[Senate Document 110-22]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress, 2nd Session ------------------- Senate Document 110-22
TRIBUTES TO HON. ELIZABETH DOLE
Elizabeth Dole
U.S. SENATOR FROM NORTH CAROLINA
TRIBUTES
IN THE CONGRESS OF
THE UNITED STATES
?
Tributes
Delivered in Congress
Elizabeth Dole
United States Senator
2003-2009
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 2010
Compiled under the direction
of the
Joint Committee on Printing
CONTENTS
Biography.............................................
v
Farewell to the Senate................................
ix
Proceedings in the Senate:
Tributes by Senators:
Alexander, Lamar, of Tennessee.................
13
Bunning, Jim, of Kentucky......................
13
Collins, Susan M., of Maine....................
3
Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota..................
8
Dole, Elizabeth, of North Carolina.............
6, 7
Dorgan, Byron L., of North Dakota..............
12
Enzi, Michael B., of Wyoming...................
19
Feingold, Russell D., of Wisconsin.............
7
Hatch, Orrin G., of Utah.......................
12
Hutchison, Kay Bailey, of Texas................
24
Landrieu, Mary L., of Louisiana................
3
McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky
...............................................
4, 7, 14
Sessions, Jeff, of Alabama.....................
23
Snowe, Olympia J., of Maine....................
22
Specter, Arlen, of Pennsylvania................
9
Warner, John, of Virginia......................
10
BIOGRAPHY
Elizabeth Dole has had a remarkable public service
career, serving five U.S. Presidents and winning 54
percent of the vote in November 2002 to serve the people
of North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. As Senator,
Elizabeth Dole was focused on growing the economy and
creating jobs, strengthening national security and
modernizing our military, and improving education and
making quality health care more affordable and accessible.
Elizabeth Dole was committed to making North Carolina--and
America--safer, stronger, healthier, and more successful.
She served on the Senate Armed Services, Banking, Small
Business, Aging, and Agriculture Committees.
Elizabeth Dole has been named numerous times by the
Gallup poll as one of the world's top ten most admired
women. She was the first woman to serve as the
departmental head of a branch of the military, the U.S.
Coast Guard, when she was Secretary of Transportation.
A native of Salisbury, NC, Elizabeth Dole graduated with
distinction from Duke University in 1958 and was a member
of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned a degree from Harvard Law
School in 1965 and also holds a master's degree in
education and government from Harvard.
From 1969 to 1973, Elizabeth Dole served as Deputy
Assistant to President Nixon for Consumer Affairs,
beginning a career of dedication to public safety, for
which she received the National Safety Council's
Distinguished Service Award in 1989. Elizabeth Dole's
resume includes 6 years (1973-1979) as a member of the
Federal Trade Commission and 2 years (1981-1983) as
Assistant to President Reagan for Public Liaison.
In February 1983, Elizabeth Dole joined President
Reagan's Cabinet as Secretary of Transportation--the first
woman to hold that position. During her 4\1/2\ years at
Transportation, the United States enjoyed the safest
period then to date in all three major transportation
areas--rail, air, and highway.
Elizabeth Dole was sworn in by President Bush as the
Nation's 20th Secretary of Labor in January 1989. She
worked to increase safety and health in the workplace,
advocated upgrading the skills of the American workforce,
and played a key role in resolving the bitter 11-month
Pittston coal strike in southwest Virginia.
Elizabeth Dole left President Bush's Cabinet in 1991 to
become only the second woman since founder Clara Barton to
serve as president of the American Red Cross, an
organization larger than many of the Fortune 500. To
demonstrate her appreciation for volunteers, the heart and
soul of the American Red Cross, Elizabeth Dole volunteered
her first year at the Red Cross, accepting no salary.
During her tenure, 91 cents of every dollar spent went to
programs and services.
Representing the American Red Cross internationally,
Elizabeth Dole visited Kuwait following the Gulf war to
assess Red Cross services provided to U.S. military
personnel. In December 1992 she visited Red Cross relief
operations in famine-stricken Somalia and Mozambique, as
well as in war-torn Croatia. In August 1994 Elizabeth Dole
led a humanitarian relief delegation to Rwandan refugee
camps in the former Zaire.
In January 1999 Elizabeth Dole concluded her service at
the Red Cross and sought the Republican Presidential
nomination. In her campaign for President of the United
States, Elizabeth Dole became the first viable woman
candidate from a major political party. She attracted
thousands of first-time voters into the democratic
process.
Elizabeth Dole's awards are numerous, ranging from
honors for civic service and leadership in government to
accolades for her charitable commitments and dedication to
issues surrounding women in the workplace. In 1991 she was
honored with the prestigious North Carolina Award from
Governor James Martin. She was named ``North Carolinian of
the Year'' by the North Carolina Press Association in
1994. In 1993 Women Executives in State Government honored
Elizabeth Dole with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In
1998 she received the Humanitarian Award from the National
Commission Against Drunk Driving. That same year,
Elizabeth Dole was selected for induction into the Safety
and Health Hall of Fame International for her
transportation, workplace, and blood safety
accomplishments. In 2006 the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
presented her its ``Citizen of the Carolinas'' award. In
2007 she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. She has been
inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
She has also received the Foreign Policy Association
Medal, the Radcliffe College Medal for her outstanding
accomplishments, and the Arthur S. Flemming Award for
Outstanding Government Service. Elizabeth Dole was awarded
the National Religious Broadcasters' 1999 Board of
Directors Award. In 1995 she received Churchwoman of the
Year honors by Religious Heritage of America, and in 1996
the Christian Woman of the Year Association named her
Christian Woman of the Year. Elizabeth Dole was honored by
the League of Women Voters as the recipient of the
Leadership Award in 1994, and in 1995 she received the
Raoul Wallenberg Award for Humanitarian Service.
Elizabeth Dole has received honorary doctorate degrees
from over 40 colleges and universities. She served on the
Duke University Board of Trustees from 1974 to 1985 and
Board of Overseers for Harvard University from 1990 to
1996. While serving on the Board of Overseers she was a
member of Visiting Committees of the John F. Kennedy
School of Government and Harvard School of Public Health.
Farewell to the Senate
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today to speak from the
floor of this Chamber for the final time in my service as
a U.S. Senator from the State of North Carolina.
As I do, I cannot help but think back some 12\1/2\ years
ago, when I sat up in the Senate gallery to watch another
Senator Dole--my husband, Bob, deliver his farewell speech
in this Chamber after nearly three decades of service.
Bob began his remarks by reflecting on words spoken by
Abraham Lincoln in 1860, when a delegation arrived in
Springfield, IL, to officially inform him that he had been
nominated by his party for the Presidency. Lincoln spoke
just two sentences, and then he said to the large crowd of
friends and neighbors gathered on his lawn, ``Now I will
no longer defer the pleasure of taking each of you by the
hand.''
I rise today with a heart full of gratitude, and like
President Lincoln, and like Bob Dole, what I wish I could
do is to take the hand of all those who have helped me on
my life's journey, and to express my heartfelt thanks.
I would begin with the friends in my home State. I have
been blessed to serve the public in numerous capacities
during my career, and without question the highest honor
has been representing North Carolina in the U.S. Senate. I
thank my fellow Tar Heels for granting me the privilege of
serving them.
Then there are a number of North Carolinians, now gone,
who I wish I could take by the hand again to thank them
for the example they set, the values they instilled in me,
and the love, guidance, and support they provided.
There is my grandmother, Mom Cathey. I can still vividly
recall the Sunday afternoons spent with other neighborhood
children in her home. We would enjoy lemonade and homemade
cookies while Mom Cathey read from her Bible, which is now
one of my most cherished possessions. My grandmother
practiced what she preached, and she truly lived her life
for others.
My beloved father, John Hanford, always supported my
interests, and taught me that anything worth doing
deserved my best effort. When I wanted to run for
president of my high school, which was not something girls
did in those days, he stood right behind me, cheering me
on. He was protective but not overbearing.
My precious mother, Mary, who passed away just shy of
103 years old, was also front and center in my life. She
taught me at a very young age that the real joy in life is
giving back to your community and helping those around
you. And she was always there to urge me to go the extra
mile. ``You've finished your homework early. Have you
thought of entering the essay contest?'' Unbeknownst to
her, Mother's example of hard work and dedication drew me
toward public service as my mission field, my passion. She
was a constant source of inspiration.
My dear brother, John, 13 years my senior, who passed
away earlier this year, was a role model I put on a
pedestal. He encouraged me at every turn, providing me
with invaluable counsel and infinite support. And there is
no finer example of a beautiful, caring heart, a person
who lives her faith, than John's wife, Bunny. And speaking
of faith, I'm so proud of my two nephews, John Hanford
III, currently traveling the world as our U.S. Ambassador
at Large for religious freedom and Jody Hanford, 17 years
with Campus Crusade for Christ and 15 visits to work in
Russia and Ukraine.
I also wish I could thank teachers like Agnes Weant,
whose dedication to young people led her outside the
classroom on more than one evening to discuss colleges and
future opportunities with my parents, and Duke
University's Dean Florence Brinkley, who encouraged me to
spend a summer in England, studying at Oxford.
Because of the support and encouragement I received from
family, friends, and teachers, I ventured to Washington,
seeking to be part of something greater than myself. As a
young adult, I was incredibly fortunate to encounter
several great mentors who offered me direction,
opportunity and encouragement.
Mentors such as Bill Cochrane, who was thought of by
many as ``North Carolina's third Senator.'' Bill served in
the office of North Carolina Democrat Senator B. Everett
Jordan, and he was like a one-man personnel office
assisting eager young people in finding jobs in
Washington.
During the summer of 1960, I worked in Senator Jordan's
office. Knowing that firsthand historical experiences are
much treasured by young people, Bill helped me get a front
row ticket to my first national campaign--on board Vice
Presidential nominee Lyndon B. Johnson's whistlestop tour
of the South. Although my staunchly Republican father was
concerned about my riding through the South, especially
through Salisbury, my hometown, on LBJ's train, I knew
Bill Cochrane was giving me an unmatchable learning
experience, and I was right.
And how I wish I could hold out a hand of thanks to a
remarkable woman who served in this Chamber for many
years--Margaret Chase Smith of Maine. While working for
Senator Jordan, I had the gall to request a meeting with
Senator Smith. She didn't know me from Adam, but not only
did she agree to see me, she devoted an entire hour to
sharing her thoughts, and encouraging me to get a law
degree so I could bring some additional skills to a public
policy job. I took her advice and entered Harvard Law
School 2 years later. Senator Smith's example taught me
the importance of having an open door for younger people
who also see public service as a noble endeavor, and might
need a little advice and mentoring along the way.
I was privileged to have the best mentor imaginable in
Virginia Knauer, Special Assistant to President Nixon for
Consumer Affairs. Virginia, a truly unselfish boss, wanted
me to have, as her deputy, every experience that she had--
my first testimony before Congress, my first press
conference, speeches across America. After working with
her for 5 years, Virginia wanted to support my nomination
to the Federal Trade Commission. ``Oh no, Virginia,'' I
told her when she broached the subject. ``I love being
your deputy.'' Virginia replied, ``Elizabeth, you have
grown and learned as much as you can in this job. It's
time for you to spread your wings.'' In other words, she
nudged me out of the nest. To this day, Virginia, at age
93, remains one of my most cherished friends and I am
grateful to President Nixon for my many years at the FTC.
I am indebted to former President Ronald Reagan for
asking me to serve as his Secretary of Transportation, and
to President George Herbert Walker Bush, for the privilege
of serving as Secretary of Labor. And I thank the Board of
Governors of the American Red Cross and their army of
millions of volunteers for allowing me to serve 8 years as
their president.
At each of these positions, I have been fortunate,
indeed, to be part of a team of extraordinary, hard-
working men and women. I thank all those who've shared the
mission fields with me over the years, and my special
thanks to my very talented and capable Senate staff. These
incredible men and women understand what it means to be
true servants of the public, to have a passion for what
they do. Yes, we've shared a mission field. We've worked
hard. We've had some fun along the way. And we made a
positive difference for North Carolina and America.
I thank all members of the U.S. Senate. I knew many of
you as friends long before becoming your colleague, and
you will remain my friends after I depart the Senate. You
will surely be in my thoughts and prayers as you steer our
country through the challenging times ahead.
Most especially, I thank my incredibly supportive
husband, Bob, who is a constant example--and probably for
some of you as well--that a leader should have not only a
strong backbone, but also a funny bone! From armed service
to public service, elected six times by his Republican
colleagues to be their leader, Bob's more than a half
century of service to our country is a constant
inspiration. Because of his leadership, we now have the
beautiful memorial to the men and women of World War II.
Bob's compassion and caring for his fellow man, exhibited
through his actions in both public and private life are,
to me, unparalleled. He remains the light of my life. For
all that you have done for me, for countless others, and
for our country, I thank you, Bob, from the bottom of my
heart.
I could never have dreamed of the people I have been
privileged to meet, the jobs I have been privileged to
hold, or the issues I have been privileged to influence.
Perhaps Theodore Roosevelt said it best with these words:
``Far and away, the best prize life has to offer is the
chance to work hard at work worth doing.'' I am so very
fortunate to have found that best prize as a servant of
the public. And while I don't know what awaits me next in
life's journey, I pray that I will find a way to continue
to work hard at work worth doing.
Mr. President, may God bless America, and may God bless
the U.S. Senate.
I yield the floor.
?
TRIBUTES
TO
ELIZABETH DOLE
Proceedings in the Senate
Saturday, September 27, 2008
ORDER FOR PRINTING OF SENATE DOCUMENT
Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent
that the tributes to retiring Senators that appear in the
Congressional Record be printed as a Senate document and
that Senators be permitted to submit such tributes for
inclusion until Friday, November 21, 2008.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, when she came to the Senate
6 years ago, Elizabeth Dole brought with her a resume that
for most would describe a full lifetime of public service
and accomplishment. The intellect, principles, and
dedication Elizabeth applied to her earlier endeavors have
been readily apparent in the Senate. America has been
enriched by all of Senator Elizabeth Dole's public
service.
Her record of public service is truly inspiring. From
the Office of Consumer Affairs and the Federal Trade
Commission to the Secretary of Transportation and Labor,
she has served five Presidents. Her tenure in each of
these positions has been marked by the dedication,
effectiveness, and accomplishments that we have seen first
hand in the Senate.
Nothing more fully describes Elizabeth's character than
the fact that she left government service only to become
the president of the American Red Cross, joining founder
Clara Barton as the only woman to hold that position. In
the spirit of that great organization, Elizabeth worked as
a volunteer her first year, accepting no salary. Under her
leadership, the American Red Cross was a model for
charitable organizations, with 91 cents out of every
dollar contributed going directly to help those in need.
Elizabeth led the American Red Cross by example.
Following the Gulf war, she visited Kuwait to assess
personally the services provided to our military
personnel. She traveled to famine-stricken Somalia and
Mozambique and to war-ravaged Croatia. She led a
humanitarian relief operation to Rwanda refugee camps.
That same commitment, courage, and compassion have been
the hallmarks of her work in the Senate.
Those of us who are women also appreciate the many times
Elizabeth Dole has blazed the path forward for other
women. We know she was one of the very first women to
attend Harvard Law School. Think how difficult that must
have been for a woman raised in the South. Yet she
persevered and she excelled and she broke barrier after
barrier for other women.
In her campaign for President in 2000, Elizabeth Dole
had a profound effect. She attracted legions of new voters
into the political process. She encouraged women
throughout the country and of all political persuasions to
step forward and get involved in the campaign and to run
for public office themselves. Many of the cracks in the
glass ceiling are the work of her hands.
Here in the Senate, I have been privileged to work
alongside Senator Dole as members on the Senate Armed
Services Committee. She has been one of our strongest and
most eloquent voices for the men and women in uniform, and
her commitment to them is inspiring. Her dedication to
strengthening our national security and modernizing our
military is unsurpassed.
It is certainly no accident that she is married to a
man--former Senator Bob Dole--who exemplifies the quiet
courage and devotion to duty that are the hallmark of
America's armed services and by which both Senator Doles
are known.
I know that all in the Senate and throughout our Nation
will agree that just a few of the words that best describe
Elizabeth Dole are ``intelligence,'' ``principles,'' and
``commitment.'' To those, I am proud to add the word
``friend.'' I will miss serving with Elizabeth Dole. I
wish her all the best in the years to come.
Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the
absence of a quorum.
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, it is my sad task today
to say farewell to our friend, the Senator from North
Carolina, Elizabeth Dole. It is hard to know where to
begin with a woman who has done it all and is admired
across America.
There is an old saying that all politics is local. That
is true even for the Senator from North Carolina, who was
the first viable female candidate for President, held two
different Cabinet positions, and worked for five
Presidents. You see, Elizabeth's first campaign was for
the presidency of her third grade Bird Club. She won that
race.
Elizabeth began impressing many early on as she earned
her bachelor's degree from Duke University and both a
master's and a law degree from Harvard. Of the 550 members
of her Harvard Law class, only 29 were women.
From there, Elizabeth went to the White House Office of
Consumer Affairs, and then the Federal Trade Commission.
In 1972, she met a Senator from Kansas when she lobbied
him on a consumer-affairs issue.
In 1975, Elizabeth and Bob Dole were married in
Washington Cathedral, creating one of the most prominent
and successful partnerships in American public life.
Elizabeth later headed President Reagan's Public Liaison
Office, and then in 1983 became his Secretary of
Transportation. She served for 4\1/2\ years, longer than
any previous Transportation Secretary at that time. And as
Transportation Secretary, she was fond of pointing out
that she was the first woman to ever head a branch of the
armed services: the Coast Guard.
When her husband Bob introduced Elizabeth at her
confirmation hearings, he displayed some of his trademark
wit by remarking, ``I only regret that I have but one wife
to give for my country's infrastructure.''
When Elizabeth had her turn at the microphone, she got
him right back. She assured the committee that she knew
all about airbags, because she had been driving around
with one for years.
In 1989, Elizabeth became one of the few Americans
honored to lead more than one Federal department by
becoming the first President Bush's Secretary of Labor.
Among the highlights of her tenure there was playing a key
role in resolving a bitter 11-month coal strike in
southwest Virginia.
I would even go so far as to say that Elizabeth was the
second-best Secretary of Labor this country has ever had.
Elizabeth went on to become the president of the Red
Cross, and revitalized that important institution. And of
course, she became a familiar face to all Americans in
1996 when Bob became the Republican nominee for President
of the United States, and when Elizabeth blazed yet
another trail in 2000 as the first viable female candidate
for that same office.
During her time here in the Senate, Elizabeth used the
same desk her husband used. From behind that desk, she has
been a powerful advocate for her State and her country.
North Carolinians can be proud of her record to
strengthen our military and to support military personnel
and veterans. She worked to craft a farm bill to benefit
North Carolina agriculture. She has done much to address
hunger in America, by championing tax incentives to
encourage volunteerism and charitable giving, and through
grant programs to benefit food banks and relief
organizations.
The ``Dole'' in the McGovern-Dole International Food for
Education and Child Nutrition Program may be for her
husband, Bob, as the program is named after him and former
Senator George McGovern. But it was Elizabeth Dole who
secured more than $400 million for the McGovern-Dole
Program to go toward school-feeding and child-nutrition
programs in the world's poorest countries.
Let me take this moment to say, on behalf of my wife
Elaine and myself, that Elizabeth and Bob have been dear
friends of ours for many years. In fact, had it not been
for Elizabeth, Elaine probably never would have come to
Washington in the first place, therefore I obviously never
would have met her, so I feel a special obligation to--and
thanks to--Senator Dole for that. We value their
friendship, and I know we will continue to do so for many
years to come.
Elizabeth, I want to thank you for always bringing
wisdom, grace, and integrity to this Chamber. Over decades
of accomplishments in many prominent posts, you have
served the people of America and of North Caroline
extremely well.
I know your constituents are proud, and Bob is proud, of
your service. Elaine and I wish you both well in whatever
the future has in store for you. And we look forward to
hearing all about it.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina
is recognized.
Mrs. DOLE. Madam President, I wish to express my deepest
thanks for the very kind words of the distinguished
gentleman from Kentucky. I feel very close to this
gentleman because we have been very good friends for so
many years. Certainly your wife, Elaine Chao, who is doing
a tremendous job as Secretary of Labor, has been a friend
for many years. In fact, we worked together at the
Department of Transportation as colleagues and then also
when she was president of United Way and I was president
of the American Red Cross. So our paths have continued to
cross in terms of our professions but also in terms of
personal relationships and warmth and friendship.
Mitch, I can't tell you how proud I am of your
leadership as the Republican leader, and I am so proud you
have been reelected by your colleagues. You do a
tremendous job. You are a master of the Senate. Through
the years, you and I have had a chance to work together on
many issues. Of course, it was my privilege early on--I
believe in my first year in the Senate--to visit the
University of Louisville and the McConnell Center for
Political Leadership and to speak to the McConnell
scholars. That is just one of many things you are doing to
help others outside the Senate as well as the tremendous
work within the Senate.
Just know I treasure your friendship. I look forward to
being in close touch and hope there will be many other
initiatives on which we can work together, Elaine and Bob
and I, in the years to come. Thank you so much for those
most kind words wishing me well. I wish you all the very
best.
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, you just witnessed the
classic Elizabeth Dole. I came out here to do a tribute to
her, and she turned around and did a tribute to me. This
is, I would say, indicative of the way Senator Dole has
conducted herself in public life throughout her service.
We are going to miss her in the Senate, but I know she
will continue to make important contributions to our
country.
We revere your legacy and look forward to continuing our
friendship in the coming years.
Mrs. DOLE. Thank you so much.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I commend Senator
Elizabeth Dole for her dedicated work on behalf of North
Carolina in the Senate and her decades of service to our
Nation. In the Senate she has worked hard to ensure our
veterans and servicemembers receive the benefits they have
more than earned. I was pleased to have her co-sponsorship
and support for my measure allowing servicemembers to
terminate cell phone contracts free of penalties.
Senator Dole has also demonstrated a commitment to
solving the most difficult crises in Africa, particularly
in Zimbabwe and Darfur. We both joined with Senator
Clinton and Senator Lugar on legislation to assist
Zimbabweans in their efforts to promote democracy and
human rights in their country. I also welcomed Senator
Dole's support on a resolution condemning the recent
flawed elections in Zimbabwe. Her voice in the Senate on
these issues will be missed. I thank her for her service
to the Senate and the people of North Carolina, and wish
her all the best for the future.
Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge
my colleague from North Carolina, Senator Elizabeth Dole,
who will be leaving this body after serving the people of
North Carolina for the past 6 years.
Senator Dole and I have had the opportunity to work
together on various issues important to the future of our
Nation. Senator Dole has been a strong advocate for the
interests of not only her State, but the United States in
general.
For example, just recently Senator Dole and I worked
together to pursue a more sustainable energy policy for
our country. One of our goals was to transition new
vehicles to an alternative source of energy by 2020 and
reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This commitment to
improving the Nation is what defined Senator Dole's tenure
in the Senate.
Senator Dole has also been active on agricultural
issues. Because both of our States have a strong
agricultural sector in our economy, this issue is very
important to our constituents. From her time on the Senate
Agricultural Committee early in her Senate career through
the farm bill recently, Senator Dole has consistently
looked out for the North Carolina farming community and
the farming industry itself.
Senator Dole has had a long career of public service.
She served as Secretary of Transportation under President
Reagan and Secretary of Labor under President George H.W.
Bush. This gave her the distinction of being the first
woman to serve in two different Cabinet positions during
two different administrations. She also served as the
president of the American Red Cross, heading one of the
largest humanitarian organizations in the world. This list
of accomplishments underscores Senator Dole's commitment
to serving the public at large.
Again, I have appreciated the opportunity to work with
Senator Dole and wish her well as she leaves the Senate.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Mr. SPECTER. Senator Elizabeth Dole is a colleague
leaving the U.S. Senate not in defeat but in the wake of a
career dedicated to public service and an unwavering
commitment to her country. She has had an illustrious
career as a two-time Cabinet member, president of the Red
Cross, and U.S. Senator. Elizabeth is a model for all
young women considering a career in government, for in
times when the ceiling had but few cracks she bore through
the naysayers and showed a woman belongs in the Nation's
highest positions.
After graduating from Harvard Law as one of just 29
women in a class of 550, Liddy went to work in the White
House Office of Consumer Affairs where she worked under
both Presidents Johnson and Nixon. Pledging her allegiance
to her job and duty to the country, Senator Dole opted to
switch parties in order to continue her stay in the White
House. After a stint on the Federal Trade Commission,
President Reagan appointed Elizabeth Secretary of
Transportation in 1983. She served valiantly in that
position for 4\1/2\ years, proving her skill at managing a
Federal department, and became the Secretary of Labor
under President George H.W. Bush. With this position,
Elizabeth became the first woman to hold two different
Cabinet positions under two different administrations.
In 1991 Elizabeth accepted a different challenge
becoming the president of the American Red Cross,
dedicating her time to building an institution whose
impassioned mission is to aid our Nation's citizens who
are in need of emergency assistance. During her tenure
with the Red Cross, Elizabeth took a brief hiatus to stand
by her husband, Senator Bob Dole, as he represented our
party as the nominee for President in 1996. After a hard-
fought race Elizabeth began looking into the idea of
running for our Nation's highest office on her own right.
This came to fruition in 1999 as she again led the way for
women and became the first official female candidate for
President. She exhibited toughness and political tact in a
race that history had not been very welcoming to women.
In 2001 Elizabeth's path to the U.S. Senate took her
through her birth home of Salisbury, NC. Using her full
career serving our Nation as a foundation, Elizabeth won
her seat to the U.S. Senate and immediately made her
presence known. Spending her time on the Armed Services,
Banking, Small Business, and Aging Committees, Elizabeth
worked for North Carolinians with the same passion and
dedication she possessed throughout her career. Her
achievements were many, but to name a few she successfully
opposed potential closings of U.S. military bases,
protected delicate wetlands and woodlands in northeastern
North Carolina from ruination from an ill-advised Navy
landing strip proposal, and also served as the chairwoman
of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the
2004 election cycle.
I wish to thank Elizabeth for her service, friendship,
and for being there for my dear friend Bob throughout the
years. Senator Dole, your contributions to this Chamber
and our Nation will forever be remembered.
I yield the floor.
Mr. WARNER. I have known her for quite a few years. We
had a wonderful evening last night where the leadership of
the Republican Party--indeed, almost all of the members of
the Republican caucus--came to say not farewell, but to
listen to the words of those of us who are moving on and
will not be a part of the next Congress. Elizabeth got up,
and she is such a very forceful speaker. She truly speaks
from the heart. She has a remarkable memory. She recalled
how when both of us were bachelor and spinster, we danced
together. My lovely wife, who is a dear friend of hers,
kind of looked at me and I winked and said, ``She was the
best.'' It is just one of her marvelous traits. Talk about
glass ceilings: She shattered her share. She has taken on
many challenges in the private and public sector, some of
which only men have ever had, and performed her duties
with great distinction, and always with a quiet sense of
what we call southern humility. She is very proud of her
roots and her family. How often she has referred to her
mother.
She is a Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University and went on
to Harvard for a master's degree and a law degree.
Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Labor. Few women
have had that much stamina, conviction, self-confidence to
achieve those goals; and then, of course, to have become a
U.S. Senator. That was a special challenge because she was
fortunate to have as a husband Robert Dole, the Republican
leader of the U.S. Senate, if I can say with a deep sense
of humility, one of the best friends I ever had in this
institution.
I remember talking to him one time, of course,
concerning the events of that particular period, and I
said he ought to think about running for leader of the
Senate. ``Oh, no, no. No, I don't think they will ever
elect me.'' Well, this conversation went on for some
period of weeks, months, it may have been, I don't recall.
Finally, I said, ``I have so much faith that you can win
that election that I would be happy to appoint myself as
one of your managers of the campaign to get it.'' So I
took that, along with several other very fine colleagues,
both of whom moved on years ago from this Chamber. And he
won. He was amazed that he had won. I wasn't. I always
recognized the leadership in him. He did a wonderful job
as our Republican leader. His portrait proudly hangs right
here in the corridor off of our Chamber. I never walk by
that I don't just quietly give him a hand salute, because
I was a part of the World War II generation, but a very
small part, serving only in the final year of the war and
always in a training command, ready as a 17-, 18-year-old
kid to become a replacement for those serving abroad. Bob
Dole was truly one of those who earned the accolade of the
Greatest Generation. He fought in Europe. He was a young
lieutenant and in leading his men in the toughest of
battles in Italy, he received what for others I think
would have been mortal and fatal wounds.
Because he had such an internal strength and
constitution, he survived those wounds and came on to have
a distinguished career. As I look back on his Senate
days--and they pass so quickly, as did my 30 years--I
remember taking trips with him. We went to Russia
together, which was the Soviet Union at that time. He was
a staunch believer that one day Russia would become just
Russia once again and those people would have some measure
of a voice in their government. That did come to pass, and
that was an extraordinary trip.
What I best remember is the time of the D-day
anniversary. He was asked to speak in Italy, where he had
fought. And then, together, we traveled to the Normandy
beaches to join the President and others. In the course of
that trip, we went back to the very ground on which he was
wounded. He walked over to the stone wall that is still
there--he remembers it ever so well--where he dragged his
badly wounded body to give him a measure of protection
until help could come, after which he began that very
long, arduous, challenging period of his life. It took
years to rebuild that body, but the mind was always there
fully intact. But he would once again have an important
role serving America as a public servant in the Senate.
I don't know of a husband and wife team who any admire
with a greater level of affection than we do Bob and
Elizabeth Dole. So I wish them both very well. She was on
our Armed Services Committee. She was a strong advocate
for the men and women in the Armed Forces. She had a place
in her heart for all who served at Fort Bragg and the
Marines' Camp Lejeune, and Pope Air Force Base. But that
is further evidence of the deep affection she has for her
husband Bob.
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I wish to speak today
regarding Senator Elizabeth Dole, who will be departing
from the U.S. Senate. I have known Senator Dole well and I
am sure I am joined by many of my colleagues in saying
that she will be missed.
Senator Dole has shown her enthusiasm and commitment
first hand through her vast contributions over the last 6
years. Her true courage is the powerful force behind her
remarkable public service career. Most important, Senator
Dole can conceive and articulate goals that lift people
and unite them in the pursuit of objectives worthy of
their best efforts.
As we look back on the challenges of our economy,
Senator Dole has become a robust leader in helping our
country focus on creating jobs, strengthening national
security, improving education, and making quality health
care more affordable and accessible. Her initial
determination was demonstrated as she graduated from Duke
University and Harvard Law School, then entering her
public career by serving under multiple U.S. Presidents,
including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. Throughout
her career, she served as Secretary of Transportation,
Secretary of Labor, and head of the American Red Cross.
She continued her public service by bringing her zeal to
the Senate as the first female U.S. Senator from North
Carolina.
As a fellow Senator, Elizabeth displays qualities of a
true southern belle. She is a powerful role model. Her
efforts to make North Carolina and America safer,
stronger, and healthier have not gone unnoticed. Most
important, she has played a key role in serving on the
Senate Armed Services, Banking, Small Business, and Aging
Committees.
Mr. President, I extend my deepest gratitude to Senator
Dole. I can say, without reservation, that she is a
dedicated public servant and friend.
Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the order from September 27 regarding tributes to retiring
Senators be modified so that Senators be permitted to
submit such tributes for inclusion in a Senate document
until Friday, December 12, 2008.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to my
distinguished colleague from North Carolina, Senator
Elizabeth Dole, who will be retiring from the Senate at
the conclusion of the 110th Congress.
I have worked with Senator Dole since she was elected to
serve the people of North Carolina in 2002. I have also
had the privilege of serving on the Senate Banking
Committee with Senator Dole. She has dedicated her adult
life to serve her country proudly. Senator Dole has had
the distinct honor to serve in several capacities such as
Deputy Assistant to the Nixon administration for Consumer
Affairs, as a member of the Federal Trade Commission,
Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan, and
Secretary of Labor under President George H.W. Bush. Her
heart and character can also be summed up by her work as
the president of the American Red Cross and the impact she
has had, on not only the lives of Americans, but also
those abroad. A person of that caliber will be missed in
the Senate.
I am honored to know her and to have worked with her. I
would like to thank Senator Dole for her contributions to
the Senate and to the country we both love. I wish her and
her family the best in all of their future endeavors.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, four of our most valuable
Senators will not return next year and we will miss them.
Elizabeth Dole began her career in public service at
about the same time I did. We were both in the Nixon White
House in 1969, and since then I have enjoyed following and
watching and occasionally bumping into her remarkable
career. She began that career at a time when women, even
if they graduated from Harvard Law School as she did, had
very few options. Elizabeth made her options--in the
Cabinet, heading the American Red Cross and pioneering in
a Presidential race in 1999. I have thoroughly enjoyed
working with her, as well as knowing even better Bob Dole
during these last 6 years. She truly is one of America's
most admired women. ...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, one of the great
privileges of my career has been the time I have spent
working alongside Senator Bob Dole and his wife, Senator
Elizabeth Dole. I feel a special kinship to the Doles. Not
only are they both dear friends to Elaine and me, but in
my position as Republican leader I often think back on
Bob's superb stewardship of the office. Bob Dole was in
many ways a model and a mentor to me. I was humbled and
honored to assume a role that he filled for so long with
such dignity and skill. And today I am honored to submit
for the Record a letter of tribute from my old friend to
his remarkable wife at the conclusion of her Senate
career.
Elizabeth Dole has graced this Chamber in the same way
that she has graced every other institution of which she
has been a part in a long and distinguished career of
public service. We will miss Senator Dole's kindness, her
warmth, and her unyielding belief in the greatness of her
country. Senator Dole is one of the great public servants
of our day. It is my great pleasure to ask that this
letter from one dear friend to another be printed in the
Record.
The letter follows.
December 12, 2008.
Dear Mitch: I wish I could be a Senator again just long
enough to speak of Senator Elizabeth Dole's
accomplishments which have spanned a period of nearly a
half century.
Elizabeth correctly chose to focus her farewell remarks
on those who helped and counseled her along the way. She
spoke about those who were most important in her life's
journey such as her mother, her father, her teachers, co-
workers, and her dear brother, John, who passed away on
April 8, 2008. John was her mentor, her confidant, and a
proud naval officer in World War II. Elizabeth's speech
was all about others rather than herself, which, in
itself, says a lot about Elizabeth as a caring human
being.
So in an indirect way, I want to share her many areas
of service with all those thinking about their future and
the path they will follow. Believe me when I say they will
not find a better example than Senator Dole from North
Carolina. Senator Dole, in many respects, was a pioneer
for American women, as many of her early opportunities
came before women were in the forefront of public or
private sectors of meaningful service activity.
Elizabeth has never stopped looking for ways to make a
difference. It would be impossible to determine the number
of good people in North Carolina and across America that
Elizabeth's efforts have had an impact upon, myself
included. She assisted me three times in campaigning full
time for the Presidency, taking a 1-year leave of absence
from the Red Cross, but more important were the countless
times she assisted me personally because of my
disabilities.
Let me recount some of the highlights of Senator Dole's
career so that those who may be looking for a role model
may fully understand the differences she has made for
others, irregardless of party, race, religion, or status.
Public Service Career and Selected Accomplishments of
Elizabeth Dole
Early 1960s: Summer jobs during graduate school
Office of Senator B. Everett Jordan (D-NC)
United Nations Guide
United Nations Intern Program
1966-1967
Assistant at the U.S. Department of Health, Education
and Welfare
After completing her master of arts in teaching and her
graduation from Harvard Law School, Elizabeth Hanford was
hired by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and
Welfare. Her assignments there included planning the
first-ever U.S. Government-sponsored conference on
education of the deaf. This conference, which spawned a
career-long dedication to the rights of the disabled, was
held in Colorado Springs in 1967. During this time, she
took cases for indigents, those who could not afford an
attorney.
1967-1968
Deputy Assistant for Legislative Affairs, White House
Office of Consumer Affairs
In April 1968, Elizabeth Hanford joined the Lyndon
Johnson administration at the White House Office of
Consumer Affairs, working for Betty Furness. As Deputy
Assistant for Legislative Affairs, she traveled frequently
to Capitol Hill to advocate for policies protecting
American consumers.
1969-1973: Deputy Director, President's Committee on
Consumer Interests
Upon taking office in January 1969, President Richard
Nixon renamed the White House Office of Consumer Affairs
the President's Committee on Consumer Interests. Virginia
Knauer was appointed Special Assistant to the President
for Consumer Affairs and promoted Elizabeth Hanford to
serve as her deputy. Hanford would serve with Knauer for 5
years as a tireless advocate for American consumers,
developing consumer education curriculum for America's
schools, reaching voluntary agreements with industry to
undertake nutritional labeling and unit pricing, and
helping to create the Consumer Information Center in
Pueblo, CO. They were guided by the philosophy that for
consumers to make wise decisions, they must have access to
all relevant information.
1973-1979: Commissioner, United States Federal Trade
Commission
In 1973, Elizabeth Hanford was nominated by President
Richard Nixon and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as
a member of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Established
in 1915, the Federal Trade Commission's duties include
promoting fair competition through the enforcement of
antitrust laws, preventing the dissemination of false and
deceptive advertising of goods, and investigating unfair
business practices.
Seeing the commission as an opportunity to bring about
lower prices for consumers, to ensure better quality goods
and services, and to expand the choices available in a
free, competitive marketplace, Commissioner Hanford's
(married Senator Bob Dole in 1975) priorities included
consumer protections for women and the elderly. She held
seminars for women in business, and as the FTC enforced
the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, worked with women in
radio and TV on ads explaining how women, for the first
time, could get credit in their own name. Dole's work also
included a comprehensive investigation of nursing homes
and a number of antitrust and consumer protection
investigations and enforcement actions.
1981-1983: Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
In January 1981, President Ronald Reagan named Dole
Assistant to the President, to head the White House Office
of Public Liaison. In that position, Dole played a key
role in advancing the Reagan agenda to a wide number of
constituent groups (for example, women, business, labor,
religious communities, Hispanics and other ethnic
organizations) and to the American people. Dole was
instrumental in the passage of the Prompt Pay Act of 1982,
which required the government to pay vendors on time or
pay an interest penalty.
Dole also headed the White House Coordinating Council on
Women, charged with reviewing government regulations to
eliminate vestiges of discrimination, thereby increasing
opportunities for women in government and in the country
at large. The Council advocated legislation that would
make it easier for women to collect court-ordered child
support payments, and to equalize Social Security benefits
for widows and widowers.
1983-1987: Secretary, United States Secretary of
Transportation
In 1983, President Reagan nominated Dole to serve as
Secretary of Transportation--the first woman in history to
lead that Cabinet department. The U.S. Senate unanimously
confirmed her.
Dole's many accomplishments as Secretary of
Transportation included:
Presiding over what, up to date, were the safest years
in the history of American transportation--highways,
railways, and airlines.
Initiating widespread efforts to eliminate drunk
driving, particularly among the Nation's youth. These
efforts led to the passage of legislation raising the
drinking age to 21 to eliminate ``blood borders'' between
States with differing age requirements.
Instituting random drug testing of safety and security-
related employees--the first civilian department to do so.
Crafting a rule that resolved a 20-year controversy over
automatic crash protection in cars. This rule totally
changed the climate for auto safety in America, leading to
the adoption of mandatory safety belt use laws in 49
American States and providing incentives for auto
manufacturers to develop, test, and offer air bags in
automobiles.
Mandating high-mounted brake lights on cars. These
``Dole lights'' cost less than $20 per vehicle, and have
been estimated to eliminate 900,000 crashes annually.
Implementing rules that improved safety in aircraft
cabins by making aircraft seats less flammable, improving
aircraft cabin evacuation with low-level lights, and
reducing the danger of fire in aircraft lavatories.
Leading successful effort to pass legislation
authorizing the transfer of two federally owned airports,
Washington National and Dulles, to a regional authority,
accomplishing a de-federalization move that had been
proposed eight times since 1948 and had never been voted
out of committee in either the House or the Senate. The
new Reagan National Airport and doubling the size of
Dulles International were thereby accomplished through
revenue bonds, not Federal taxpayer dollars.
Leading effort for the reopening and redevelopment of
Washington, DC's Union Station, which had been closed for
over 5 years. Historic Union Station reopened in 1988, and
now houses dozens of shops, restaurants, and theaters,
while also serving as a major transportation center.
Selling government's freight railroad, Conrail, in the
largest public offering of its kind to that date.
Overseeing a 10-percent increase in the number of women
in the Department of Transportation workforce, which had
only 19 percent women in its 100,000 workforce when
Elizabeth became Secretary.
A 10-point initiative including rotational assignments
and career development programs to assist talented women
in moving up the ladder.
First woman to serve as departmental head of a branch of
the Armed Forces, U.S. Coast Guard.
1989-90: Secretary, United States Department of Labor
In January 1981, President George H.W. Bush nominated
and the Senate unanimously confirmed Dole to serve as
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor--the first woman
in history to serve in the Cabinet of two Presidents.
Dole's priorities and accomplishments as Secretary of
Labor included the following:
Improving the skills of individuals entering the
American workforce. This focus included the appointment of
a blue-ribbon commission charged with developing national
competency guidelines that reflected work readiness and
which could be used by the schools for curriculum
development; sponsorship of a first-ever national
conference on the ``school-to-work'' population; expansion
of work-based training along the principles of
apprenticeship; and ensuring that the Job Training
Partnership Act provided basic skills, literacy, and
remedial education along with job training.
Instigating a ``glass ceiling initiative,'' which
revealed the barriers preventing women and minorities from
reaching the top levels of corporate America.
Traveling twice to Poland to assist that country in its
transition from communism to democracy. DOL programs
included the creation of construction training centers in
Warsaw and Gdansk.
Crafting a strategy that led to the successful
conclusion of a bitter 11-month United Mine Workers strike
against the Pittston Coal Company. Elizabeth visited the
strike scene and traveled through a coal mine.
Special focus on improving lives of youth at risk in our
society.
1991-99; President, American Red Cross
(The first woman president since Clara Barton, who
founded the Red Cross in 1881; Out of respect for the
thousands of volunteers, she served her first year without
pay.)
During her 8 years at the helm of the American Red
Cross, Dole led a $287 million project that totally
modernized and transformed the Red Cross blood operations
begun in World War II. ``Blood Transformation'' integrated
28 different computer systems into a single centralized
network; replaced 53 non-standardized testing facilities
with 8 state-of-the-art labs to test for infectious
diseases; standardized manufacturing processes across each
of its 38 blood regions; and established a Quality
Assurance Program that became a model for the blood
banking industry.
Dole also led a massive 4-year revitalization of Red
Cross disaster relief services, establishing a National
Disaster Operations Center open 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year to monitor ongoing disasters and impending threats;
increasing to 21,000 the number of those trained to handle
national catastrophic disasters; and warehousing equipment
in areas likely to get hardest hit.
Dole restructured and strengthened Armed Forces
Emergency Services, which provided an average of 4,000
emergency communications a day and other assistance to
members of the Armed Forces and their families. Her 3-year
modernization of AFES included the establishment of two
centralized Case Management Centers utilizing the latest
technology to replace 145 stations on military
installations.
For the first time in its history, Red Cross chapters
had to defend their charters, meeting high standards.
Henceforth, they were required to meet those high
standards every 5 years in order to keep their charters.
A 10-point initiative to help qualified women and
minorities move up the ladder, such as apprentices
assigned to all senior managers.
Throughout her tenure, Dole ensured that 91 cents of
every dollar donated to the American Red Cross was spent
on programs and services.
Dole led humanitarian visits to disaster sites and war
zones around the world, e.g., Kuwait; Somalia; Goma,
Congo.
2003-2009; United States Senator from the State of North
Carolina
In November 2002, Dole was elected by the voters of
North Carolina to serve in the U.S. Senate. Upon taking
office in January 2003, Dole became the first woman in
history to represent North Carolina in the Senate.
In her 6 years in the Senate, Dole's accomplishments
included:
Leading a successful effort to protect North Carolina's
military bases from closure and adding additional jobs,
for example, 9,000 at Fort Bragg.
Working to ensure a fair process that resulted in the
basing of two FA-18EF Squadrons at Marine Corps Air
Station Cherry Point, which brings more than 1,200 jobs
and an annual infusion of $40 million to the local
economy.
Securing nearly $4 billion in funding for rural North
Carolina and preventing thousands of farm families from
bankruptcy by achieving a tobacco quota buyout with no tax
implications.
Leading a bipartisan effort to extend family and medical
leave coverage to military families.
Successfully working for a law that protects service
members and their families from predatory lenders.
Successfully advocating since 2003 for a strong world
class regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Securing $57 million for hiring customs agents focused
solely on keeping illegal textiles out of the country.
Securing $350 million in Federal funding for North
Carolina transportation infrastructure projects.
Authoring legislation that provided increased grant
funding to community colleges through the Higher Education
Act.
Working with Federal officials and sheriffs across North
Carolina's 100 counties to deliver the first in the Nation
statewide partnership to apprehend, identify, and remove
undocumented aliens who commit crimes.
Helping to lead the effort to raise fuel economy
standards for cars and light trucks in the 2007 energy
bill to 35 miles per gallon by model year 2020, thereby
saving 800,000 barrels of oil per day in 2020 and nearly 1
million barrels per day by 2021.
Becoming a national leader in the fight against hunger,
through the adoption of a farm bill that expanded funding
for Federal anti-hunger programs, and helping to secure
more than $400 million for the McGovern-Dole International
Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
Convincing the Office of National Drug Control Policy to
designate five counties in North Carolina as part of its
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.
Helping to lead the effort to reauthorize the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief at $48 billion,
and $9 billion for prevention of malaria and tuberculosis,
thereby preventing 12 million new HIV infections, treating
3 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and supporting care
for 12 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
Handling 40,000 cases for North Carolina constituents
who needed assistance with a Federal agency.
These are just the highlights and while she did not
always reach her goals, most of her life has been filled
with successes because of her hard work, her faith,
integrity, and determination. Mitch, I'm proud of her
record, as you are of Elaine's remarkable achievements,
which included their work together at the Department of
Transportation. I believe those who read this will be
inspired to set higher goals for themselves and will
accomplish a great deal more in their lifetimes.
God Bless America,
Bob.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, the final gavel will soon bring
to a close the 110th Session of Congress. When it does, we
will all return home to spend time with our friends and
families to celebrate the holidays. We will also have a
chance to meet with our constituents as we prepare for the
challenges the New Year, a new administration and a new
session of Congress will bring.
Before all of that occurs, we will say goodbye to
several of our colleagues who will be returning home at
the end of the year. We will miss them and the important
presence they have been in our lives and our work over the
past few years. One Senator I know we will all miss is
Elizabeth Dole, the Senator from North Carolina.
It's that time of year when we will be watching our
traditional holiday film favorites and one that certainly
brings Elizabeth Dole to mind is ``It's A Wonderful
Life.'' I don't think anyone has had a more exciting or
interesting career than Elizabeth and certainly no one has
a more impressive or detailed resume than she does.
Elizabeth has been a trailblazer throughout her life as
she set out on a path to show others what was possible.
Thanks to her, women of all ages across the country have a
role model and a champion to look up to who has raised
their sights as to what is possible for them to achieve in
their lives.
Looking back, Elizabeth has been on the front lines of
our national political scene for many years. She has
broken quite a few glass ceilings, too, as she has taken a
position of leadership and worked in the administrations
of five Presidents. In the recent past she was often
mentioned as someone who would make a good Presidential
candidate herself.
Elizabeth really has lived a wonderful life. After her
graduation from Harvard Law School she was asked to serve
as a consumer affairs aide to President Lyndon Johnson.
She then served under President Nixon, President Ford, and
President Reagan, who asked her to join his
administration.*
*Note.--She also served under President George H.W.
Bush.
Elizabeth set another precedent when she was appointed
to serve as the Secretary of the Department of
Transportation. She was the first woman ever to serve in
that post. It was another opportunity for her to make a
difference and she got right to work. She increased
automobile safety requirements, worked to raise the
drinking age to 21, imposed tougher security measures at
our airports, and helped to make our cars safer. All of
these changes not only made our lives better, but they
also helped to save countless lives over the years.
President George Herbert Walker Bush then asked her to
serve as his Secretary of Labor, a post that Elizabeth
would use to help identify and erase the barriers that
were preventing women and minorities from moving up the
corporate ladder. She saw her service as an important
opportunity to change things and make life better for
others, and once again, she succeeded.
That would have been enough for most people, the end of
a remarkable career, a wonderful life in itself, but
Elizabeth was just getting started. When she left public
life and entered the private sector, she then took up the
reins as the president of the American Red Cross. She was
the first woman to hold the post since Clara Barton, the
organization's founder, held it in 1881. It was a
difficult job and a tremendous challenge, but she was more
than up to the task. Elizabeth took over a Red Cross in
real financial trouble, but when she got through
organizing and overhauling things, a large deficit turned
into enough cash on hand to provide the kind of assistance
the Red Cross is known for in the event of any local or
national emergency.
Elizabeth is probably one of Duke University's best
known graduates. Her North Carolina roots then brought her
back home to make a run for the Senate. As she campaigned,
the people listened to her and they liked what they heard.
They decided that sending her to Washington to represent
them would be a good idea. The record shows they were
right.
In the Senate, Elizabeth has been at the forefront of
efforts to ensure that our workers will have the training
they will need to change careers and move on to better
jobs in the current global economy. She had the insight to
propose legislation to provide grants to small business
owners so they could get the training they would need to
be more competitive in the markets of today.
On the Banking Committee, Elizabeth has been at the
center of the action on the Nation's financial problems.
She has played an important role in the effort to enact
tougher regulations to stop predatory lending and place
tighter controls on government-sponsored mortgages.
Clearly, Elizabeth has compiled a long list of
achievements and accomplishments in her life that would
make anyone proud. She has received a number of awards and
recognitions for her tremendous efforts as a national
political figure. But what is probably most important to
her is the fact that she has blazed a trail for others to
follow and by so doing she has inspired a new generation
of women of all ages to set a higher standard for
themselves and what they think is possible for them to
achieve. In the end, that may be her greatest
accomplishment of them all.
This is only a small part of Elizabeth's story, and
there are many more items on her record that are equally
impressive. Together with her husband, Bob Dole, she has
been part of a remarkable team and they have had a
profound influence on the Senate and the Nation on every
level.
Diana and I will miss seeing Elizabeth here in the
Senate, but I have a hunch she will be close by to keep an
eye on us and to keep in touch. She has had a remarkable
career and a wonderful life, and we were very proud to be
a part of it. We enjoy her company, her unique style, and
most of all, we enjoy her friendship. We don't know what
her next adventure in her life will be, but we will be
watching with great interest as this exciting chapter
comes to a close and she begins to write the next.
Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my
longtime good friend and colleague who, as one of 16 women
Senators in the 110th Congress, has been a tremendous and
cherished compatriot and an outstanding legislator,
leader, and public servant.
This Chamber was truly fortunate and blessed to have
someone of Elizabeth's background, understanding, and
stature. A veteran of five administrations, Senator Dole,
upon her arrival in the U.S. Senate in 2002, brought with
her an impressive depth and breadth of experience even by
Senate standards, and a grace befitting her southern
heritage combined with a tireless commitment to
uncompromising substance.
Having acquired both a masters and law degree from
Harvard University, Senator Dole put the rigors of
academia to good use in the pursuit of public service. She
worked as a consumer affairs aide to both President
Johnson and President Nixon and as a member of the Federal
Trade Commission under President Ford. And as a Member of
Congress, I well recall Elizabeth in her role as assistant
for public liaison in the Reagan Administration--where she
served while I was in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She broke new ground as the first woman to serve as U.S.
Secretary of Transportation--a post she held under
President Reagan, and then as Secretary of Labor under
President George H.W. Bush.
After ending her stellar executive branch tenure,
Senator Dole assumed the helm of the American Red Cross in
1991. And who could forget her valiant run in 1999 for the
White House. As ranking member on the Senate Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I had the privilege
of not only serving with Senator Dole, but also
collaborating with her on issues affecting women in small
business. Together, we saw an untapped capacity that women
business owners clearly possess to contribute to this
economy--and we have worked tirelessly to remove
unacceptable and regrettable impediments to receiving
assistance and contracting opportunities from the Federal
Government.
In fact, we introduced legislation which would amend the
Small Business Act to allow women-owned small businesses
to have a meaningful contracting program--one that would
apply to a broad array of business industries across this
Nation; and prevent the SBA from requiring agencies to
admit to past discrimination in order to participate in
the women's Federal contracting program. The fact is, our
government is supposed to work for the people, not against
them. Senator Dole understood that basic tenet first hand,
as it impacted women business owners, and was instrumental
in championing our opposition to an egregious SBA rule.
I say to Elizabeth, all of us in the Senate are going to
miss her presence and contributions to this venerable
Chamber--but as she is well aware, there are 15 of us who
are losing more than a friend and a colleague ... but also
a compatriot ... and, yes, a kind of sister-in-arms. We
all have the sense of a bond born of serving together in
this institution as a minority of our own. I recall having
our dinners first at the Sewall-Belmont House, then the
Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the last one
we came full circle by dining in the U.S. Capitol.
Elizabeth will certainly be missed.
Last, on a very personal note, I don't think many of us
will get completely used to a U.S. Senate without a Dole--
and what an incalculable personal and combined service
both Elizabeth Dole and our esteemed and beloved former
majority leader, Bob Dole, have rendered to our country.
So on this occasion, as we celebrate the exceptional
contributions of Elizabeth Dole in the Senate and
throughout her life, our warmest regards go out to her and
leader Dole, and we wish them both nothing but the best
for the future.
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask to have printed in
the Record an article about Senator Elizabeth Dole, who
will be departing the Senate this year. She has been my
seatmate, and, I must say, she is my favorite in the
entire Senate. A brilliant thinker, an incredibly hard
worker, gracious, a person of sincere faith who lives it
every day, she has lifted the Senate to a higher level
throughout her tenure and through many difficult times.
Her record of service, as Paul Weyrich notes, is truly
extraordinary. Throughout her long and distinguished
career, her commitment to America has never been
questioned. Her decency, experience, and leadership
qualities have blessed us all. She grew up in small town
North Carolina and the values instilled in her by family,
church, and school were never lost. I wish her every
success in her future endeavors and am confident that in
this next stage of her life she will continue to
contribute to the betterment of our Nation.
The article follows.
[From the Townhall.com., December 11, 2008]
A Tribute to Senator Elizabeth H. Dole
(By Paul Weyrich)
A good lady is about to leave Washington, D.C. after
decades of public service. I refer to Senator Elizabeth
Hanford Dole (R-NC), who was defeated in her bid for
reelection in the 2008 election. Dole married Senator
Robert J. ``Bob'' Dole in 1975. President Gerald R. Ford
named him his running mate after dumping the unpopular
Vice President, Nelson A. Rockefeller. Dole was Majority
Leader of the Senate from 1985 to 1987, when Democrats
regained control of the Senate and he became Minority
Leader. Dole remained the leader of the Senate Republicans
until he resigned his post to be the GOP Presidential
nominee in 1996.
All this time Elizabeth Dole was at his side. But she
became an important figure in her own right. When Ronald
W. Reagan was elected President in 1980 Dole became
Reagan's liaison to conservatives, veterans and others.
Soon Reagan named her Secretary of Transportation. By all
accounts she did an admirable job. In the Administration
of George H.W. Bush, Dole became Secretary of Labor. She
and Bob Dole became a power couple in D.C.
When Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC) retired after 40 years
in the Senate, Elizabeth Dole ran for his seat. He
campaigned for her. She suggested she would vote like
Helms and indeed she did. However, some North Carolinians
suggested that her constituent services left much to be
desired. And by all accounts she ran an inadequate
reelection campaign.
I watched with sadness as she questioned automobile
manufacturers in the lame duck session of Congress. Soon
she will have to pack up her office and head home. Her
husband is now all but retired. This once-powerful couple
is out of power. Dole is gracious about her loss. One
would hardly know she had been defeated. Yet she leaves
Washington having accomplished much in her service in the
White House, the Transportation and Labor Departments and
the United States Senate. This is one fine lady, the likes
of whom we probably will not see in this town for many
years.
Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, even before she came to
the U.S. Senate, Elizabeth Dole was already a trailblazer
and one of the most accomplished women in American
history.
At a time when women who attended prestigious colleges
and universities were rare, Senator Dole received an
undergraduate degree from Duke University, as well as two
degrees from Harvard University: a master's degree in
education and government, and a law degree. She was one of
only 29 women in her Harvard Law School class of 550.
She then began a public service career that paved the
way for millions of women who have admired and followed
her.
After serving as the Deputy Director of the White House
Office of Consumer Affairs in the Nixon administration,
Elizabeth Dole was appointed as a member of the Federal
Trade Commission.
From 1981 to 1983, she served in the Reagan
administration as Assistant to the President for Public
Liaison.
From 1983 to 1987, she served as Secretary of
Transportation, the first woman to hold that position.
She joined the administration of President George H.W.
Bush as Secretary of Labor from 1989 to 1990.
From 1991 to 1998, Elizabeth Dole was the President of
the American Red Cross, the world's largest humanitarian
organization.
Finally, in 2002, she won election to the U.S. Senate
from North Carolina.
As the senior Senator from the Tar Heel State, Elizabeth
Dole has fought for lower taxes, choice in Social
Security, and comprehensive energy reform.
Senator Dole, and her wonderful husband, former Senate
Majority Leader Bob Dole, have made a tremendous impact on
American history.
I will miss working with Senator Elizabeth Dole, and I
wish her all the best.