[Senate Document 110-28]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



 
110th Congress, 2nd Session ------------------- Senate Document 110-28

                    TRIBUTES TO HON. JOHN E. SUNUNU 


                                           

                                   John E. Sununu

                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE

                                TRIBUTES

                           IN THE CONGRESS OF

                           THE UNITED STATES

             [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                           


                                           

             [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
             

John E. Sununu


                                      Tributes

                                Delivered in Congress

                                   John E. Sununu

                              United States Congressman

                                      1997-2003

                                United States Senator

                                      2003-2009

                                          a
                                           


                                           


                            Compiled under the direction

                                       of the

                             Joint Committee on Printing
                                      CONTENTS
             Biography.............................................
                                                                      v
             Proceedings in the Senate:
                Tributes by Senators:
                    Alexander, Lamar, of Tennessee.................
                                                                     15
                    Allard, Wayne, of Colorado.....................
                                                                      7
                    Bunning, Jim, of Kentucky......................
                                                                     14
                    Collins, Susan M., of Maine....................
                                                                     19
                    Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota..................
                                                                      3
                    Dorgan, Byron L., of North Dakota..............
                                                                     14
                    Enzi, Michael B., of Wyoming...................
                                                                     16
                    Feingold, Russell D., of Wisconsin.............
                                                                      8
                    Gregg, Judd, of New Hampshire..................
                                                                      8
                    Hatch, Orrin G., of Utah.......................
                                                                     12
                    Hutchison, Kay Bailey, of Texas................
                                                                     19
                    Landrieu, Mary L., of Louisiana................
                                                                      3
                    McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky..................
                                                                   4, 7
                    Snowe, Olympia J., of Maine....................
                                                                     15
                    Specter, Arlen, of Pennsylvania................
                                                                     10
                    Sununu, John E., of New Hampshire..............
                                                                      6
                    Warner, John, of Virginia......................
                                                                     11
                                      BIOGRAPHY

               John Sununu first ran for public office in 1996, winning 
             election in New Hampshire's First Congressional District 
             and serving three terms in the U.S. House of 
             Representatives. In 2002, John defeated both an incumbent 
             Senator and an incumbent Governor to become the youngest 
             Member of the U.S. Senate.
               At the age of 43, John had already distinguished himself 
             as an innovative legislator, bringing an extensive 
             background in science, engineering, and small business to 
             his work in Washington. He was the 61st person to serve 
             New Hampshire as a Senator and occupied the Senate seat 
             held by such distinguished individuals as Nicholas Gilman, 
             a signer of the U.S. Constitution, and Styles Bridges, one 
             of New Hampshire's longest-serving Senators and minority 
             leader of the Senate in 1952.
               During his 6 years in the House of Representatives, John 
             rose to become vice chairman of the Budget Committee, 
             taking a leading role in shaping the Nation's annual 
             budget priorities. He also served on the House 
             Appropriations Committee and worked to pass legislation to 
             protect New Hampshire's Lamprey River, support the 
             families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of 
             duty, and strengthen funding for special education.
               In the Senate, John's key assignments included the 
             Finance Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the 
             Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. John 
             also served on the Joint Economic Committee, and was the 
             ranking member--senior Republican--on the Commerce 
             Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance and Automotive 
             Safety; the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African 
             Affairs; and the Homeland Security Ad Hoc Subcommittee on 
             State, Local, and Private Sector Preparedness and 
             Integration. He was nominated by President Bush to serve 
             as one of two congressional Members in the U.S. delegation 
             to the 59th General Assembly of the United Nations.
               John Sununu grew up in Salem, NH, and is one of eight 
             children. He was first introduced to public service at a 
             young age when his mother served as chairman of the local 
             school board. John attended public schools, graduated from 
             Salem High School, and received bachelor's and master's 
             degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts 
             Institute of Technology. John has also earned a master's 
             degree in business administration from the Harvard 
             Graduate School of Business.
               John and his wife Kitty have three children.
               In his first Senate term, John earned national 
             recognition for his legislative achievements in the areas 
             of health care, fiscal responsibility, and energy policy--
             recognition that underscored his ability to effect policy 
             that addresses the needs of New Hampshire residents and 
             Americans nationwide.
               Nonpartisan taxpayer watchdog organizations--the 
             National Taxpayers Union, the Council for Citizens Against 
             Government Waste, and Americans for Tax Reform--have 
             consistently honored John for his commitment to cutting 
             government spending, reducing taxes, and eliminating the 
             debt.
               Some of John's other awards include the New Hampshire 
             Timberland Owners ``Outstanding Legislator of the Year'' 
             award for 2007; the National Breast Cancer Coalition's 
             ``Certificate of Excellence'' for 2007; the National 
             Association of Community Health Centers ``2008 Superhero 
             Award''; Consumer Electronics Association's 2007 ``Digital 
             Patriot Award''; Time magazine's ``Up And Comer''; and the 
             American Academy of Ophthalmology's 2004 ``Visionary 
             Award.''


                                           

                                      TRIBUTES

                                         TO

                                   JOHN E. SUNUNU
                              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.
                                              Monday, November 17, 2008
               Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I rise today to honor my 
             colleague, Senator John Sununu, who will be leaving the 
             Senate at the end of this term. Senator Sununu has 
             represented the great State of New Hampshire for 12 years 
             in Congress, serving 6 of those years in the Senate. 
             Senator Sununu and I both served on the Finance Committee. 
             Although we did not always agree, I found John to be 
             willing to work in a bipartisan manner to confront the 
             major challenges that our great Nation faces.
               Raised in Salem, NH, John Sununu became interested in 
             public service early in life when his mother served as 
             chair of the local school board. John attended public 
             school in Salem and later earned advanced degrees from the 
             Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard 
             Graduate School of Business.
               John Sununu was elected to represent New Hampshire's 
             First Electoral District in the House of Representatives 
             in 1996. In the House John served on the Budget and 
             Appropriations Committees. He quickly rose in rank on the 
             Budget Committee, becoming its vice chairman. In 2002, he 
             was elected to represent the Granite State in this 
             Chamber, becoming its youngest Member.
               John and I worked together on numerous occasions. We 
             both served on the Finance Committee. This summer, John 
             joined the so-called ``Gang of Ten'' as it expanded from 
             10 to 20 members. Together, we sought pragmatic, 
             bipartisan solutions to our Nation's energy crisis. 
             Senator Sununu also joined me in standing up for our 
             Nation's senior citizens and opposing cuts to Medicare-
             financed nursing home care.
               John will be remembered for his commitment to individual 
             liberties and limited government. In the uncertainties of 
             today's world, Senator Sununu has been a voice for 
             preserving civil liberties in the light of increased law 
             enforcement needs.
               I thank Senator Sununu for his years of public service 
             and wish him and his family the best in the future.
                                           Wednesday, November 19, 2008
               Mr. McCONNELL. I rise today to say farewell to the 
             Senator from New Hampshire, John Sununu. Although John is 
             the youngest Senator, he is one of our brightest. A 
             reporter once wrote that one of John's fellow Senators 
             said that if we were ever to lose John, the rest of us 
             would have to argue over who would be the smartest person 
             in the Senate. But as long as we had John around, there 
             was no argument.
               John impressed people at a young age, earning both a 
             bachelor's and master's degree in mechanical engineering 
             from MIT and an MBA from Harvard. He received real-world 
             experience working as an engineer in jobs I daresay few of 
             our colleagues could try to explain, myself included.
               Then one day a seat from New Hampshire in the House of 
             Representatives opened up, and John took a good long look 
             at it. John has never been the kind of man who felt he 
             deserved a job on the public payroll. He did not crave the 
             power and respect that came with holding office. Yet we 
             are certainly thankful his great State has sent him here.
               Now, 12 years later, I think we can say with confidence 
             that New Hampshirites could not have had a more dedicated 
             and principled public servant.
               After 6 years of service in the House, New Hampshire 
             sent John to this Chamber in 2002. To reach the Senate, he 
             had to face an incumbent Senator in the primary and then a 
             sitting Governor in the general election. Since then John 
             has compiled a record of which every citizen of the 
             Granite State can be proud.
               A student of the free market, John strongly believes 
             lower taxes promote growth and expand opportunities. That 
             is why he fought so hard to extend the ban on taxes to 
             access the Internet. That tax ban was signed into law, and 
             it protects consumers from taxes on Internet access, e-
             mail, and instant messaging for 7 years.
               Just think, if online communications and commerce grow 
             as rapidly over the next 7 years as they have over the 
             past 7, John's tax ban will not only have promoted 
             economic growth, it will have spared countless small 
             businesses and families from a tremendous burden. For 
             that, he deserves all of our thanks.
               John's voice was one of the loudest to say that we must 
             tackle tough issues now, such as entitlements and the 
             future of Social Security. He stood up time and again, 
             calling on Congress to reduce government spending, expand 
             telecommunications service to rural areas, and clean up 
             air pollution.
               He also learned first hand the principle that has made 
             America great, our commitment to personal freedom. It is 
             what this country was founded on. John understands what 
             makes America work is not what we do in this Chamber but 
             what millions of Americans do every day for their families 
             and communities.
               John is a kind and compassionate man who is a joy to 
             know. I remember well when the senior Senator from 
             Pennsylvania underwent chemotherapy in 2005 as part of his 
             treatment for Hodgkin's disease.
               Like many chemotherapy recipients, the Senator from 
             Pennsylvania's hair fell out. In a generous act of 
             solidarity with his colleague, John shaved his head. That 
             certainly took more commitment than sending a get well 
             card. But that is John Sununu.
               John, I am going to miss you. It has been an honor to 
             work by your side over these past 6 years. It has been a 
             joy to know you, your lovely wife Kitty, and your family.
               I want them and you to know that we in the Senate admire 
             the depth of your convictions and the strength of your 
             heart. I am sure that whatever the future holds for you, 
             you will be a huge success.

               The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire is 
             recognized.

               Mr. SUNUNU. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to 
             speak for a few minutes in response to the very kind 
             remarks of the Republican leader.

               The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so 
             ordered.

               Mr. SUNUNU. First, it is probably appropriate for me to 
             note that the haircut that I now sport is an echo of that 
             summer a couple of years ago when I cut my hair, or cut 
             all of my hair, in tribute to the sacrifice and the 
             celebration of the final chemotherapy treatment of Senator 
             Specter.
               He underwent another round of chemo this past summer. In 
             the middle of the campaign, I did not think it was 
             appropriate to shave my head. So the day after the 
             election, 2 weeks ago, I thought there was some pent-up 
             demand in my own heart to remember those tough weeks for 
             Arlen Specter. So I was happy to go out and shave my head 
             again. That is why it looks a little bit different than it 
             might have during the campaign.
               The Republican leader has been very kind in his remarks. 
             And I cannot help but note that I am a little bit too 
             young to have anyone paying tribute to my career, as it 
             were, in public service. I believe very strongly that you 
             go out, you find work that you love, a job that teaches 
             you great things, and if you have some opportunity to 
             serve your community, your State, your country in public 
             service, then you think seriously about that opportunity.
               That is how I came to the House and even my work in the 
             Senate. I am going to have the opportunity to go back and 
             do things that I find challenging being an engineer, 
             coming out of a small business community. I know there are 
             a lot of great challenges and opportunities that await. 
             But I also know there may come another time when there is 
             an opportunity to serve, and I will always take those 
             opportunities very seriously.
               On election night, whether you win or lose, you always 
             thank the people who matter most to you. You thank your 
             family, you thank the people of the State of New Hampshire 
             who have been good enough to give you the privilege to 
             serve, but you also thank the people who made your work 
             possible in the Senate, your colleagues. I cannot think of 
             any colleague who has been more supportive and more 
             helpful to me over the 6 years I have been in the Senate 
             than Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
               The Senator mentioned my work on the Internet tax ban, 
             but the Senator from Kentucky did not mention his own 
             work. This was a case where it helped to have someone with 
             Senator McConnell's leadership and experience because 
             while I waited patiently in the midst of a reauthorization 
             of the Amtrak bill, once we had the opportunity to offer 
             amendments, I happened to be prepared with an amendment 
             that would ban taxes on Internet access. And the leader 
             from Kentucky just happened to be prepared with a motion 
             to close debate on that amendment so we could finally get 
             a vote.
               While that procedure may sound very arcane to people who 
             may be listening to the Senate debate at home, it was 
             absolutely essential in bringing that issue to a 
             successful completion. So only by working closely with the 
             Senator from Kentucky were we able to get that work done 
             on the Internet tax ban. And it is perhaps the work that I 
             am most proud of. I think it is the work I have been able 
             to do in the Senate that will probably have the most 
             lasting economic impact. It is important to leave behind a 
             record that you are proud of, but it is also maybe even 
             more important to leave behind many fond memories of that 
             work, fond memories of colleagues with whom you were able 
             to spend time and, of course, fond memories of the 
             friendships you were able to form, both with members of 
             your own party and with those on the other side of the 
             aisle.
               Perhaps what I am most proud of overall is that the 
             pieces of legislation I was able to sponsor and pass, 
             whether it was the Internet tax ban, civil liberties 
             protection that we added under the PATRIOT Act, or the 
             Wilderness Act that protects 35,000 acres of the White 
             Mountain National Forest, were all bipartisan pieces of 
             legislation. That means a lot to me.
               I think it will serve me well in any future endeavors I 
             undertake in public service. I thank Senator McConnell, 
             the Republican leader.

               Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, let me just say to my 
             friend from New Hampshire, it has been a real privilege to 
             serve with somebody of your intellect and ability. I know 
             you are going to be a huge success. You have, as we 
             discussed, a lot of your life left. I know you are going 
             to be a huge success in the coming years, and I am looking 
             forward to seeing more of you in the future.

               Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, first, I wish to thank the 
             Senator from New Hampshire [Mr. Sununu] who just spoke for 
             his leadership in the Congress, and it has been a pleasure 
             serving with him. I also will be retiring, but one of the 
             people I will miss is John Sununu from New Hampshire, 
             because I think he has contributed a lot to the process.

               Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I want to take a 
             moment to recognize the service of Senator John Sununu 
             during his time here in the Senate. It has been a pleasure 
             to work with him on a wide range of issues, from 
             protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans to 
             strengthening our foreign policy toward Africa.
               Senator Sununu has made many important contributions 
             during his time in this body, but his work to protect the 
             constitutional rights of innocent Americans is certainly 
             among the most important. He recognizes that our 
             government can wage an effective fight against terrorism 
             that still respects our basic freedoms. Senator Sununu has 
             been a crucial voice on civil liberties issues like 
             reforming the PATRIOT Act and keeping tabs on government 
             data mining efforts. I am proud that we worked together on 
             a number of bills. Most recently, we introduced 
             legislation addressing the serious misuse of the FBI's 
             national security letter authorities to obtain information 
             about innocent people without judicial review. We also 
             successfully passed legislation last year requiring 
             Federal agencies to inform Congress about the use and 
             development of the kind of government data mining 
             technologies that raise the most serious privacy and 
             efficacy concerns. I will miss his voice on these issues 
             here in the Senate.
               Finally, I want to recognize Senator Sununu's work on 
             the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Africa 
             Subcommittee. I had the privilege of working side by side 
             with him when he was ranking member of that subcommittee, 
             and I saw first hand his commitment to ending devastating 
             conflicts in Africa. I deeply appreciate his commitment to 
             his work on Africa, and to so many other issues during his 
             service in the Senate. I wish him all the best in the 
             future.
                                            Thursday, November 20, 2008
               Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, a large number of very special 
             and extraordinary individuals will be leaving the Senate 
             at the end of this session, many friends and many people I 
             have admired for a number of years and had the privilege 
             to serve with. I wish to speak specifically to one, and 
             that is my colleague from New Hampshire, John Sununu.
               John is the youngest Member of the Senate. He came here 
             as the youngest Member, and he is still the youngest 
             Member after 6 years, but he is one of the most 
             accomplished and capable people in the Senate, one of the 
             brightest, as we all know, and also one of the people who 
             brings the most common sense to issues. Time and time 
             again, I would come to the floor, and this was throughout 
             his term but especially during the last few months when he 
             was in a very challenging election, and there would be 
             votes cast that were very difficult political votes, votes 
             which, when you cast these votes, most people knew they 
             were not going to be understood and, in many instances, 
             they were going to be misinterpreted or subject to 
             misrepresentation but votes which were necessary to cast 
             in order to preserve especially the fiscal responsibility 
             of this government. John Sununu never backed away from any 
             of those votes. He always cast the difficult vote, knowing 
             in many instances that politically it was going to be 
             characterized in a way that might hurt him; votes, the 
             basic purpose of which, in most instances, were to protect 
             the taxpayer, keep the size of government under control, 
             and be a force for a better country and for more 
             individual rights. He understands as well as anyone in 
             this body the basic values of making government live 
             within its means, of having a government that people can 
             afford but is still compassionate and accomplishes the 
             goals of delivering adequate services. He has worked very 
             hard in order to pursue those goals.
               He also brought to the body a unique sense of humor, New 
             Hampshire humor, quiet, witty, and comfortable with 
             himself but also willing to make fun of himself, and an 
             essential common sense, which I like to think is 
             characteristic of New Hampshire, and also an integrity, a 
             commitment to public service for the purposes of public 
             service--the fact that he was here not to benefit himself 
             in any way but simply to do what he felt was right in 
             order to make our Nation better and make New Hampshire 
             better. He served New Hampshire for 12 years, both in 
             Congress and in the Senate.
               As I mentioned, he is the youngest Member of the Senate 
             and his service is hardly completed, I hope. His 
             opportunities are virtually limitless because his 
             abilities are limitless. He has talent and capability, 
             intelligence, drive, the personality to pretty much do 
             whatever he wants as he moves forward.
               He also has one other resource which is very special and 
             that is his wife and family. Kitty is an exceptional 
             individual. Kathy and I have come to enjoy not only 
             working with John and Kitty but getting to know them as 
             friends, as fellow travelers. Kathy has been through many 
             years being a political wife, and she has put up with a 
             lot of ups and downs. She and Kitty naturally bonded, as 
             they understood the importance of what we do. Kitty is an 
             individual who brings a smile whenever you see her because 
             she is a person filled with good will to everyone. Their 
             children, Grace and Charlotte, John Hayes, great kids, 
             very enthusiastic people, a wonderful family. That family 
             is a tremendous support to John, and he is a tremendous 
             support to them. That unit, as it moves forward, will 
             always be successful.
               It is obviously with great regret that I look on John's 
             leaving the Senate. His talent will be lost here, and it 
             will be a loss to the body. He is a special individual who 
             had a special group of skills that uniquely worked for the 
             benefit of New Hampshire and the people of New Hampshire. 
             I hope he will stay engaged.
               Kathy and I wish him and Kitty and their children the 
             best of luck as they go forward and that the road always 
             rises to meet them.
               I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

               Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to 
             my friend Senator John Sununu for his service to the 
             country and his contributions to the U.S. Senate. Senator 
             Sununu's departure from the Senate will be a great loss to 
             this body, as well as to the State of New Hampshire.
               I have known Senator Sununu since he joined the Senate 
             in 2002. I have always found him to be an intelligent, 
             engaged, and capable legislator who cares deeply for the 
             well-being of his constituents and does what is right for 
             the Nation, regardless of the political cost.
               Senator Sununu followed his father and mother into 
             public service when he ran for public office in 1996 and 
             won the election in New Hampshire's First Congressional 
             District. John served three terms in the U.S. House of 
             Representatives where he quickly established a reputation 
             as an innovative legislator. John effectively applied his 
             extensive background in science, engineering, and small 
             business during his 6 years in the House of 
             Representatives where he rose to become vice chairman of 
             the Budget Committee and took a leading role in shaping 
             our Nation's annual budget priorities.
               In 2002, John joined the Senate after defeating both an 
             incumbent Senator and an incumbent Governor to become the 
             youngest Member of the U.S. Senate. I have admired John's 
             work on committees: the Finance Committee, the Commerce 
             Committee, and the Homeland Security and Government 
             Affairs Committee. On these committees Senator Sununu 
             played a major role on the lobbying reform legislation, 
             and he got the Bush administration to make some crucial 
             changes in the PATRIOT Act before he voted to reauthorize 
             it.
               John Sununu has also gained a reputation as a well 
             respected fiscal conservative.
               On a personal note, Senator Sununu has been a very good 
             friend to me. When I underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkin's 
             disease and lost my hair, Senator Sununu showed up one day 
             on the Senate floor with a shaved head. He said that he 
             had shaved his head as a sign of solidarity for what I was 
             going through.
               I wish John, his wife Kitty, and his three lovely 
             children the best of luck as they move forward. I have no 
             doubt that Senator Sununu has a bright future and will 
             continue to make important contributions to New Hampshire 
             and the entire Nation.

               Mr. WARNER. John Sununu. I confess not to have known him 
             very well. I had met him when he came from the House of 
             Representatives to the Senate. I suppose all of us who 
             have been here for a period of time, having been given 
             that marvelous accolade of an old bull, presume we can 
             judge others quickly. I saw in John Sununu a man who would 
             take charge from the day he came, and that he did. From 
             the very moment he walked on the floor of the Senate, he 
             was possessed of his own self-confidence, his own driving, 
             almost a fierce desire to be a leader--a leader in the 
             sense of advocating as a true fighter, advocating for 
             those issues in which he had a belief in the principles 
             that were dear to his heart.
               The field of economics is quite a challenge, and with 
             little provocation he would give you a tutorial on the 
             most complex issues as they relate to economics. Indeed, 
             in the weeks before the election, as this body was coming 
             to a close and we voted on such measures as the rescue 
             package and so forth, he frequently stood. When he spoke, 
             our caucus and those around him listened very carefully. I 
             mention this because he exhibited real academic strength 
             at both MIT and Harvard. He did a lot of interesting 
             things in his short life before he came to the Senate, not 
             the least of which was being in the House of 
             Representatives.
               John also had a special niche for his interest in 
             education. He wanted to make sure people less fortunate 
             than we would have an opportunity to get an education and 
             that those in the system and struggling are given any help 
             possible to succeed in their own goals of educating 
             themselves. He also held--very unusual--a special regard 
             for the families of law enforcement officers, men or women 
             in uniform, and particularly those families who lost a 
             spouse or loved one in the line of duty.
               He is an extraordinary man, John Sununu--very sensitive, 
             very thoughtful, a man who loves his State, particularly 
             the rivers of his State. He commended me for leading the 
             charge in my State to remove an old dam that, for 80 
             years, blocked the migration of a fish from the Atlantic 
             Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains. He was challenged to 
             try to remedy a similar situation that existed in his 
             State. I will miss John, his wife Kitty, and his lovely 
             family. Kitty and my wife shared a few words on our 
             departure last night from the dinner.
               I am not one who makes many predictions, but I predict 
             this man continues to not walk but run down that road of 
             life, one who makes those twists and turns, climbs those 
             mountains, and crosses those rivers. He will leave his 
             mark on many successful ventures. We will hear from this 
             man not once, not twice but many times again. I wish him 
             well.

               Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise to speak today 
             regarding the departure of my esteemed colleague from New 
             Hampshire, Senator John Sununu. I have known Senator 
             Sununu and his family for many years now, and I have 
             worked closely with Senator Sununu since he first joined 
             Congress in 1997 in the House of Representatives and then 
             in the Senate since 2003. Today, I am sure that I am 
             joined by many of my colleagues in saying that his 
             service, his thoughtfulness, and his friendship in this 
             institution will be missed.
               Often referred to as one of the smartest people in 
             Congress, Senator Sununu earned bachelor of science and 
             master of science degrees in mechanical engineering from 
             the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Setting 
             the bar even higher, he also went on to earn a master of 
             business administration from Harvard University. Armed 
             with that kind of education, it would have been easy for 
             Senator Sununu to spend the rest of his days on a career 
             track that would have compensated him and his family in 
             ways that most of us only dream about. Instead, after only 
             a few short years in the private sector, Senator Sununu 
             chose to put his mind to work in Congress at solving some 
             of the most pressing problems and issues of our day. It is 
             for that dedication of service to his country to which I 
             pay tribute today.
               In addition to being one of the smartest people in 
             Congress, Senator Sununu also holds the well-known title 
             of being the youngest Senator currently serving in our 
             legislative body. While that feat alone is impressive in 
             its own right, I also like to think of Senator Sununu as 
             one of the most thoughtful Senators currently serving in 
             the Senate. Specifically, Mr. President, I mention Senator 
             Sununu's act of friendship and solidarity in 2005 when he 
             shaved his own hair and stood alongside our mutual friend, 
             Senator Arlen Specter, as he underwent chemotherapy 
             treatment. A simple act, indeed, but it is one that has 
             not gone unnoticed and it is one that illustrates the 
             thoughtfulness of a man and a Senator who stood by his 
             colleague in a time of great need. It is that 
             compassionate thoughtfulness that we will all miss.
               From his thoughtful work on energy and climate change 
             legislation to his valued friendship while working 
             together on the Finance Committee, Senator Sununu has done 
             a tremendous job for the people of New Hampshire and our 
             Nation. As a colleague, I appreciate his instrumental 
             support of the Flag Desecration Amendment in 2006. As a 
             friend, I convey my highest admiration and respect for 
             what he has been able to accomplish while here in the 
             Senate. It is that spirit of friendship from which all of 
             us could always gain a little something.
               I wish Senator Sununu and his lovely family the best and 
             thank them for the years of service Senator Sununu has 
             been able to provide to this body as a result of their 
             sacrifice. Senator Sununu's journey in the U.S. Senate 
             would not be complete without their support, and I am sure 
             that they will all be happy to have their loving husband 
             and father around the house a little more often. Without 
             hesitation, Mr. President, I can say that our loss is 
             their gain. To Senator Sununu and his family, I extend my 
             deepest gratitude for the countless hours of service, the 
             simple acts of thoughtfulness, and the years of friendship 
             they have extended to me, my colleagues, and the people of 
             the United States. Given Senator Sununu's track record, I 
             am certain that we will be hearing more about him for many 
             years to come.
                                            Thursday, November 20, 2008
               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, I wish to join my fellow 
             Senators to honor a colleague and a friend, Senator John 
             E. Sununu, who is departing the Senate at the close of 
             this Congress. I have enjoyed working with Senator Sununu 
             over the years--first in the House of Representatives and 
             later in the Senate.
               While in the Senate I have had the great fortune of 
             serving with John on the Senate Finance Committee. He is a 
             revered advocate of fiscal discipline, personal 
             responsibility, and free markets. The two of us have stood 
             together on numerous issues--most notably tax--and I have 
             always believed that we could accomplish any goal because 
             I had his voice of conviction and intellect on my side.
               Representing New Hampshire, Senator Sununu has proven to 
             all Granite Staters that he will fight for the simple 
             motto that reads on their State license plate: Live Free 
             or Die. Whether the item of the day was Social Security, 
             trade, or any other topical issue, including the original 
             intent of the Constitution, Senator Sununu has proven that 
             he is up for any debate.
               The U.S. Senate will not be the same without Senator 
             John Sununu. In a time when many politicians try to 
             increase the role of government in American life, Senator 
             John Sununu has always bet on the American people rather 
             than government. I will miss John Sununu.

               Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, four of our most valuable 
             Senators will not return next year and we will miss them. 
             ...
               I met John Sununu when he was a college student and his 
             father and I were Governors of our respective States. He 
             arrived and leaves as the youngest Member of the Senate. 
             But, in our caucus, his voice is one of the voices most 
             carefully listened to. His intelligence, his philosophical 
             integrity, and his persistence have made him a most 
             valuable player in our Republican Conference. He has a 
             bright career ahead of him.
                                              Friday, December 12, 2008
               Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to 
             Senator John Sununu, an outstanding public servant and 
             fellow New Englander whose commonsense approach to 
             governance and dedication to problem solving have well 
             served both his constituents of the Granite State of New 
             Hampshire as well as his country.
               It is impossible not to like and respect someone of 
             Senator Sununu's tremendous affability and enormous 
             capability. Personable and analytical, John brought to the 
             U.S. Senate what he exhibited during his accomplished 
             tenure in the U.S. House--a welcomed engineer's 
             perspective. So we are losing more than a colleague of 
             undeniable skill and integrity. We are going to miss his 
             vital and refreshing contribution to this Chamber's 
             national conversation.
               And so, let me just say, it's been my good fortune to 
             serve with John on the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
             Science, and Transportation--specifically, the 
             Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast 
             Guard as ranking member, and the Senate Committee on 
             Finance.
               Particularly as a member of the Oceans Subcommittee, and 
             former chair of the Subcommittee on the National Ocean 
             Policy Study, Senator Sununu advocated for New England's 
             fishermen and fishing communities through several 
             difficult years. Moreover, as Maine's groundfishery 
             continued to suffer under ever more stringent catch 
             limits, and our lobster industry faced increasingly strict 
             regulations, John's help was instrumental in keeping these 
             issues at the fore and protecting one of our region's and 
             our Nation's most historic professions. For his tireless 
             leadership on these crucial issues, we are forever 
             grateful.
               On two additional topics that are also profoundly 
             critical not only to my State of Maine, but also to the 
             entire New England region--the vitality of Kittery-
             Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and the protection of the 
             pivotal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or 
             LIHEAP, John and I have been vigilant, working hand in 
             glove to ensure the continued viability of these 
             indispensable mainstays of our neighboring States.
               In fact, in the 110th Congress, we--as part of both the 
             New Hampshire and Maine delegations--working with the 
             Kittery-Portsmouth community, union leaders, and Captain 
             Mazzone and his world class team--fought vigorously and 
             successfully to secure $20.7 million in full funding for 
             the construction of the Waterfront Support Facility at 
             drydock #3--and $9.9 million for the first phase of a new 
             consolidated global submarine component facility. As a 
             much-admired, ``best in Navy performance'' shipyard that 
             delivers the best work consistently on time and under 
             budget, Kittery-Portsmouth Naval Shipyard--the oldest 
             naval shipyard in the Nation--unquestionably deserved no 
             less.
               When it comes to the life-or-death matter of LIHEAP, 
             since coming to Congress in 1997, John has, time and 
             again, battled on behalf of thousands of families in New 
             Hampshire who require fuel assistance to stay warm in 
             their homes during the winter months. Senator Sununu was a 
             stalwart addition to the chorus of those championing 
             LIHEAP from New England and other affected regions around 
             the country.
               Although there are truly serious subjects of public 
             policy that bind us as New Englanders, nothing brings us 
             together more than our beloved Boston Red Sox. And I dare 
             say, one of John's fondest memories over the last 6 years 
             likely has nothing to do with the U.S. Senate and 
             everything to do with being from New England and a Red Sox 
             fan--as Boston won not one but two World Series 
             Championships, shattering the much-ballyhooed curse for 
             good.
               In the end, Mr. President, the true measure of a person 
             is not making a living by what you get--but rather by what 
             you give, and John Sununu, during his entire time in 
             Congress, has given his State of New Hampshire remarkable 
             public service worthy of its venerable heritage. By 
             entering the family business of politics, John has indeed 
             been a steward of the country's business, and we, and his 
             State of New Hampshire, owe him a debt of great thanks.

                Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, soon the gavel will bring to a 
             close the 110th Congress and we will say goodbye to 
             several good friends who will be leaving the Senate and 
             returning to their home States. We will miss them all.
               John Sununu will be heading home at the end of the 
             current session, and I know I will miss him when the next 
             session of Congress is called to order on the Senate 
             floor. I have enjoyed having an opportunity to come to 
             know him during his service in the Senate and on the 
             Senate Banking Committee. He has always impressed me with 
             his knowledge of the intricacies of our Federal mortgage 
             system. It is clear he has always had the tools and the 
             talent to be an effective representative for the people of 
             his State and he has always been a strong and effective 
             voice for the people of New Hampshire.
               John learned about politics and public service at a 
             young age as he watched both of his parents pursue their 
             careers in their chosen fields. John's mother was a school 
             board member, which explains his aptitude for science and 
             math. He soon turned his talent for numbers into a degree 
             from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his 
             interest in business into a degree from Harvard.
               As the old adage says so well, he comes from good stock 
             and a great political family. His father served as the 
             Governor of New Hampshire and later as President Bush's 
             Chief of Staff. He learned a great deal from his father 
             about politics and what mattered to the people of his home 
             State as he traveled around New Hampshire with his dad. He 
             then put those lessons into practice when he made his own 
             run for office.
               John's initial run for the House led to three successful 
             terms. He then launched a successful campaign for the 
             Senate.
               As soon as he arrived, he made it clear he was going to 
             follow his own path and he had his own way of doing 
             things. He had spent years working with the people of his 
             home State and he had a clear view of those issues that 
             were of great concern to them.
               When he was asked, he had a ready explanation for the 
             reason why he had such a unique perspective on things. It 
             was all due, he would say, to his long New Hampshire 
             roots. He knew that the people of New Hampshire are known 
             for their independence and they have a long tradition of 
             great respect for the rights and freedoms of this country. 
             That, he would say, has drawn my focus and sparked my 
             interest in these issues.
               John has been a welcome and spirited presence on the 
             Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. 
             His educational background has helped him stay on top of 
             the latest technological advances and developments and 
             that has helped him in the effort to keep our regulations 
             on the latest technologies up to date, current, and 
             effective.
               Yogi Berra used to say that you can observe a lot just 
             by watching. I hope John will forgive me for quoting the 
             words of a Yankee legend to a Red Sox fan, but as I have 
             watched him in action, it is clear from his style that he 
             has a bit of Wyoming in him. Never one to look for 
             opportunities to speak to the press or make lengthy 
             speeches to get noticed, John has always been focused on 
             what he could do that would help to get things done. In my 
             home State we like to say that you can get anything done 
             if you don't care who gets the credit. John is like that. 
             He has been working to get things done for New Hampshire 
             and he has earned the credit he has received back home.
               One of the issues that has always drawn John's interest 
             has been the environment, especially the quality of our 
             air. It is a sensitive issue for him, and he has always 
             shown himself up to the task of fighting for cleaner air 
             for the folks back home. His long list of achievements on 
             this and many other issues will be his legacy, a record of 
             which he can be very proud.
               In the years to come, I will remember John for his 
             unique sense of style, his determination to get things 
             done for his State, and his willingness to stand up for 
             those things he believed in with that remarkable intellect 
             of his. He's not just a smart guy. There are a lot of very 
             gifted individuals who knew what had to be done but could 
             just never do it. John is a thoughtful man of action who 
             has an indepth understanding of the problems that face the 
             Nation and a unique insight into what will work and what 
             won't. Simply put, John knows how to make the right things 
             happen.
               Now John and Kitty will be returning home to New 
             Hampshire to begin a new and exciting chapter in their 
             lives. I don't know what they will decide to do, but I do 
             know that John will stay active and involved in the issues 
             that concern him that carried him to Washington for these 
             past 12 years to serve in the House and the Senate. He 
             would be the first to tell you that it has been a pleasure 
             and an honor to work for the people of New Hampshire, and 
             I am certain we haven't heard the last from him. For my 
             part, I appreciate all his help on the issues we worked on 
             together, but most of all, I appreciate his friendship and 
             his willingness to play such an important part in the 
             history of New Hampshire and the United States. He can be 
             very proud of the difference he has made. He has been a 
             good and effective Senator, and the people of New 
             Hampshire will always be proud of him and that they had 
             the good sense to send him to Washington.

                Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I have really enjoyed 
             working with John Sununu.
               John Sununu grew up in Salem, NH, and is one of eight 
             children. He was first introduced to public service at a 
             young age, when his mother served as chairman of the local 
             school board.
               John attended public schools, graduated from Salem High 
             School, and received bachelor's and master's degrees in 
             mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of 
             Technology.
               John also earned a master's degree in business 
             administration from the Harvard Graduate School of 
             Business.
               John Sununu first ran for public office in 1996, winning 
             election in New Hampshire's First District and serving 
             three terms in the U.S. House.
               In 2002, John defeated both an incumbent Senator and an 
             incumbent Governor to become the youngest Member of the 
             U.S. Senate.
               As a Senator, John distinguished himself as an 
             innovative legislator, bringing his extensive background 
             in science, engineering, and small business to his work in 
             Washington.
               Senator Sununu has been a staunch advocate for low 
             taxes, smarter regulation, and civil liberties.
               Senator Sununu is also a man of heart.
               I will never forget that in July 2005, to show 
             solidarity with Senator Specter, who had lost his hair due 
             to chemotherapy, Senator Sununu shaved his head.
               Since he is still a young man at the age of 44, I 
             suspect that we will be hearing a lot more from John 
             Sununu in the years to come.
               I wish him well in his future endeavors.

               Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Maine and New Hampshire have 
             much in common. When John Sununu came to the Senate 6 
             years ago, I immediately saw in him those traits shared by 
             the people of our two States: a strong work ethic combined 
             with a great sense of humor, traditional values balanced 
             by a spirit of innovation, and fiscal prudence always 
             tempered by compassion. He quickly became not only a 
             valued colleague but also a trusted friend.
               John's extraordinary intellect, wisdom, and experience 
             belied his young age and benefited this Chamber and 
             Nation. His upbringing in a family devoted to public 
             service, his education in science, engineering, and 
             business, and his experience in the House of 
             Representatives made him a veteran from day one. His 
             ability to analyze challenges and devise creative 
             solutions made him an esteemed colleague.
               In the best tradition of the Senate, John brought his 
             knowledge and experience to bear on some of the most 
             pressing issues we face. In technology, he has been a 
             leader committed to growth and advancement. He has been a 
             devoted advocate for special education and rural health 
             care. He has been a strong voice for our forest products 
             industry and for a sound energy policy that would reduce 
             our dangerous reliance on foreign oil.
               It has been an honor to work with him on the Homeland 
             Security Committee. His diligence and commitment have 
             helped make America safer. His tireless leadership to 
             reform the PATRIOT Act demonstrated his unwavering 
             commitment to safeguard the civil liberties Americans 
             cherish.
               In addition to his leadership on national issues like 
             the PATRIOT Act and tax policy, John has been an effective 
             advocate for projects of special concern to New Hampshire, 
             whether it is low-income heating assistance and 
             weatherization programs or the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 
             We recently worked closely together with our two 
             colleagues to secure $20 billion for the shipyard's new 
             drydock to help secure its future.
               Above all, Senator John Sununu has distinguished himself 
             as a champion of good government. He is an independent 
             thinker who stands up--always--for what he believes to be 
             right for New Hampshire and right for our country. He has 
             a sharp eye for wasteful spending and is a resolute 
             fighter for fiscal responsibility.
               It has been an honor to serve with John, and I wish him 
             and his family all the best. I will miss serving with him 
             day to day, but I know that he will continue to accomplish 
             a great deal.
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