional Quarterly, Majority Leader Dole ``proved a 
             point that badly needed proving at the time: the Senate 
             could be led.'' Ronald Reagan said, ``His title of leader 
             is not just a job title, it's a description of the man.''
               After serving in four consecutive Congresses as Senate 
             Republican leader, he retired from the Senate in 1996 to 
             seek the GOP nomination for the Presidency. As the 
             Republican Presidential nominee Senator Dole offered 
             himself to Americans as an honorable leader. His candidacy 
             for the White House cemented his reputation as an honest, 
             respected statesman who will long be considered one of the 
             most powerful Senators and brilliant legislators of our 
             times.
               Senator Dole was not only the Republican candidate for 
             President of the United States in 1996, but also the 
             Republican candidate for Vice President in 1976. He served 
             as Republican National Committee chairman from 1971 to 
             1973. Among numerous distinguished appointments, Senator 
             Dole has been an advisor to the U.S. Delegation to the 
             United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1965, 
             1968, 1974, 1975, 1977, and 1979; a member of the 
             Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe in 1977; 
             a member of the National Commission on Social Security 
             Reform in 1983; a member of the U.S. National Commission 
             for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and 
             Cultural Organization in 1970 and 1973; an advisor to the 
             U.S. Delegation to Study the Arab Refugee Problem in 1967; 
             and an advisor to the President's Delegation to Study the 
             Food Crisis in India in 1966.
               In addition to his vigorous law practice in the Nation's 
             Capital, Senator Dole maintains a strong commitment to 
             public service. Among several roles, he recently chaired 
             the International Commission on Missing Persons and the 
             Federal City Council. Among the honors he has been 
             accorded, he is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of 
             Freedom, the Nation's highest honor for distinguished 
             service; the American Legion's prestigious Distinguished 
             Service Medal; and the National Collegiate Athletic 
             Association's Teddy Roosevelt Award. The Robert Dole 
             Scholarship Fund for Disabled Students has recently been 
             established in his honor at the United Negro College Fund.
               Recognized as one of the most prominent political 
             figures of our time with a distinguished record of 
             service, Bob Dole continues to make a difference in the 
             lives of the American people. Known for his unconventional 
             candor and prairie wit, Senator Dole is a rare quality, 
             especially in Washington.
               In 2005, Senator Dole made his latest contribution to 
             the country with the publication of his best-selling World 
             War II memoir, ``One Soldier's Story.'' The book 
             chronicles his harrowing experience on and off the 
             battlefield and the lessons learned through his struggle 
             to survive. ``One Soldier's Story'' is a tribute to those 
             who defended liberty in its darkest hour and his gift to 
             future generations, a destined-to-be classic about 
             overcoming adversity and making the most out of life.
               As chairman of the National World War II Memorial, 
             Senator Dole led the Nation in honoring the heroes of his 
             generation and helped enshrine their legacy of sacrifice 
             for freedom.
               As a renowned political commentator, a frequent guest on 
             late night talk shows, star of two Super Bowl commercials 
             and author of two best-selling books on political humor 
             ``Great Presidential Wit, I Wish I Was In The Book'' and 
             ``Great Political Wit, Laughing (Almost) All the Way to 
             the White House,'' Dole is part of the American landscape.
               Following the attacks of September 11, Senator Dole 
             joined forces with former rival President Bill Clinton to 
             serve as co-chair of the Families of Freedom Scholarship 
             Fund, assisting the educational needs of the families of 
             the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 
             93. In January 2003, he was appointed honorary co-chair of 
             the President's Council on Service and Civic 
             Participation, part of President Bush's USA Freedom Corps.
               The American public started seeing the lighter, 
             entertaining side of Senator Dole's legendary sense of 
             humor with his post-election appearances on ``The Late 
             Show with David Letterman,'' ``Saturday Night Live,'' 
             ``The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,'' ``Late Night with 
             Conan O'Brien,'' and ``The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.''
                This tough, commonsense conservative from America's 
             heartland accumulated political achievements second to 
             none. He earned national acclaim for his leadership on 
             behalf of the disadvantaged and Americans with 
             disabilities, and for his mastery of foreign affairs. 
             Senator Dole's effectiveness as a consensus-builder and 
             his commitment to deficit reduction and economic growth 
             have earned him the admiration of Republicans, 
             Independents and Democrats alike. On issue after issue, 
             Senator Dole is a statesman who has made his mark.
               President Bush called Senator Dole ``a great Republican 
             leader, as great as any in the past.'' Retired General and 
             Secretary of State Colin Powell called him ``a plain-
             spoken man of strength, maturity and integrity.''


                                     TRIBUTES

                                         TO

                                      BOB DOLE
                              Proceedings in the Senate
                                                 Tuesday, June 13, 2006 
               Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, this Sunday marked the 10th 
             anniversary of Senator Robert Dole's retirement from the 
             U.S. Senate. From humble beginnings on the plains of 
             western Kansas, Bob Dole has risen to become one of our 
             most accomplished and respected public figures of the 20th 
             century.
               Bob Dole was elected to Congress in 1960 as a 
             Representative of the Sixth District of Kansas. He was 
             immediately chosen by his fellow freshman colleagues to 
             lead the freshman class. His ability to lead and inspire, 
             his dry wit and savvy, would characterize his ascent to 
             the peaks of political life.
               Bob Dole was reelected for three more terms before being 
             elected to the Senate in 1968.
               In 1971, Senator Dole was chosen to lead the Republican 
             National Committee, a position he held for 2 years.
               It was a tumultuous time for America. His steady hand 
             earned him the Vice Presidential nomination alongside 
             Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. Jimmy Carter won. But 
             that didn't hinder Senator Dole's steady climb.
               Over the next decade, Senator Dole moved up through the 
             leadership ranks, and in 1984, he was elected to succeed 
             Senator Howard Baker as majority leader. While Democrats 
             regained control of the Senate in 1986, Senator Dole 
             continued to lead his party as minority leader. In 1994, 
             Republicans swept Congress, and Senator Dole was once 
             again elected majority leader. His 12 years as the leader 
             of his party in the Senate set a record, and made him the 
             longest serving Senate leader of the Republican Party 
             since its founding in 1854.
               I learned a lot from Leader Dole during my first few 
             years here. We saw eye to eye on most issues, but when we 
             didn't, he always encouraged me to vote my conscience.
               He respected my commitment to family, and with my three 
             young sons, he was always careful to ensure that the 
             schedule wouldn't run over my time with my wife and 
             children.
               And he took the time to listen to all colleagues. While 
             many remember his famous admonition, in meeting after 
             meeting, to ``work it out,'' what fewer recall is that he 
             would pursue votes, and ideas, and solutions over and over 
             and over to lead to the point where, indeed, we could 
             ``work it out.''
               Our Senate party was in good hands under his 
             stewardship. He was a good partner for President Reagan 
             and President Bush. And the respect President Clinton paid 
             him was impressive, even across party lines.
               I was proud to begin to know him during my early years 
             here. His portrait hangs on the wall in my conference 
             room, making him part of our leadership meetings every 
             week. I have often thought about what he might do when 
             challenging situations arise around here.
               And as much, I have often wondered what quip he might 
             have offered to break the tension at a tough moment.
               With my leadership team, we have made some tough calls 
             under his watchful gaze. In 1996, Senator Dole was chosen 
             by the party to run as its Presidential nominee. It was 
             the capstone to a remarkable career.
               World War II hero, dedicated public servant, master of 
             the Senate, and champion of the conservative cause, 
             Senator Dole has stamped his place in American political 
             history. Although he has left office, the elder statesman 
             has in no way retired. He has authored two best-selling 
             books on political humor, and a personal memoir of his 
             life as a soldier. He is invited to speak all over the 
             world to offer his wit and keen insights into the issues 
             of our time. President Reagan once said of Senator Dole: 
             ``His title of leader is not just a job title, it's a 
             description of the man.''
               This plain-spoken, honest and humble man from Russell, 
             KS, is the genuine article.
               One of the brightest stars of the Greatest Generation, 
             Senator Dole served his country with bravery and 
             dedication. He has earned the affection and respect of his 
             fellow citizens. And he will always be remembered for his 
             humor, leadership, graciousness and humility--and for the 
             honor he has brought to political life.
               Mr. President, I yield the floor.

               Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, yesterday, we honored our 
             colleague, Senator Robert Byrd, for achieving an important 
             milestone in our Senate's history. Today, we come to the 
             floor to pay tribute to another man who stands out as a 
             giant among those who have served in this Chamber, Senator 
             Bob Dole. Last Sunday marked the 10-year anniversary of 
             his retirement from the Senate.
               Bob Dole and I came to the Senate at the same time. We 
             have worked together a great deal. When I was Republican 
             whip and he was our party's Vice Presidential nominee, I 
             was asked to help him prepare when he debated Walter 
             Mondale--the first Vice Presidential debate in history.
               Bob helped us pass the Alaskan Native Land Claims 
             Settlement Act, which paved the way for the Trans-Alaska 
             Pipeline. And he supported the Alaska Lands Act and the 
             Alaska Railroad Transfer. In short, Bob Dole is a great 
             personal friend, a friend to me and to Alaska.
               Bob was--and still is--a leader in the truest sense of 
             the word. Whenever I think of Bob Dole, I think of the 
             great many men I have known who were tested in World War 
             II. Like my good friend Senator Inouye, Bob Dole is a true 
             war hero. He was tested in war and injured and struggled 
             back through a long recovery. Like all great leaders, Bob 
             takes great challenges of life and uses them to improve 
             the world around him.
               Having been injured in World War II, he dedicated much 
             of his time in public service to improving the 
             opportunities for disabled Americans.
               Those of us in the Senate who were fortunate enough to 
             call Bob a colleague for 27 years, chose him to serve as 
             our leader six times, when we were in the majority and the 
             minority. He reached out to those who disagreed with him. 
             He listened to advice. You never had to ask him twice to 
             know where he stood; his word was--and is--his bond. As 
             President Reagan said: ``His title of leader is not just a 
             job title, it's a description of the man.''
               I think Bob's decision to resign his seat rather than 
             stay in the Senate and campaign for the Presidency 
             demonstrates what a devoted public servant he is. I have 
             now been in the Senate over 30 years, and I have seen 
             Members of this body run for President and miss vote after 
             vote because they were on the road campaigning.
               Bob Dole loved the people of Kansas too much to leave 
             them without a voice in the Senate, so he resigned. I 
             believe that took great courage. If there is one thing 
             about Bob Dole that there is no shortage of, it is 
             courage. Bob himself said, when he resigned from the 
             Senate:

               One of the qualities of American politics that 
             distinguishes us from other nations is that we judge our 
             politicians as much by the manner by which they leave 
             office as by the vigor with which they pursue it. You do 
             not lay claim to the office you hold, it lays claim to 
             you. Your obligation is to bring to it the gifts you can 
             of labor and honesty and then to depart with grace.

               By his own standards, Bob Dole stands out as one of the 
             most noble and dignified men who ever graced these Halls.
               Senator Dole did not win the 1996 Presidential election, 
             but his commitment to public service has not wavered. He 
             still contributes to the public debate through his writing 
             and speaking, and he has remained active on the campaign 
             trail. We have been fortunate that since his retirement 
             another Dole has joined this Chamber--his wife, Senator 
             Elizabeth Dole, who serves the people of North Carolina 
             and our Nation, also, with great distinction.
               When Senator Dole resigned from the Senate 10 years ago 
             to run for President, he and I were the only remaining 
             Members of the class of 1968. We have a bond that was 
             forged on the morning of January 3, 1969, when we each 
             took the oath to serve our country in the Senate. That 
             bond never fades, and I salute his service today.
               Thank you, Mr. President.

               The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from 
             Virginia.

               Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, before the distinguished 
             Senator departs, I say to the Senator, you made mention of 
             his heroic service, together with that of yourself and 
             Senator Inouye in World War II. But I think the Record 
             should reflect how you and I and others in the Chamber--
             Senator Inouye--supported him in the World War II 
             Memorial. This was something that was very dear to his 
             heart, and he became the national public figure to really 
             raise those funds--almost all of the dollars from the 
             public sector: dollars from veterans, dollars from all 
             across America, and, indeed, some from beyond our shores.
               To his credit, every time I pass it--and I am sure you 
             view that magnificent memorial--I always remember his 
             contribution in erecting it.

               Mr. STEVENS. The Senator from Virginia is correct, Mr. 
             President. Senator Inouye and I were pleased and proud to 
             join him and you in that effort. And we are delighted that 
             the sponsors of that memorial remembered Alaska and 
             Hawaii. They are in the memorial although they were not 
             States during World War II.
               I thank the Senator.

               Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I thank my distinguished 
             colleague. I played a very minor role in World War II in 
             the last year, the closing year, when my class of 17-, 18-
             year-olds joined.
               And I say to the Senator, you, sir, were a great hero in 
             that war, as was Bob Dole.
               Mr. President, I also thank our colleague, Senator 
             Smith, for initiating this recognition on the 10th 
             anniversary of Bob Dole's retirement from the Senate.
               When I came to the Senate--it is hard to believe--28 
             years ago, he very soon became a figure to whom I would 
             turn from time to time to seek advice and counsel. He had 
             a magnificent ability to reach across the aisle. And he 
             very firmly believed in the concept of trying to do as 
             much business as we could in a bipartisan way.
               Much has been said about trips we take in the Senate. I 
             value the trips I took with Senator Dole. I remember one 
             very vividly when he quickly put together a delegation to 
             visit Boris Yeltsin when he rose to the top position in 
             the then-Soviet Union, watching Bob Dole with that new 
             world leader, the two of them together trying to reach 
             common ground and common understanding in the midst of the 
             cold war between the United States and the then-Soviet 
             Union. He was a man who wisely thought about how this is 
             one world in which we live today. Be it the means of our 
             national security or otherwise, we have to have the vision 
             to look abroad.
               I also remember another day very clearly. That was in 
             connection with one of the anniversaries of the landing of 
             D-day. He asked me to accompany him. He spoke in Italy 
             that day. Then we doubled back and went up to Normandy. We 
             also incorporated in that trip a visit to a small village 
             on the top of a mountain. All the way up the side of the 
             mountain, the old bus we were in was zigzagging up a 
             narrow road. There were little signs: Welcome home, Bob 
             Dole. After a luncheon, he took me and one other Member of 
             the Senate and we walked a short distance from the hotel 
             up on a hillside where there was a small stone wall. We 
             stood there and joined him in a silent moment of prayer. 
             Prayer was very important, as it is now, to Bob Dole. That 
             wall was where he fell wounded and survived under 
             extraordinary circumstances, largely owing to one of the 
             civilian partisans who helped him get back to receive 
             medical care. I will remember that moment always.
               I also draw to the attention of my colleagues--I am not 
             here to sell books--a great book he wrote called ``Great 
             Political Wit, Laughing (Almost) All the Way to the White 
             House.'' In it he talks about himself. I particularly like 
             this from the last page of the book:

               Don't feel too bad for me. The appearance of this book 
             coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of Harry Truman's 
             stunning upset of Tom Dewey in 1948, which not only 
             changed the course of American history but produced a 
             patron saint for every political underdog since. Like 
             Truman, I have a Midwestern preference for plain speaking, 
             and a sometimes impolitic habit of laughing at pomposity. 
             Although there have been times when I have been forced to 
             eat my words--or swallow my pride--I still find it hard to 
             take too seriously people who take themselves that way.
               What people often forget is that the last laugh doesn't 
             belong to the victorious candidate--it belongs to the 
             late-night [show] comics.

               In that book, he also told a story. I think this is 
             applicable to close out my brief remarks this morning:

               As presiding officer of the United States Senate, Vice 
             President Calvin Coolidge declared his intention to master 
             the rules governing the world's greatest deliberative 
             body. This didn't take long, said Coolidge, who quickly 
             discovered that the Senate has but one rule, which is that 
             the Senate will do whatever it wants whenever it wants to.

               I yield the floor.

               The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from 
             Kansas.

               Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, special thanks to my 
             colleague and friend, Senator Gordon Smith, who represents 
             the State of Oregon and our Nation with grace and 
             civility, intelligence and accomplishment, for this 
             special order paying tribute to our Kansas Senator Bob 
             Dole.
               It doesn't seem possible that it has been 10 years since 
             Bob's tenure as our majority leader ended, a tenure that 
             represents the longest serving Senate leader of our 
             Republican Party since the founding of the Grand Old Party 
             in 1854. During those 12 years of leadership, there were 
             difficult and challenging times. But Bob Dole's legacy was 
             and is legislative accomplishment, always in Bob Dole 
             style, a unique mixture of principle and compromise when 
             necessary, comity, his great gift of wit and humor and 
             good old Kansas common sense.
               In 1968, when Bob first ran for the Senate, his theme 
             song was ``Let a Leader Lead the Way.'' He certainly did. 
             It would be impossible to list all of Bob's legislative 
             achievements, but the Dole Institute at the University of 
             Kansas does provide some highlights. I ask unanimous 
             consent that they be printed in the Record.
               There being no objection, the material was ordered to be 
             printed in the Record, as follows:

             1962 Amendment to National School Lunch Act
             1966 Food for Peace Act
             1969 Controlled Dangerous Substances Act
             1970 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
             1971 Amendments to Federal Water Pollution Control Act
             1973 Rural Health Care Delivery Improvement Act
             1974 Campaign Finance Reform Legislation
             1977 POW/MIA Vietnam Legislation
             1977 Food Stamp Program
             1979 Taiwan Foreign Relations Act
             1980 Biotech Industry Incentives Act
             1981 Immigration Reform Legislation
             1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act
             1981 Hospice Care Legislation
             1982 Voting Rights Act Extension
             1983 Bipartisan Social Security Act
             1983 Emergency Food Assistance Program
             1983 Martin Luther King Holiday Bill
             1984 Comprehensive Crime Control Act
             1985 Televised Senate Proceedings Resolution
             1985 Landmark Farm Bill
             1986 Tax Reform Act
             1986 Terrorist Prosecution Act
             1987 Homeless Assistance Act
             1988 Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act
             1988 INF Arms Control Treaty
             1988 Anti-Drug Abuse Act
             1988 Welfare Family Support Act
             1990 Clean Air Act
             1990 Americans with Disabilities Act
             1991 Desert Storm Authorization Resolution
             1993 North American Free Trade Agreement
             1994 Violence Against Women Legislation
             1995 Comprehensive Federal Agency Regulatory Reform Act
             1995 Congressional Accountability Act
             1995 Comprehensive Telecommunications Reform Act
             1995 Lobbying Reform Legislation
             1995 Safe Drinking Water Act
             1995 Medicare Trust Fund Legislation
             1995 Private Securities Legal Reform Act
             1996 Farm Conservation Bill
             1996 Line Item Veto
             1996 Omnibus Appropriations Act
             1996 Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act
             1996 Bipartisan Immigration Control and Financial 
               Responsibility Act
             1996 Bipartisan Anti-Terrorism Legislation

               Mr. ROBERTS. These accomplishments were of direct 
             benefit to the daily lives and pocketbooks of Americans 
             and represent many programs and reforms that we now take 
             for granted. Bob is probably most proud of the fact he led 
             the way for disabled Americans, for our Nation's School 
             Lunch Program, not to mention the World Food Program where 
             food and education combine as the most effective long-term 
             answer in our current fight against terrorism.
               I have special memories and a personal perspective of 
             the Bob Dole days in the Senate when I was in the House. 
             Having the privilege of representing Bob's former 
             congressional district, the big First District of Kansas, 
             knowing Bob Dole since his friendship with my father and 
             later during my service as the administrative assistant 
             both for Bob's predecessor in the Senate, Senator Frank 
             Carlson, and his successor in the House, Congressman Keith 
             Sebelius, many assumed that whatever I was for, Bob was 
             for. I would always emphasize that Bob Dole was riding 
             shotgun with me, whether he was or not. That was like 
             having Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Doc Holliday, and Matt 
             Dillon all by your side during any kind of legislative 
             shootout. Of course, if we won, I had to come over to the 
             Senate and let him know. If we lost, I came over to ask 
             for help. Either way, when the chips were down, it was a 
             win-win with Bob on your side.
               In Kansas, our State society named Dwight David 
             Eisenhower the Kansan of the 20th century, and we are 
             still proud of and still like Ike. Historians have 
             ensconced our native son as one of our greatest 
             Presidents. The fact is that the Eisenhower legacy lives 
             on with Bob Dole. Ike was his hero, and by following his 
             example, Bob has been accurately described as a towering 
             figure and the most enduring Republican leader of the 20th 
             century with a distinguished record of public service that 
             has made a tremendous positive impact on our Nation.
               Following his elected public service, Bob has continued 
             to contribute, to lead, and to achieve. I daresay without 
             Bob Dole, the World War II Memorial would not be the 
             centerpiece of the Mall in our Nation's Capital. Most 
             deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he has 
             been and is an international emissary for peace and 
             freedom and is involved in countless projects and causes. 
             When I go back home to Kansas, Kansans always ask me: What 
             do you hear from Bob? How is he doing? I tell them he is 
             still on the go and doing what he has always done, that we 
             still tow buckets together, and we don't spill very much.
               Simply put, Bob Dole continues to be a leader who leads 
             the way. We in Kansas are proud of Bob Dole.
               My thanks again to Senator Smith for reserving this time 
             honoring our native son.

               The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from 
             Oregon.

               Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, it is a privilege to come to 
             the Chamber and speak of Bob Dole and also his 
             distinguished wife, our colleague, Elizabeth Dole, both 
             great public servants. . . . Mr. President, I was not in 
             the Chamber 10 years ago when Senator Dole resigned his 
             seat. I was, in fact, on the campaign trail in the midst 
             of an election campaign that he had helped to recruit me 
             to run. I remember watching those proceedings and seeing 
             the bipartisan affection in which Senator Dole was held. I 
             later met him many times on the campaign trail as he 
             pursued the Presidency and was impressed by his courage in 
             the face of very discouraging poll numbers and the high 
             probability that he would not win and how hard he fought 
             for us and others who were running to fill seats in the 
             U.S. Senate. Elizabeth was at his side, and together they 
             made a tremendous campaign and did honor to our country 
             and to the Republican Party by the way in which they 
             prosecuted a very difficult campaign cycle. It reflected 
             honor upon our country.
               It is important that as we celebrate his resignation and 
             his career that ended 10 years ago, we take occasion to 
             reflect on his remarkable accomplishments. He served 27 
             years in this body, 11 of those as Senate Republican 
             leader. Bob Dole's remarkable record of accomplishment as 
             a Senator is well known. It is not an exaggeration to say 
             that his fingerprints could be found on nearly every major 
             piece of legislation that passed Congress during the 1980s 
             and the first half of the 1990s.
               It was Bob Dole who reached across party lines to work 
             with Senator George McGovern to create the Food Stamp 
             Program. It was Bob Dole who worked with Senators Harkin 
             and Kennedy to bring about the Americans with Disabilities 
             Act. It was Bob Dole who worked with the late Senator Pat 
             Moynihan to save the Social Security Program.
               I rise today not just to pay tribute to Bob Dole's 
             legislative accomplishments; rather, I rise on this 
             occasion to celebrate what he has done in the decade since 
             he left this body.
               There can be no question that over those 10 years, Bob 
             Dole has continued his lifelong commitment to serving his 
             country, a commitment that began as a young soldier in the 
             hills of Italy during the Second World War. Indeed, for 
             many Americans, Bob Dole is the living symbol of what Tom 
             Brokaw has termed ``America's Greatest Generation,'' the 
             generation of Americans who saved freedom during World War 
             II. My generation is the beneficiary of Bob Dole's 
             generation, the world we inherited, a world in which 
             America assumed world leadership. My generation has been 
             greatly blessed by patriots such as Bob Dole.
               Perhaps Bob Dole's greatest contribution to the past 
             decade was his chairmanship of the National World War II 
             Memorial. Quite simply, that beautiful memorial would not 
             grace our National Mall now had it not been for the 
             persistence and leadership of Bob Dole.
               Bob Dole also volunteered for service after the attacks 
             on September 11, when he joined with former President Bill 
             Clinton to serve as co-chair of the Families of Freedom 
             Scholarship Fund, which assists the educational needs of 
             families of those who lost their lives in the World Trade 
             Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93.
               During his time in this Chamber, no Senator spoke more 
             loudly and more eloquently about atrocities occurring 
             around the world--specifically in Bosnia--than did Bob 
             Dole, who raised his voice loudly. He has continued his 
             vigilance by serving as chairman of the International 
             Commission on Missing Persons, traveling to the Balkans to 
             provide closure to families of those who were victims of 
             the genocide that occurred under Slobodon Milosevic.
               In January 2003, President Bush appointed Bob Dole as 
             honorary co-chair of the President's Council on Service 
             and Civic Participation. He has worked to connect 
             countless Americans with service opportunities in 
             communities, schools, and workplaces.
               Bob Dole has also continued his commitment to ending the 
             scourge of hunger, working with his former colleague, 
             George McGovern, to advocate the expansion of School 
             Breakfast Programs in the United States. They have also 
             teamed to promote the expansion of the School Lunch 
             Programs across the world through their Global School 
             Feeding Initiative.
               Bob Dole has also devoted a great deal of his time and 
             energy to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, which 
             is located at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. 
             The institute is one of America's premier university-based 
             political science and international affairs research 
             institutes, dedicated to reestablishing politics as an 
             honorable profession and to promoting greater student and 
             civic involvement in the democratic process.
               Along with all of these activities, Bob Dole is one of 
             America's most popular public speakers, inspiring 
             audiences with his courage, his humor, his love of 
             America, and always with that trademark wit. He has also 
             authored three books since leaving the Senate--two on 
             political humor, and the most recent, ``One Soldier's 
             Story,'' which tells the remarkable story of his recovery 
             from the wounds he suffered during the Second World War.
               Mr. President, Bob Dole has often said that he takes 
             inspiration in the State motto of his beloved Kansas, 
             which is: ``To the stars through difficulties.'' There can 
             be no doubt that Bob Dole reached those stars in serving 
             his country as a soldier and as a public servant. He has 
             proved time and again over the past decade that he 
             continues to reach for the stars as a private citizen.
               I know all Senators join me in saluting Bob Dole and 
             thanking him for the positive difference he has made over 
             these past 10 years. Part of that difference was 
             supporting his wife Elizabeth and her campaign to win a 
             seat in the Senate. Together, they are a remarkable 
             American couple and have made a remarkable difference for 
             the betterment of our country and even the world.
               Mr. President, I yield the floor.

               The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from 
             Mississippi is recognized.

               Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I thank those who have come 
             to the floor today to help honor our former colleague in 
             the Senate, Bob Dole. I don't know of anyone who has had 
             more of an influence on my career in the Senate than Bob 
             Dole, although Howard Baker, who was the Republican leader 
             when I first arrived in the Senate in 1978, also had a 
             great deal to do with my career here.
               I don't know who coined the phrase ``compassionate 
             conservative,'' but Bob Dole was the epitome of a 
             compassionate conservative. His legislative record is 
             replete with examples of his leadership to help ensure the 
             formulation and implementation of policies by our Federal 
             Government that recognized the needs of those who were 
             unable to care for themselves, or were unable to make 
             progress economically, without the assistance of the 
             government.
               He authored the Americans with Disabilities Act and 
             helped lead the way for many Americans by his example of 
             how one can overcome disabilities. My friend Gordon Smith 
             mentioned his authorship of the book ``One Soldier's 
             Story.'' That should be required reading for every 
             American. It was a heart-warming yet heartbreaking account 
             of his experiences in World War II in combat and his long 
             road to recovery from the painful and life-threatening 
             injuries he sustained in battle.
               You can also look to examples of when he was a leader in 
             the Agriculture Committee on which I had the good fortune 
             to serve as a new member, at a time when he was one of the 
             true leaders in formulating agricultural policy for our 
             Nation. He worked easily across the aisle with Herman 
             Talmadge, the chairman of the committee at that time, and 
             with George McGovern, another leader on the committee from 
             South Dakota. They worked together to help craft 
             improvements in the School Lunch Programs and other 
             feeding programs that assist Americans who are unable to 
             provide for their own nutritional needs. Think about that. 
             This was at a time when the Federal Government was pretty 
             well leaving these responsibilities to State and local 
             governments, charitable organizations, and the Nation's 
             schools to formulate their own response to these 
             challenges.
               But we became a Nation whose record of support for 
             dealing with these problems has become a model for the 
             world. As a matter of fact, he and George McGovern created 
             a worldwide nutrition assistance program that today makes 
             food and nutrition benefits available to the poorest of 
             the poor in Africa and many other countries throughout the 
             world.
               He was a leader in establishing a modern veterans 
             benefit program and ensuring that a Cabinet-level position 
             was available to help administer this program to be sure 
             that all veterans, those who had disabilities or those who 
             deserved pensions and other benefits because of their age 
             or experiences in war, would have those benefits and could 
             be a part of our national citizenship in every sense of 
             the word.
               I recall very vividly when we elected Bob Dole as our 
             leader in the Senate on the Republican side. He was a 
             master at getting things done, at working out problems, at 
             bringing people together who had disparate views on 
             subjects that we needed to take action on and deal with. 
             He worked hard. He knew everybody's personal interests and 
             disposition. I was amazed at how he could stand before the 
             Senate and stay there until the late hours of the evening, 
             working out the intricacies of a tax reform bill, which he 
             helped craft as chairman of the Finance Committee, in 
             charge of tax policies for our country.
               He was a Senator's Senator in every respect, a warm-
             hearted, humorous, delightful companion, who enriched the 
             lives of all who served with him in the Senate. I suppose 
             the highlight for me in my relationship with Senator Dole 
             was the nominating convention, when he was selected to be 
             the Republican Party candidate for President of the United 
             States. I was very excited about that. It was a wonderful 
             decision. I could not think of anybody who would be better 
             as President of the United States than Bob Dole. I 
             remember the night that the convention nominated him and 
             he walked out on the stage to accept the nomination. It 
             was really quite an event. Also, that night, I recall 
             while they were counting the ballots on the floor, he 
             invited Chuck Grassley from Iowa, our colleague in the 
             Senate, and me to be with his family up in the suite in 
             the hotel in San Diego to watch the last votes being 
             counted, and then to proceed into the convention hall to 
             accept the nomination.
               Mr. President, we miss Bob Dole's leadership in the 
             Senate. We are delighted, though, the Senate is taking 
             time to recognize the great service that he rendered 
             during his career here.

               Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I am in the Dole seat for 
             Kansas. When Senator Dole left, I ran for his seat and was 
             fortunate enough to be elected. I worked with Senator Dole 
             for many years, when I was secretary of agriculture for 
             Kansas. I first met him when I was Kansas State president 
             of the Junior Farmers of America. I have had a wonderful 
             relationship with Senator Dole. He is an outstanding 
             American, and he is an outstanding Kansan. He deserves 
             tribute.
               We in the Senate are certainly blessed and honored each 
             time we have the opportunity to rise on our feet on this 
             floor and address this august body. At this moment, I feel 
             particularly blessed and honored to be able to recognize 
             my predecessor, Senator Robert Joseph Dole.
               Today, we rise to mark the decade anniversary of Senator 
             Dole announcing his retirement to this body. On June 11, 
             1996, Senator Dole, as the Republican nominee for the 
             Presidency, announced that he would resign his seat in the 
             U.S. Senate. And some asked, Why would he retire with 2 
             full years left in his term and only 6 months left in the 
             campaign? ``I thought that was what was best for Kansas.'' 
             For while he was many things--a legislator, a statesman, a 
             decorated war hero, a leader--Senator Dole believed in his 
             State and he believed in service to his State and he 
             thought this was the best for his State, and that he would 
             run just as a man, an ordinary citizen. It was a 
             tremendous tribute to his service and his believing in the 
             service of this body, that if you couldn't be here full 
             time to do this work, he thought it would be better that 
             he would leave it and bring somebody else in so that he 
             could pursue the Presidency full time.
               The motto of our State is ``Ad astra, per aspera.'' That 
             is a Latin phrase meaning ``to the stars through 
             difficulties.'' Perhaps, considering our State's motto, 
             one could consider it also the motto for Bob Dole.
               He was born in 1923 in Russell, KS. Bob Dole was a 
             teenager during the worst environmental disaster of my 
             State's history--that was the Dust Bowl. He was 11 years 
             old on April 14, 1935, which was referred to as ``Black 
             Sunday.'' On that day, a wall of dust covered the prairie 
             of western Kansas, turning day into night. Some thought it 
             was the end of the world. During those years, childhood 
             friends of Bob Dole recalled postponing basketball games 
             in the middle of them, four or five times during the game, 
             just to sweep the piling dust off the floor.
               Some fled the dust. Others were withered by it. Bob Dole 
             was formed by it. Years later, he would recount that 
             ``growing up on the edge of the Depression-era Dust Bowl, 
             I was taught to put my trust in God and not government, 
             and never to confuse the two.''
               Per aspera.
               As a young man, Bob Dole rose to meet the greatest 
             challenge his great generation would face--World War II. 
             Bob was a second lieutenant in the Army's 10th Mountain 
             Division. He served in the mountains of Italy, where he 
             and his unit faced some of the fiercest and challenging 
             fighting of the war. Bob fought bravely. He was wounded. 
             He fought again. He crawled from the security of his 
             foxhole during intense fighting to assist a critically 
             wounded radio operator, and in the process was shot in the 
             back by a Nazi machine gunner. This time few thought he 
             would survive. Bob Dole was hospitalized for a total of 39 
             months. He gave up the use of his right arm.
               Ad astra--to the stars.
               For his wounds, Bob was awarded two Purple Hearts. For 
             his valor, Bob Dole was awarded the Bronze Star with an 
             Oak Cluster.
               Ad astra--to the stars.
               Returning to his native Kansas, Bob turned to his 
             family, to his neighbors, and to his friends for support. 
             Later, he remarked:

               I was sustained by neighbors, who were anything but 
             stingy with their love and encouragement. I learned then, 
             if I hadn't already known it, that there is no such thing 
             as a wholly self-made man or woman.

               He picked up where he left off and earned his 
             undergraduate and law degrees from Washburn University in 
             Topeka, KS. From there, Bob Dole began his political rise 
             to the stars.
               Ad astra.
               Bob served in the Kansas State House as the Russell 
             County attorney, and on January 3, 1961, Bina Dole's 
             little boy was sworn into the 87th Congress of the United 
             States. Within a decade, Dole had distinguished himself as 
             a legislator and was sent by his fellow Kansans to serve 
             here in this body.
               And here in this Chamber, Bob Dole continued to serve 
             the people of Kansas and this great Nation. He served them 
             as chairman of the Finance Committee. He served them as 
             the minority leader of the Senate. He served them as 
             majority leader. He served them for nearly three decades, 
             until exactly one decade ago today, when he retired.
               Today, Bob Dole's service is neither over nor forgotten. 
             Having been recognized with the Presidential Medal of 
             Freedom--a civilian honor, to match his military honors--
             he has continued to serve. He served as chairman of the 
             International Commission on Missing Persons in the former 
             Yugoslavia and the National World War II Memorial. He even 
             gets a great deal of constituent casework of people 
             contacting to ask if he could help out with this or that--
             and of course he does. He spearheaded the World War II 
             Memorial effort, and what a beautiful memorial to the 
             Greatest Generation it is.
               Also, I believe Bob served as the spokesman for a number 
             of different commercial causes which have continued. And 
             his humor continues unabated as well.
               I remember when serving as secretary of agriculture in 
             the State of Kansas that Senator Dole would address a 
             number of farm audiences--sometimes from the back of a 
             pickup truck. He would see a number of members of that 
             audience who would often loosen up their belts and their 
             overalls because they knew they were going to be in for an 
             entertaining speech, a lot of times about 30 minutes or 25 
             minutes of jokes and one-liners and 5 minutes of politics. 
             They loved it. He loved it. They loved him. He loved them. 
             It was a beautiful symbiotic relationship that Bob Dole 
             had with his State, with my State of Kansas.
               He also continues to serve as a trusted adviser and 
             friend to guys like me. I have been honored to be able to 
             serve in his seat. It is difficult to follow somebody of 
             his legendary status and his ability as a legislator, his 
             ability as a leader, and the contribution that he has made 
             to this society, to this Nation, and to this world. Yet we 
             try--and try with his advice.
               He is an important American of distinction. He is 
             someone who truly deserves to be recognized. He is one who 
             has touched many lives individually and millions of lives 
             collectively. He is the epitome of the Greatest 
             Generation, the generation that served the rest of mankind 
             to beat off fascism, Hitler, and communism, and to give us 
             the freest world that we have known.
               There are still wars to be fought, still battles to be 
             fought, and we pick up the flag and carry it each and 
             every day, but we owe so much in tribute to legendary 
             leaders such as Bob Dole.
               Senator Dole, on behalf of our country and our State, 
             certainly from me personally, I say, thank you and God 
             bless you.

               Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with my 
             colleagues in paying tribute to one of our Senate's finest 
             leaders, Senator Bob Dole.
               Ten years ago, after representing his home State of 
             Kansas in the House of Representatives for 8 years and in 
             the Senate for over 27 years, Majority Leader Dole 
             resigned from the Senate. He did so in order to engage 
             fully all of his attentions to his Presidential campaign. 
             The Senate lost one of our greatest leaders that day, but 
             Bob Dole continues to be a national leader to this day.
               I traveled with him a great deal during his campaign, 
             and it was a thrill for me. I was given the honor of 
             introducing him at the 1996 Republican Convention--quite a 
             humbling privilege for someone who considers himself far 
             less distinguished than the man I was introducing formally 
             to the Nation as the Republican candidate for the 
             President. He may not have won that election, but he ran 
             an honorable campaign and worked as hard as anyone I have 
             ever seen on the campaign trail. Bob helped teach me the 
             meaning of dedicating one's life to a cause greater than 
             one's self-interest, and for this I will always be 
             thankful.
               Everyone knows that Bob is a decorated veteran through 
             his sacrifice in World War II and that he faced a very 
             hard road to recovery upon his return--a road that many 
             selfless men and women today are similarly facing upon 
             their return from the war in Iran and Afghanistan. Like 
             Bob, they, too, are American heroes and they need and 
             deserve to be reminded of that fact as often as possible.
               Bob Dole's distinction among his peers could have rested 
             with his military service. But instead, he chose to 
             continue serving his country and was as effective as he 
             was, in my view, largely because of his experience as a 
             war veteran. For example, his Senate leadership was 
             essential to the efforts of Presidents Reagan and Bush to 
             win the cold war. He built majority coalitions to help 
             restore the readiness and modernization of our Armed 
             Forces which had been so badly neglected in the previous 
             decade. Thanks to his vision, America is better prepared 
             to defend herself and others from those who want to cause 
             us harm.
               While Bob may no longer be daily in the public eye as he 
             enjoys life in the private sector, he still continues to 
             focus his energy on issues of importance to our country. 
             He co-chaired the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund 
             with former President Clinton, helping to raise money for 
             the families of the victims of 9/11 to pursue secondary 
             educations. Bob also continues with his efforts on behalf 
             of the disabled. And, of course, since leaving the Senate 
             10 years ago, he is also now enjoying the obligations of a 
             Senator's spouse.
               Bob Dole is an American hero, and I am privileged to 
             call him my friend.
                                               Wednesday, June 14, 2006
             AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT TRIBUTES TO SENATOR ROBERT C. BYRD 
                             AND FORMER SENATOR BOB DOLE
               Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
             that Senators be permitted to submit tributes to Senator 
             Byrd and former Senator Dole for the Record until Friday, 
             June 16, and that each be printed as a Senate document.

               The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so 
             ordered.
                                                  Friday, June 16, 2006
               Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I today salute a hero for 
             all Americans, a leader for his party, and my friend, 
             Senator Robert Joseph Dole.
               This week marks 10 years since Senator Dole retired from 
             this Chamber, a day I remember well. Senator Dole left as 
             the longest serving Republican leader in Senate history. 
             In fact, the beginning of his leadership tenure coincided 
             with my first term in the Senate, starting in January 
             1985.
               Even then, it was clear that Senator Dole was and is not 
             just another Senator, but a national fixture in American 
             politics. Author Michael Barone, writing in his ``Almanac 
             of American Politics,'' has this to say about our friend 
             from Kansas:

               Senator Bob Dole is one of the large political figures 
             of our time, in the middle 1990s towering over everyone 
             else in the political landscape, even the president . . . 
             for Bob Dole is not only one of the most successful 
             politicians of the second half of the 20th Century but 
             also one of the most enduring.

               Powerful words about a powerful leader. Many of my 
             colleagues have already recounted Senator Dole's extensive 
             political career, his record of legislative 
             accomplishment, and his leadership of the Republican 
             Party, here in the Senate and as the Republican candidate 
             for both President and Vice President of the United 
             States. Beginning with his chairmanship of the Republican 
             National Committee in 1971, Senator Dole was a prominent 
             player on the national stage for a quarter-century.
               Senator Dole's heroism on the battlefield is well known 
             and revered by us all as well. In 1945, a young Lieutenant 
             Dole from Russell, KS, found himself on the hills of 
             Italy, fighting the Nazis. Suddenly pain exploded in his 
             back. Paralyzed by his war injury, Bob Dole spent 4 years 
             in hospital wards, relearning how to do simple tasks, like 
             button his shirt. To this day his right arm remains 
             largely paralyzed.
               I believe the determination and focus Senator Dole must 
             have had to recover from that injury explains his success 
             in politics and with the American people. After struggling 
             to regain control of one's body, lining up a vote on a 
             difficult bill might be a little less daunting. I have 
             heard Senator Dole say before that no honor that has come 
             his way has ever surpassed the pride he felt at wearing 
             his country's uniform.
               As a Republican leader, Bob Dole was about results, not 
             symbolism or showmanship. President George H.W. Bush, for 
             instance, cited him as instrumental in the passage of the 
             Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Out of office, he 
             has continued to serve his country, fundraising for worthy 
             causes and raising awareness of the dangers of prostate 
             cancer.
               Senator Dole is also famous for his dry, Midwestern wit, 
             which has lifted many of us here in the Senate in times of 
             despair as well as levity. This is a man who, after losing 
             the Republican Presidential nomination in 1988, assured an 
             audience that he ``went home and slept like a baby. Every 
             couple of hours, I'd wake up and cry.''
               My colleagues and I continue to be graced every day in 
             this Chamber by the presence of another prominent Senator 
             Dole, the Senator from North Carolina. Elizabeth, I wish 
             to express how happy we all are Bob has found you, and you 
             have found Bob. You remind us of him every day, and we 
             hope that you will tell him how much we all respect and 
             miss him, and how pleased we are to honor his service.

               Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, last Sunday marked the 10th 
             anniversary of Senator Bob Dole's retirement from the 
             Senate. Bob Dole served the people of Kansas and the 
             people of the United States of America as a Member of 
             Congress for more than three and a half decades. He was 
             outspoken on many issues, but, above all, I will always 
             admire his tireless, passionate advocacy on behalf of 
             people with disabilities.
               The first speech that Bob Dole ever made on the floor of 
             the Senate--on April 14, 1969--was about the challenges 
             faced by Americans with disabilities. That date was the 
             24th anniversary of the day he was gravely wounded in 
             World War II. In fact, every year that he was in the 
             Senate, on or about April 14, Bob Dole made a statement on 
             the floor about the challenges faced by individuals with 
             disabilities. But Bob Dole did much more than just talk 
             about expanding access and opportunity for people with 
             disabilities. He was an outstanding leader in bringing 
             about change for the good.
               Most important, I will always be grateful for Senator 
             Bob Dole's leadership in helping to pass the Americans 
             with Disabilities Act in 1990. Both he and I remember the 
             day that it was signed into law as one of the proudest in 
             our entire legislative careers.
               It is hard to believe, but it has been nearly 16 years 
             since we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. Just 
             as many predicted, ADA has taken its place among the great 
             civil rights laws in our Nation's history. Today, the 
             impacts of ADA are all around us. Drive-through 
             restaurants have visual displays allowing the deaf and 
             hard of hearing to place their orders. Banks have talking 
             ATMs, now, to assist those with visual impairments. Cities 
             have installed curb cuts and ramps to allow wheelchair 
             users easier access. And on and on. Just as important, 
             because of ADA, we have seen an enormous change in 
             attitudes. These changes that we see today, that we feel 
             today, would not have been possible without the hard work 
             and dedication of Senator Bob Dole in working 
             cooperatively to help get the ADA passed.
               On a bipartisan basis, we miss Bob Dole here in this 
             body. But the good news is that there is still a Senator 
             Dole in the Senate, and our friend Bob has found a richly 
             satisfying life after the Senate. Today, he continues to 
             serve the American people in a whole range of voluntary 
             capacities, proving President Reagan's dictum that ``you 
             don't have to be on the public payroll to be an 
             outstanding public servant.'' I salute my good friend, Bob 
             Dole, and I wish him all the best.

               Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, of all my colleagues, I 
             suppose that in 1996 I was the one most hoping that Bob 
             Dole would not retire from the Senate. That was because I 
             was doing my best to defeat him in the New Hampshire 
             Presidential primary. If I had, Bob had told several 
             friends he was ``going back to the Senate.'' Well, Pat 
             Buchanan beat both of us by a few percentage points, and 
             Bob beat me. Within a few weeks, I was back in Tennessee 
             at a press conference endorsing Bob Dole and presenting 
             him with one of my red and black plaid shirts. ``I hope 
             it's his last one,'' Bob's friend Howard Baker was heard 
             to mutter, referring to my shirt.
               I should have known better. In my first Iowa poll in 
             June 1995, pollster Whit Ayres said:

               Governor, this is the professional challenge of my 
             career. The poll says, ``Dole 54, Alexander 3, margin of 
             error 4 percentage points.''

               The end result in the caucuses 6 months later was a good 
             deal closer, but Bob Dole won because he had earned for 
             himself the unofficial title of ``President of Iowa.'' 
             Iowans liked his spare talk, his good humor, his war 
             record, and his middle-America brand of politics.
               So did and does the rest of America. Not everyone comes 
             out of a Presidential race more admired than when he or 
             she went in. But Bob Dole did. He ran three times, the 
             last time securing the Republican nomination. And, I would 
             judge, he is even more admired today than he was 10 years 
             ago when he retired from the Senate.
               Bob Dole is an emblem of America's Greatest Generation. 
             He and our colleague Elizabeth are together one of our 
             country's most admired couples. When we think of him, and 
             of them, we think of what is best about public service in 
             America and about our country itself.

               Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, today I honor a great 
             American, a man who devoted his life to this Nation and to 
             the just principles he believed in. Born in Russell, KS, 
             Robert J. Dole would serve his country as a war hero, 
             risking his life for a fellow soldier fighting the forces 
             of fascism and nazism in Italy; as a Senator, a great 
             majority leader; my party's candidate for Vice President 
             and President; and today as an active private citizen 
             fighting for veterans and the causes in which he believes.
               For his bravery in World War II, Bob Dole received two 
             Purple Hearts for his injuries, and the Bronze Star Medal 
             for his attempt to assist a downed radio man. Bob Dole 
             served in the House and Senate representing his home State 
             of Kansas. In 1971, President Nixon asked him to be the 
             chairman of the Republican National Committee, a post he 
             held for 2 years. Then in 1976, President Ford selected 
             Bob Dole as his running mate for the Republican 
             nomination.
               Recognizing his leadership, Bob Dole rose to the 
             pinnacle of our leadership here in the U.S. Senate as the 
             majority leader. He was a tireless worker and effective 
             champion of conservative principles, a strong foreign 
             policy and personal freedom and responsibility.
               One decade ago, Senator Dole resigned his post to devote 
             himself fully to his 1996 Presidential campaign. As my 
             party's nominee he crossed the country running on a 
             platform of lower taxation and smaller, more accountable 
             government. Unfortunately, he didn't win, but he developed 
             a good working relationship with President Clinton and the 
             two leaders have devoted their time and energy to many 
             notable causes over the years. Shortly after the 1996 
             election, President Clinton bestowed upon Senator Dole the 
             highest civilian award in government, the Presidential 
             Medal of Freedom.
               To those who know him, Senator Dole is a regular 
             comedian. One story goes that on the campaign trail in his 
             home State of Kansas, he would spend an hour at each stop 
             telling jokes and only 10 minutes talking about politics. 
             Senator Dole was always able to demonstrate a quick wit, 
             while also showing that he was well grounded in decency.
               Senator Dole continues today to serve the many veterans 
             of World War II who fought so valiantly to liberate Europe 
             and defeat the Japanese. Most recently, it was his 
             personal dedication and determination to see a monument 
             honoring the sacrifice of the World War II veterans that 
             led to the construction of the beautiful tribute to 
             selfless service that now graces the National Mall.
               I wish Senator Dole and his lovely wife, my colleague, 
             Senator Elizabeth Dole, more happy years together and many 
             happy returns to the U.S. Senate.

               Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I was first elected to 
             the Senate in 1993 in a special election to fill the 
             remainder of Lloyd Bentsen's term. Bob Dole, like my 
             predecessor Lloyd Bentsen, is a member of the Greatest 
             Generation--the generation of men who never wavered in 
             answering the call to duty, fighting in distant lands to 
             protect the free world, and returning home to build the 
             greatest Nation on Earth. Bob Dole epitomizes the Greatest 
             Generation, not only for his heroic service in battle, but 
             also for what he did when he came home, ultimately serving 
             in the U.S. Senate.
               When I first arrived in Washington, Nancy Kassebaum of 
             Kansas was the only other female Republican Senator. 
             Fortunately, our leader, Bob Dole, understood the unique 
             and important voice women brought to the Senate. He 
             graciously welcomed me from the first day, and I enjoyed 
             working with him as he ascended from minority leader to 
             majority leader. He was great in both roles, and I 
             appreciate the leadership and support he provided in my 
             early days.
               One of my first discussions with Bob was committee 
             assignments. I told him I wanted to serve on the Armed 
             Services Committee, as there are more military members 
             serving in Texas than any other State. I hoped to carry on 
             the great tradition of helping our men and women in 
             uniform like so many Texas Senators before me. He 
             understood why this committee assignment was important to 
             me and realized the unique perspective I would bring to 
             the national discussion. I was the first woman to sit on 
             this committee in over 30 years. Today, there are three 
             women serving on the Armed Services Committee, including 
             Bob's wife, Senator Elizabeth Dole, who was elected from 
             her home State of North Carolina after Bob retired.
               On the 10th anniversary of Bob Dole's retirement from 
             the Senate, I am proud to honor him for his many 
             accomplishments and tireless service to our country. While 
             we all regretted to see him go, we are grateful for the 
             legacy he left behind, and I hope we can carry it forward 
             for generations to come. He was a giant during his time in 
             this institution, and when the history of the Senate is 
             written, I am confident that he will be fondly remembered 
             as one of our great leaders.

               Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, it was just about 10 years ago 
             that Bob Dole announced his retirement from the Senate. It 
             was 1996 and the Nation was in the midst of an intense 
             campaign for the Presidency. Bob Dole had decided to 
             resign his Senate seat for the good of his home State of 
             Kansas, his party, and his country. He knew he would have 
             to focus all his energies on his campaign for President if 
             he were to be successful, so he left Washington to answer 
             another call to serve his country and provide a choice to 
             the people of Kansas and the rest of the United States 
             when the election was held in November of that year.
               We really shouldn't have been surprised. Answering the 
             call to serve his country was nothing new for Bob Dole and 
             he was proud to be able to do it. Over his life he had 
             been many things, a legislator, a decorated war hero, and 
             a leader both inside and outside of the Senate. Through 
             the years, Bob Dole had always answered the call to serve 
             his country when he was needed, and I have no doubt that 
             he will continue to do so for many years to come.
               It's no secret. Bob Dole has made it clear all his life. 
             You want to know and understand him, you must first 
             understand Russell, KS--the people who live there and the 
             values and principles they hold dear. By coming to know 
             the people of Russell, you understand the philosophy that 
             Bob Dole has lived by his entire life. It's a philosophy 
             of hard work, and of always giving your best to whatever 
             you choose to do. It is a reflection of his father's view 
             of the world--``stewers versus doers.'' Needless to say, 
             you will always find Bob Dole in the ``doers'' group.
               That is why the story of Bob Dole's life is thoroughly 
             intertwined with the story of Russell, KS. For it was when 
             he was growing up in Russell that Bob Dole committed 
             himself to the service of God, country and family. They 
             came to become his core values as he learned at a young 
             age that there are things worth fighting for and that is 
             what drew him to his service in the military.
               Those who have chronicled those difficult years in our 
             history have called him part of our Greatest Generation. 
             Without any regard for himself, Bob Dole left everything 
             he called dear behind to face a challenge as great as any 
             generation had faced before. Pearl Harbor had been 
             attacked and the whole world had taken up arms in a battle 
             against an unspeakable evil that had been unleashed upon 
             the world. World War II had called him to action and Bob 
             Dole was a young man serving in the U.S. Army. He would 
             never be the same again in mind or body. Given the 
             circumstances, I don't think anyone would have returned 
             home from the battlefields of Europe and the South Pacific 
             and not have been changed forever.
               As he bravely fought in the mountains of Italy, he was 
             wounded in action, but still he fought on. Then, he was 
             wounded again, this time far more seriously. The odds were 
             against him, but he somehow made it through those vital 
             first days. He then began what would be a lengthy 
             recovery. He had a long stay in the hospital and despite 
             the efforts of those who attended him, he had lost the use 
             of an arm.
               When he was released from the hospital, he returned 
             home, and that special place of Russell, KS, again reached 
             out to him with open arms and provided him with the 
             support he needed to continue to recover from the wounds 
             he had suffered on the battlefield. Once again, the bonds 
             that tied him to the people of Russell and Kansas became 
             stronger. Those bonds helped Bob Dole to regain his 
             strength and begin to plan for the future.
               Soon he heard the call to serve again. With the support 
             of the people of his home town, he left to work for the 
             people of Kansas in the State House and then in the U.S. 
             Congress. His leadership skills were quite apparent and he 
             compiled quite a record in the Senate. He progressed 
             through the ranks and served his party as minority and 
             then majority leader. Every day on the Senate floor, he 
             took a leadership role on a wide variety of issues that he 
             knew were important to the people of his home State. 
             Through the years he worked to ensure that our American 
             values be protected and preserved in all the proceedings 
             of Congress. It was a remarkable record of service that 
             continued until that day, 10 years ago, when he resigned 
             to pursue the call to carry the Republican banner for 
             President.
               Although that final political campaign of his was not 
             successful, Bob Dole will always be remembered for a 
             lifetime of service to the United States. He has received 
             many honors for his service to the United States, and for 
             being a part of a noble cause that the Greatest Generation 
             took up for which so many fought and died. He never forgot 
             those with whom he served or the needs of our Nation's 
             veterans. In fact, it was those ties from so many years 
             ago that led him to join the effort to construct a 
             memorial for World War II to recognize those with whom he 
             served--especially those who never returned. His 
             leadership in that effort resulted in the dedication of a 
             beautiful memorial that will stand forever in the shadows 
             of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument on the 
             Mall in our Nation's Capital.
               Today, Bob Dole and his wife Elizabeth continue to be a 
             great team as she serves the people of North Carolina with 
             the same care and attention that Bob Dole has always 
             provided the people of Kansas.
               Bob Dole has always said that his goal in life was to 
             defend and serve the America he learned to love in 
             Russell. I think the record shows that he succeeded in 
             that effort and, in so doing, left his mark throughout 
             much of the world as he fought in Europe to free the 
             oppressed, and, in the Senate, for the principles and 
             values he had learned to cherish as a young boy growing up 
             in Russell, KS.
                                                  Monday, June 19, 2006
               Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute 
             to Senator Bob Dole, a person who is often thought of as 
             one of the most prominent political figures of our time. 
             Perhaps former Secretary of State Colin Powell described 
             Senator Dole best when he said he is, ``a plain-spoken man 
             of strength, maturity and integrity.''
               This ``plain-spoken'' man from Oklahoma's neighboring 
             State of Kansas is legendary for his brave sacrifice to 
             our great country in World War II. In the war, he was a 
             platoon leader in the distinguished 10th Mountain Division 
             in Italy. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze 
             Star after being seriously injured in battle, but his 
             service and sacrifice did not end there. After a long, 
             determined road to recovery, a renewed faith in God, and 
             loving support from family and friends, he began his 
             political career.
               After earning his law degree, Senator Dole served in the 
             Kansas Legislature from 1951 to 1953. He came to 
             Washington to serve in the House of Representatives in 
             1961. He was then elected to the Senate in 1968. His 
             leadership skills gained swift recognition as he became 
             chairman of the National Republican Committee in 1971 and 
             Senate majority leader in 1984.
               After Republicans lost control of the Senate in 1986, 
             Senator Dole continued serving his party as Senate 
             minority leader. In this capacity, he became known for his 
             ``watch-dog'' tactics fighting against Democrat tax-and-
             spend, big-government policies. Thanks to his help in 
             exposing the unrestrained behavior of the Democrats, the 
             American people voted to put Republicans back in control 
             of both Houses of Congress in 1994. After this 
             overwhelming victory, Senator Dole was once again voted to 
             the post of majority leader, making him the longest 
             serving Senate leader in the history of the Republican 
             Party.
               I was privileged to serve with Bob Dole in this body 
             from 1994 to 1996 and work on different issues with him. I 
             supported him in 1996 when he was fighting tax increases 
             and other excessive governmental policies.
               After leaving the Senate to run for an unsuccessful 
             Presidential bid in 1996, Senator Dole continued his 
             public service by becoming chairman of the National World 
             War II Memorial to erect a memorial on the National Mall 
             to honor the sacrifice of the brave men and women who 
             served in the largest and deadliest war in history. He 
             also served as co-chair of the Families of Freedom 
             Scholarship Fund to assist the educational needs of the 
             families of victims of the September 11 attacks.
               Through media appearances, speeches, two best-selling 
             books, ``Great Presidential Wit, I Wish I Was In The 
             Book'' and ``Great Political Wit, Laughing (Almost) All 
             the Way to the White House,'' and his personal World War 
             II memoirs, ``One Soldier's Story,'' Senator Dole 
             continues to leave a legacy of the values and principles 
             that have made this great country what it is today.
               Bob Dole is a man of character and integrity, and I am 
             proud to honor him with this deserving tribute today.

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