[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.