[Senate Document 110-5]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress SENATE DOCUMENT
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig Thomas
LATE A SENATOR FROM
WYOMING
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND OTHER TRIBUTES
hon. craig thomas
1933-2007
hon. craig thomas
1933-2007
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Craig Thomas
Memorial Addresses and
Other Tributes
HELD IN THE SENATE
AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF THE UNITED STATES
TOGETHER WITH A MEMORIAL SERVICE
IN HONOR OF
CRAIG THOMAS
Late a Senator from Wyoming
One Hundred Tenth Congress
First Session
Compiled under the direction
of the
Joint Committee on Printing
CONTENTS
Biography.............................................
v
Proceedings in the Senate:
Tributes by Senators:
Akaka, Daniel K., of Hawaii....................
54
Alexander, Lamar, of Tennessee.................
27
Allard, Wayne, of Colorado.....................
20
Barrasso, John, of Wyoming.....................
104
Baucus, Max, of Montana........................
79
Bingaman, Jeff, of New Mexico..................
29
Bond, Christopher S., of Missouri..............
57, 92
Bunning, Jim, of Kentucky......................
55
Byrd, Robert C., of West Virginia..............
63
Chambliss, Saxby, of Georgia...................
32
Cochran, Thad, of Mississippi..................
58
Coleman, Norm, of Minnesota....................
72
Collins, Susan M., of Maine....................
100
Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota..................
50, 84
Cornyn, John, of Texas.........................
42
Craig, Larry E., of Idaho......................
38
Crapo, Mike, of Idaho..........................
62, 91
Dole, Elizabeth, of North Carolina.............
103
Domenici, Pete V., of New Mexico
.......................................
22, 80, 90
Dorgan, Byron, L., of North Dakota.............
43
Durbin, Richard, of Illinois...................
68, 69
Ensign, John, of Nevada........................
99
Enzi, Michael B., of Wyoming
................................
6, 92, 97, 105, 106
Feingold, Russell D., of Wisconsin.............
71
Feinstein, Dianne, of California...............
59
Grassley, Chuck, of Iowa.......................
101
Gregg, Judd, of New Hampshire..................
19, 96
Hagel, Chuck, of Nebraska......................
26
Hatch, Orrin G., of Utah.......................
61
Hutchison, Kay Bailey, of Texas................
46
Inhofe, James M., of Oklahoma..................
12
Isakson, Johnny, of Georgia....................
17
Kerry, John F., of Massachusetts...............
105
Kyl, Jon, of Arizona...........................
65, 76
Landrieu, Mary L., of Louisiana................
34
Lincoln, Blanche L., of Arkansas...............
48
Lott, Trent, of Mississippi....................
40
Lugar, Richard G., Indiana.....................
24
Martinez, Mel, of Florida......................
18
McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky
..............................................
3, 67, 98
Murkowski, Lisa, of Alaska.....................
56
Murray, Patty, of Washington...................
63
Nelson, Bill, of Florida.......................
67, 91
Obama, Barack, of Illinois.....................
58
Reid, Harry, of Nevada
...............................................
........
5, 6, 69, 98
Roberts, Pat, of Kansas
...............................................
..........
45, 87, 90
Rockefeller, John D., IV, of West Virginia.....
73
Salazar, Ken, of Colorado......................
36
Schumer, Charles E., of New York...............
75
Sessions, Jeff, of Alabama.....................
66
Shelby, Richard C., of Alabama.................
74
Smith, Gordon H., of Oregon....................
83
Snowe, Olympia J., of Maine....................
77
Specter, Arlen, of Pennsylvania................
101
Stabenow, Debbie, of Michigan..................
72
Stevens, Ted, of Alaska........................
14
Thune, John, of South Dakota...................
70
Voinovich, George V., of Ohio..................
98
Warner, John, of Virginia......................
52
Whitehouse, Sheldon, of Rhode Island...........
70
Wyden, Ron, of Oregon..........................
97
Proceedings in the House of Representatives:
Tributes by Representatives:
Cubin, Barbara, of Wyoming.....................
109
Memorial Services.....................................
113
BIOGRAPHY
Craig Thomas was Wyoming's senior voice in the U.S.
Senate. His efforts in job creation and economic growth
were the foundation of his work to improve the quality of
life for people in rural America. During his tenure in
Congress, he forged a distinguished legislative record on
issues as diverse as public land management, agriculture,
fiscal responsibility, and rural health care.
In 1989, after years of involvement in public policy and
rural advocacy, Craig Thomas won a highly competitive
special election to replace Dick Cheney in the House of
Representatives, when Cheney was appointed Secretary of
Defense. Mr. Thomas was first elected to the U.S. Senate
in 1994, and to a second term in 2000 by an overwhelming
74 percent majority--one of the largest margins in Wyoming
election history. He was re-elected to a third term in
2006 with 70 percent of the vote.
In the U.S. Senate, Senator Thomas built a solid
reputation as one of the most fiscally conservative
Members of Congress with a particular emphasis on
addressing quality of life issues facing families in the
rural American West. Senator Thomas positioned himself on
committees which had the greatest impact on the
legislation of concern to Wyoming.
The Thomas record includes authoring, as chairman of the
National Parks Subcommittee, landmark legislation to
provide critical funding, and management reforms to
protect America's national parks into the 21st century. As
a result, his visionary legislation has helped to ensure
quality visits to our national parks. In addition, the
legislation serves to protect natural and cultural
resources, and direct new resources to our Nation's parks
system. Senator Thomas's efforts have been routinely
recognized by the National Parks and Conservation
Association who honored him with their ``William Penn Mott
Jr. Park Leadership Award'' and subsequently with the
National Parks Achievement Award.
As a senior member of the Senate's influential Finance
Committee, he made his mark on issues such as Social
Security, trade, rural health care, and tax reform. As
cochair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, Senator Thomas
worked successfully to improve health care opportunities
for rural families. His legislative initiatives have been
instrumental in reforming and strengthening the rural
health care infrastructure by encouraging greater equity
with urban counterparts, better affordability of services,
and by attracting qualified health care professionals.
Craig Thomas was raised on a ranch near Cody, but made
his home in Casper for more than 20 years. He attended
public schools and graduated from the University of
Wyoming in Laramie with a degree in Agriculture. After
college, he served 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He
has served as vice president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau
and general manager of the Wyoming Rural Electric
Association. Before his election to the U.S. House of
Representatives, he held office for 5 years in the Wyoming
State Legislature. Craig is survived by his wife Susan
Thomas, a public school teacher for special needs
students, and his four grown children, Lexie, Patrick,
Greg, and Peter.
MEMORIAL ADDRESSES
AND
OTHER TRIBUTES
FOR
CRAIG THOMAS
Proceedings in the Senate
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
PRAYER
The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the following
prayer:
Let us pray.
Eternal Lord God, whose love upholds and sustains us,
thank You for revealing Yourself to us through the
faithfulness of the people we see each day. Today, we
think of our Senators who labor for liberty. Thank You for
their dedication. Thank You, also, for our doorkeepers,
who use exceptional diplomacy to assist the visitors who
seek to view the legislative process. Thank You for our
Senate pages, who remind us that we can excel in serving
even in life's morning and that You are honored by
youthful enthusiasm.
We express our gratitude for the many staffers who serve
with unsung heroism behind the scenes. Bless all who serve
You faithfully and whose work helps make our lives
meaningful.
Lord, we pause this morning to remember our friend and
colleague, Senator Craig Thomas. Console us, console his
family, and console his staff during this time of grief.
We pray all this in Your comforting Name. Amen.
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, a visitor to the rodeo
in Cheyenne, WY, just last summer would have seen a
strong, confident, 73-year-old man holding the reins under
a cowboy hat riding past the grandstand with a smile. A
few weeks earlier, visitors to rustic Cody, WY, would have
seen the same tough cowboy riding down Sheridan Avenue in
the Cody Stampede Parade. Just a few days ago, a tourist
here in Washington, getting an early start on the
monuments, could have seen Craig Lyle Thomas racing off
395 near the 14th Street Bridge in another kind of Mustang
on his way to the Capitol for a hard day's work.
In recent years, Craig Thomas led an effort here in the
Senate to honor the deeds and the spirit of the American
cowboy, and his very full American life came to a sad end
last night. We, his friends and colleagues, remember him
as the modern-day embodiment of the cowboy ideals he
celebrated and loved.
He was raised on a ranch just outside Cody, the rodeo
capital of the world, in the Big Horn Basin, a windy town
in the northwest corner of the Cowboy State. He grew up in
the shadow of Heart Mountain to the north and Carter
Mountain to the south and under the memory of Cody's
founder, William Frederick Cody, known to history and to
schoolchildren from Butte to Boston as Buffalo Bill.
Craig Thomas was a humble man with an adventurous spirit
from a lonely corner of the country who put his family,
his country, and his State above all else. He served as a
Marine from 1955 to 1959, retiring as a captain. He
married a woman with a generous heart. My wife Elaine is a
good friend of Susan's, and one of the joys of Elaine's
time in the last few years was being invited out to
Susan's school to speak to her students.
Craig was the proud father of four children--Lexie,
Patrick, Greg, and Peter--who today mourn their father's
death.
Craig was as much at home on horseback, roping, and
ranching, as he was in a committee hearing room. How many
times he must have daydreamed about being back home, out
of a suit, with a rope in his hand and a steer in his
sights.
Craig had served in public office 22 years when he fell
ill at a church service with Susan last November in
Casper. Shortly after that, the people of Wyoming elected
him to his third term in the Senate, with 70 percent of
the vote. A born fighter, Craig's doctors said he would be
back here in January. He beat their predictions by a
month. He was here in December. He suffered quietly over
the last half year, as all of us hoped for the best. It
wasn't to be.
Every year he pressed for a day that would memorialize
the iconic status of the cowboy in American history, a day
that honored their courage, hard work, honesty, and grit.
I can think of no better way of honoring that spirit than
by honoring this man who embodied it to the fullest. By
his devotion to family, country, constituents, and
friends, Craig Lyle Thomas showed us what it means to be
an American. He embodied the best ideals of a Wyoming
cowboy and made the Senate and those who had the privilege
of knowing him far better for it.
We mourn with Susan, his children, and his staff here in
the Senate. We honor them today, too, for their model of
professionalism and caring concern they have shown over
the last difficult months. We will miss Craig terribly,
his calm toughness, his drive, and his cowboy spirit, but
we are consoled by the thought that he will ride again,
restored in body and flashing a smile as he goes.
Mr. REID. Madam President, I appreciate the remarks of
my distinguished counterpart. I think his words convey how
we feel about Craig Thomas.
Madam President, we hear it often said that this is a
Senate family, and it is times such as these when we do
realize we are a family, a very small family of just 100--
99 today.
I can remember early last December I called and talked
to Craig in the hospital, and he said, ``I am getting
better.'' And he was. He did get better. It just didn't
last, and we all feel so badly about that.
I remember Craig Thomas for his legislative efforts.
Wyoming, like Nevada, is a public land State. Wyoming has
a lot of public land issues dealing with Federal agencies.
I see his colleague here, Mike Enzi, and I can remember
working with them on an issue which, to most people,
seemed like not much, but to the two Senators from Wyoming
and to the Senator from Nevada, it meant a lot. We were
dealing with a place called Martin's Cove, and even
Senators from Utah were called in to see if we could
resolve this, and we were able to resolve it eventually.
But Craig was really tough when it came to public lands
issues.
I can remember, as can Lula, whom we all know, Craig
Thomas's persistence on a piece of legislation on an issue
dealing with the potash of a mining company in Wyoming. He
would ask us if we had been able to get it cleared. If he
asked us once, he asked us 50 times, and we eventually got
it cleared. I worked hard on this side for that for a
couple of reasons: First, it was the right thing to do,
and second, Craig wanted it so badly. So we were able to
work that out.
I will miss Craig Thomas. He was the kind of person with
whom I liked to deal. He told you how he felt--he wanted
this done; he didn't want that done. I recognized that he
was very proud of being a Senator.
I would have to say, however, that he was just as proud
of being a Marine. His Marine Corps service was certainly
commendable. He was in the Marine Corps in the late
1950s--1955 to 1959. He went in as a private and came out
as a captain. He was a graduate of the University of
Wyoming with a degree in agriculture, and that is why he
was one of the leading experts in the Senate--in the
Congress, I should say--on agriculture and, of course,
issues affecting rural communities.
Madam President, I will ask for unanimous consent in
just a few minutes to do away with the votes we had
scheduled this morning and reschedule them for later this
afternoon so people have the opportunity to come and speak
about Craig. And those who aren't able to come, there will
be a time set aside where we will recognize the service
Craig Thomas rendered to the State of Wyoming and to the
country.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS
Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask that the Senate now
stand for a moment of silence in recognition of Senator
Craig Thomas.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
(Moment of silence.)
Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask that you now recognize
Senator Enzi.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Wyoming.
Mr. ENZI. Madam President, when my plane touched down
last night, I received an e-mail that told of the fate of
a great man. It was a tremendous surprise to me. I just
completed a week in Wyoming of explaining to people that
he even timed his chemotherapy so he didn't have to miss
votes, and what a tough and strong man he was.
Craig Thomas was a Marine at heart, but he was a cowboy
in his soul. He was quiet, he was focused, he was
independent, he was hard-working. He loved the Senate and
he loved the Marines and he loved his horses. The flags
have been lowered, and there is a great deal of sadness in
our hearts today as we mourn his loss and celebrate his
life. I have had a lot of thoughts, but I haven't had a
chance to put them together. They come gushing back,
together with a lot of tears.
For those of us from Wyoming, Craig Thomas was more than
just our Senator. He was our voice in the Senate, and he
was never one to back off from a fight, especially when he
was battling for two things most dear: what was best for
Wyoming and what was best for America.
Craig had long Wyoming roots, and he was very proud of
them. He grew up in Cody and became friends with Al
Simpson. Later on the two of them would serve together in
the Senate. After he graduated from the University of
Wyoming, he immediately began his service to the country
he loved. He joined the Marine Corps. I am convinced that
experience helped to shape his character and molded his
destiny. I think his steely resolve and firm will took
shape during those days that helped guide him and prepare
him for the battles that would come later in his political
life.
When Craig's service in the Marine Corps was through, he
began what was to be his life's work, which was serving
the people of Wyoming to ensure their best interests were
taken care of and their needs were addressed.
His first efforts for Wyoming brought him to the Wyoming
Farm Bureau and the Wyoming Rural Electric Association.
He was proud of his service with both of these
organizations. It kept him actively involved in issues
that meant a great deal to him and, more important, it
kept him in touch with the people of Wyoming and their
day-to-day problems. It also set him on the road to doing
anything and everything he could to make life easier for
his fellow citizens in Wyoming.
I remember the days we served together in the Wyoming
House. I was a mayor and had municipal electrical
experience. He was with the Rural Electric Association. We
worked a lot of electrical bills together at that time. We
could bring in both perspectives, find the middle ground,
and make sure all of the people, rural and urban--I use
the term ``urban'' for Wyoming rather loosely, but urban--
would be able to have low-cost and consistent electricity.
Nobody knew energy or electricity better than Craig.
That led him to run for the Wyoming House seat. Dick
Cheney was appointed Secretary of Defense, and Craig ran
for it and won his seat. It was not an easy victory, but
it showed what a fighter and battler he was as he took on
that challenge, which was done in a relatively short
period of time. The executive committee just has a few
days to select candidates, and then there is a very short
time for an election for the position in the House. He
used his usual toughness, went around the State, talked to
everybody, and won that election.
Incidentally, the person he ran against in the primary,
Tom Sansonetti, became his chief of staff, which shows how
people get along in Wyoming.
To no one's surprise, Craig focused on Wyoming issues in
the House and he was reelected. Then when Malcolm Wallop
decided to retire, Craig was such a popular choice he
didn't have any opposition in the primary. He did face
another battle in the general election, but once again his
fighting spirit prevailed and he found a way to win.
Interestingly enough, the person he defeated in the
general election was a very popular Governor of Wyoming
who was just ending his term. That Governor was later
appointed Ambassador to Ireland by President Clinton. To
Craig Thomas's credit, the hearing was scheduled for that
Ambassadorship before the papers ever got to the Capitol.
Ambassador Sullivan did a fantastic job in Ireland.
Craig won the Senate seat, and 2 years later I ran for
the Senate and won. He is one of the few Wyoming residents
who ever served both in the House and in the Senate. It
has not been a tradition in Wyoming to move from the House
to the Senate. I was elected and then got a chance to work
with him again. He was a remarkable man of vision on how
to make Wyoming and our country better places to live. He
spent a good deal of his time traveling Wyoming. He was
one of the most ardent travelers we have ever had in the
Senate, going back virtually every weekend, traveling to a
different part of the State, talking to people and trying
to get their vision for the future.
One of his efforts on that was called Vision 2020. He
challenged the people of Wyoming. He stretched the
people's imagination on what our State ought to be like in
the year 2020. That was in 1998, but we are getting a lot
closer to 2020, and I think the State is moving toward the
vision that he predicted at that time. It was a goal he
cherished and fought for. Many of the things he
envisioned, or the people of Wyoming envisioned, have been
achieved through his efforts on the Senate floor.
Craig Thomas will long be remembered as one of Wyoming's
toughest and fiercest advocates. Craig knew that much of
our work gets done in committees, so he pursued those
committees that would help him fight for Wyoming in the
Senate. He served on the critical Finance Committee. He
was a staunch fiscal conservative, and he believed very
strongly that people in Wyoming and across the Nation know
better how to spend their hard-earned money than does the
Federal Government. He used his position on the committee
to lighten the tax burden and to make our Tax Code more
fair.
He was the ranking member on the Indian Affairs
Committee. He served as chairman of the National Parks
Subcommittee where he was a tireless advocate for our park
system. I think he visited most of the parks. Earlier,
when our Republican leader was talking about horseback, it
was even possible sometimes to see him with the park
policemen on horseback taking a look at the parks of the
Capitol.
I would mention also that usually when you saw him on
horseback you also saw his wife Susan on horseback. She
was a tireless traveler and an outstanding campaigner and
another person who searches for the visions of Wyoming. In
parades, they always rode horses. They had special saddle
blankets that helped to say who they were--as if people in
Wyoming wouldn't know who they were. I would mention that
she was thrown from a horse a couple of times, too. Bands
and horses don't always go well in hand. But, as Craig
always said, she was the real campaigner in the family.
She actually liked it. She does a marvelous job for our
State, as well as did Craig.
Craig was very active on all of the agricultural issues
and international trade, particularly country-of-origin
labeling. He supported our cattlemen with grazing rights
and responsible environmental quality incentive programs
for runoff issues. He has worked tirelessly to get changes
in the Endangered Species Act. He realized that was a
national program with national goals and it should not
punish individuals or counties or even the States, and
that there ought to be responsibility at the Federal
level.
With energy, he was the lead sponsor of our soda ash
royalty relief bill. He was the lead sponsor on the
Recreational Fee Demonstration Program that allowed the
national parks to keep a higher percentage of the receipts
that were received on public lands where they were
collected, and he specifically made efforts to include
section 413 of the Energy Policy Act, which authorizes
Federal cost-share for the building of a coal gasification
project above 4,000 feet. That would help get a clean coal
plant built in Wyoming, which would prove the technology
with Wyoming coal at high altitude. We have huge resources
of coal. We ship over one-third of the Nation's coal--over
1 million tons a day.
The reason we ship so much coal is because it is very
low sulfur. He was providing a mechanism to be able to
have some assurance that coal gasification of this clean
coal would be included in projects that we did in the
United States. It would help to prove the technology at
high altitude and show its viability and would make a
difference for all the United States in all their energy
in the future.
He was also instrumental in writing the electricity
title of EPAct. Recently, his efforts to get a coal-to-
liquids section of whatever energy bill we will be
debating, although unsuccessful thus far, advanced the
debate to the furthest point it had moved.
During the last FAA reauthorization, Craig was very
instrumental in radar upgrades for the Jackson Airport,
which was imperative for the growth of the city and
airport, especially related to tourism. I think Jackson is
the only city in Wyoming that has long distance direct
flights. Most of them come through Salt Lake or Denver or
Minneapolis. But Jackson actually has flights that come
from Houston and Atlanta direct.
He also did a lot for Wyoming with two big
transportation authorization bills to ensure that the
large land area, low-population States received a fair
amount of highway funding. As I mentioned, on fiscal
issues he was a staunch conservative who believed the
people knew how to spend their money better than the
Federal Government.
A few months ago, Craig shared his medical situation
with us. He was in for another difficult fight, but he was
used to them. He has been a battler all his life. He took
the fierce determination that he learned as a Marine and
brought it to this latest battle against leukemia.
Unfortunately, it was a battle this great fighter was not
to win.
Although that last battle of his life was lost, there
were so many victories in his life that we will long
remember. Craig died as he lived, with his spurs on,
fighting for Wyoming to the very end. I am sure we all
have our favorite instant replay memories of Craig and his
unique style.
I have always believed you can get a lot done if you
don't care who gets the credit. That was Craig--never one
to seek the limelight or to draw attention to himself. He
was the one working in committee to assure that the voices
of the Wyoming people and America were heard and heard
clearly.
For me, I will always remember Craig's spirit, for his
spirit in life was a great illustration of the spirit of
Wyoming. His life became a living portrait of the American
West. He saw the world from the saddle of his horse and
from under the brim of his cowboy hat. He was proud of
Wyoming and Wyoming was proud to be represented by him.
Craig was my senior Senator. He was my confidant and
mentor. But most of all, he was a very good friend. Diana
and I will always feel appreciation for the fact that
Craig and Susan made us part of their family. Our prayers
are with Susan and their family during these difficult
times.
I will miss him. But because he was such a special
presence in my life and the lives of so many others, I
have a long list of instant replay memories I will always
cherish of him: the times we were out on the campaign
trail, the legislation we worked on together and, more
important, the impact he had on my life personally, as he
had on so many others.
Wyoming is a different place today because of this great
loss of ours. There is great sadness in the State and also
great joy as we celebrate the life of one of our special
citizens. He was with us for all too short a time, but he
will never be forgotten.
I received a book called Give Me Mountains for My
Horses, by Tom Reed. But what I always ask for is that
they give us men to match our mountains and our horses--
and that would be Craig.
I want to share just a little piece of this because I
know that Craig is already riding in a far better place.
It says:
There is a taste to this place, this time. Nothing is
behind you. Everything is ahead. But you don't really
think about what is ahead, you only think of now, for this
partnership you have entered into is one of the moment, of
now. Now has you in a saddle on a bay horse, heading up a
trail of pines and spruce and mountain, of stream and
meadow.
Behind you, connected by only your hand and a lead rope
but carrying everything important to you, is another bay
horse, an almost identical match to the one you are
riding. You call them nicknames as if they were human
compadres, drinking buddies. You cluck and coo and talk to
them as if they give a damn about what you have to say.
You think they do and maybe, just maybe [they do].
Right now they are stepping out, heads nodding, down the
trail and through the stream and all you have to do is
ride. So you ride.
That evening as dusk brings the mosquitoes out of the
willows--the same dusk that put the horse flies to bed--
you choose a camp. It is a good place, save for the bugs,
with room for the horses in the broad, deep green meadow
and camp back against the lodgepoles and your kitchen down
a ways. So you ease off the bay's back and stretch your
muscles with that stiff-good, worked-hard feeling, and you
begin to unload the packhorse, talking to him, thanking
him. In a while he has on his hobbles and is out there
with his buddy, snorting contentedly in the tall grass and
swishing a long, coal-black tail at the mosquitoes.
It goes like this for days, the ride, the squeak of the
saddle leather, the smell of dust, the taste of it on your
tongue. The smell of horse sweat and your own and the soft
muzzles nuzzling you after a long day. Good camp after
good camp. Muscles turning hard. Eyes becoming sharp for
wildlife. And riding, always riding.
One evening a big sow grizzly and her cub cross a broad
meadow far out there. A tough gal, rambling, giving you
and your horses a wide berth. But still the binoculars
sweat in your hands and your mouth is dry.
``Boy, what a beautiful animal.''
The next morning a moose walks the same path. You have
not seen another human in days but there's a jet contrail
reminding you that yes, this is the modern world. You
ride.
Craig loved the modern world. He worked hard in this
body. He would have liked to have been out there in those
mountains on those horses enjoying the smell and the
sounds. Now he is riding. Ride on my friend, ride on.
I yield the floor.
Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I got a very early phone
call from my daughter in Italy. Of course, their time is 6
hours ahead of ours, and they heard about Craig before we
did.
I have listened to some of my colleagues talking about
Craig. You know, there are some people you have more in
common with than others. I can recall Craig and I both
came to the House of Representatives about the same time.
Then we both decided we would run for the Senate in 1994.
That was a decision we made. We talked to each other and
we decided that would be the best thing for us to do and
perhaps we would be able to articulate our concerns a
little bit more.
He was a Marine, I was in the Army. We had a lot in
common. I think it was Mitch McConnell or perhaps Harry
Reid this morning who talked about his calm toughness, his
way of expressing himself. I have always been very
envious. I would come down, and I would watch Craig Thomas
on the floor. He would say things as antagonistically, as
offensively as I would, except people loved him when he
said it and they hated me when I said it. I was never able
to master that. I watched him day after day, month after
month, and year after year being able to do that.
I think Mike Enzi is right when he said Craig Thomas was
the voice of the Senate. Let me correct Senator McConnell
on one thing he said. I chaired the Environment and Public
Works Committee when Craig Thomas was on that committee.
This morning Mitch McConnell said he was as much at home
on a horse as he was in a committee meeting. Well, let me
correct you because he was much more at home on a horse
than he would be in that committee meeting. I can remember
seeing him staring off, and then I would go over and visit
while some people were testifying, perhaps on the other
side, and he would tell me his stories. He was a real
cowboy. A lot of us ride horses in parades; he was a real
cowboy and such a great guy.
Many years ago, I was mayor of Tulsa. We had our annual
meeting in Ketchum, ID. I was flying a plane up there when
we were weathered in in Saratoga, WY. Saratoga, WY, is a
town that Lewis and Clark came through at the bend of the
river. I fell in love with that town. For the next 7 years
that I served in the capacity of being mayor, I always
purposefully stayed in Saratoga, WY.
I went up to him in the House of Representatives in the
1980s, and I said: Craig, you know when I was in--when I
would stop, make my stop in Saratoga, WY, and stay at the
Wolf Hotel--I might add, I would stay at the Wolf Hotel in
the presidential suite; it was the only one with a
bathroom in it. I told him almost everyone I would run
into on the streets of Saratoga, WY, reminded me of Craig
Thomas. These are salt-of-the-earth people, wonderful
people, people I learned to dearly love.
Kay told me this morning, when we heard about Craig, she
said: ``You probably forgot this, but when you were in
voting on the day that we had the spouses dinner, that was
2 weeks ago today, on Tuesday, I saw him walking across
the parking lot while I was waiting for you to vote, and
he was walking a little slower than usual. I said: `Hey,
handsome.' And his whole face lit up.'' And he came over
and he embraced Kay. That is the way that he was to a lot
of people. So let me say this to Peter, Greg, Patrick and
Lexie and Susan. Susan, you have some people you have
heard from this morning who dearly love you and would love
to have some way of comforting you. We know how difficult
it is. We will pray for you, for your kids. I have to say
this also, I do not think it has been said yet about
Craig.
Craig Thomas was probably the most consistent Member of
the Senate prayer breakfast because he was always there.
Mike Enzi knows this because he is the chairman now. He
was always there. I give the Scripture at this thing. So
we knew that if we did not see Craig Thomas anyplace else
during the week, we would see him at the Senate prayer
breakfast.
The Senate prayer breakfast is similar to a lot of these
things. It is based on Acts 2:42. Acts 2:42 is the genesis
of these meetings you do on a regular basis. You get
together and you do four things: eat together, pray
together, fellowship together, and talk about the precepts
of Jesus together. We talked about the precepts of Jesus
together every Wednesday morning.
That is the comfort I had with Craig Thomas. Some
people, you wonder if they are going to be there. But
Thomas you didn't wonder, you knew. So, Craig, all I can
say is, this is not goodbye, this is, ``We will see you
later.''
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Who seeks recognition?
The Senator from Alaska is recognized.
Mr. STEVENS. Madam President, it was with great sadness
that Catherine and I learned of Senator Craig Thomas's
passing last night. The people of Wyoming have lost a
tireless advocate and a skilled leader. Those of us in the
Senate have lost a true friend and a genuine inspiration.
Craig and I remained close throughout our time as
colleagues. I visited with him on matters pertaining to
resource development and ranches probably more than any
other Member of the Senate. These weren't visits
concerning legislation, but simply to share experiences
and to get advice.
Although Craig came to the Senate much after I did, he
possessed a wealth of knowledge, particularly about the
West. I had the privilege of marrying into a family with
small ranches in Arizona. Craig and I talked often about
horses, the problems facing ranches and cowboys, and how
they can endure in today's economy.
In each of the past several years, Craig has introduced
a resolution designating a National Day of the American
Cowboy. More than any other member of this body, Craig
recognized there is more to cowboys than roping, riding,
and branding. From the Wild West to the Last Frontier,
cowboys have long symbolized the spirit and determination
which makes our Nation great. It was my pleasure to help
sponsor Craig's resolutions, and this year, on July 28, we
will pay special tribute to a man who truly embodied the
American cowboy.
Craig was always mindful of the best interests of other
Western States. As a Senator from Wyoming, he represented
a State with a great many problems in common with those of
us from Alaska. Craig was renowned for his legislative
efforts regarding national parks. His efforts to improve
rural health care greatly benefited his constituents and
continue to serve as a model for our Nation.
Above all, I remember working with Craig on resource
issues related to coal, oil, and land management. He was
steadfast in his efforts to increase domestic energy
production. He fought to secure funding for a coal
gasification plant in his home State, and he also
supported exploration and development in the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge.
To deal with Craig Thomas was to deal with a gentleman,
a person who had absolute knowledge of the topics he spoke
on. You couldn't talk to him without becoming aware you
were talking to a Marine. As far as I am concerned,
Marines have something special about them--an absolute
steadfastness, honesty, and integrity. Craig exemplified
these qualities.
It is hard for me to realize he is now gone. Just before
I left to go home this past recess, I stopped Craig and
told him we are praying for him and to hang in there. Our
great friend Susan Butcher also died of leukemia. She went
through the same process Craig did. He told me he was
going to stick with it. He thought he was going to be able
to beat it. Everyone who met with Craig in the period
after he was diagnosed with leukemia had to admire his
absolute courage.
Craig's concept of life impressed me most. He lived life
to the fullest. He had a wonderful family, four wonderful
children, and a wonderful wife in Susan. He was also the
essence of a Westerner. I have known many Westerners in my
day, but never one who was as consummate a Westerner as
Craig Thomas. The people of Wyoming were blessed to have
him representing their interests. Whenever he went home,
Craig traveled throughout his State, from one small
community to the next. We compared notes about how Wyoming
residents faced problems similar to those of the people of
Alaska.
With Craig's passing, the Senate has lost a great leader
in terms of Western values. But we have also lost a man
who was a friend. He had the qualities everyone cherishes
in a friend. And as the Senator from Oklahoma has said, he
was very devout. You couldn't talk to Craig without
realizing he had tremendous faith in our Maker. He was
guided by this faith, and it kept him going during the
past few months.
It is also hard to understand that leukemia is such a
violent disease. This year alone, more than 44,000
Americans will be diagnosed with leukemia. The type of
cancer which afflicted Craig, acute myeloid leukemia, has
a 5-year survival rate of just 21 percent.
If there is anything I would add to what is going to be
said today, it is that we must do more. We must do more to
prevent this disease. We must learn as much as possible,
and apply as much research as possible, because very few
people survive their tremendous battle with leukemia. Of
all people, I really believed Craig might. When I left for
the Memorial Day recess, I had a good feeling--Craig was
going to make it. He told me he would soon start another
round of chemotherapy, but because of his strong faith, he
had no fear of what lay ahead.
I hope the Senate takes a lesson from Craig Thomas's
attitude as he faced this adversity. After being diagnosed
with leukemia, Craig faced trials and tribulations we can
hardly imagine, and we will remember him as an example of
a man with great moral strength and great faith in God. In
honor of his memory, it is my hope we will join together
and find a way to apply more funds to research leukemia,
whose devastating impact has now taken a good friend from
our Senate family.
This morning, the Casper Star-Tribune published several
individuals' recollections of Craig. One of his former
staff members, Liz Brimmer, said,
In unassuming and generous ways, he did more for
Wyoming, more for Wyoming people, than most people knew.
His positive spirit permeated every interaction. Fiercely
loyal and generous of spirit, Craig was funny and
tenacious all in the same moment . . . He loved people and
loved to make a difference. What better mark of a man?
I wish I could find words as eloquent and as fitting to
describe this extraordinary Senator.
We all mourn his death, and we send our love and best
wishes to his family. Susan had a husband, and his
children had a father, without equal. Craig Thomas was a
family man through and through, and I am deeply saddened
by his passing.
When I thought about him this morning, who he was and
what he meant to the Senate, a few words came to mind. In
a place of great debate and heightened political
excitement, Craig Thomas was always a gentleman. That says
something. It certainly is something we will remember. In
a time and place where we often raise our voices in anger
and emotion, Craig Thomas was always soft spoken, but he
was always heard. In a time when many of us fail even our
own standards in terms of integrity, he was a man of high
integrity, honorable and humble. In a place where many
show weakness, he always showed strength, that quiet
strength of a Wyoming cowboy.
I thought about his last battle with cancer. You could
tell, when you saw him on the floor or passed him in the
hallway, the therapy had taken its toll on him personally.
Yet there was always a smile on his face, a determination
to overcome the odds, and a very optimistic and positive
word when you asked him how he was doing. Those are the
things I remember about Craig Thomas.
We serve with many people. They come and go. The annals
of history do not record them all as great, but each one
of us is lucky to be here and lucky to develop the
friendships and relationships we do. Politically, Craig
Thomas and I were worlds apart. There might not be any
starker contrast in voting records than Craig Thomas and
mine, but it didn't make much difference when it came to
his friendship and his personal relationship. I am going
to miss him. I am going to miss that Wyoming cowboy who
had the Remington bronzes in his office that I walked by
and looked at every time I came down the corridor. I will
miss his smile and his courage. But I am going to be
reminded by his example of how we can all be a little bit
better in what we do here in the Senate.
I extend my sympathies to his wife Susan, his family,
his staff, and all of his friends. He was truly a great
Senator. I was honored to count him as a friend.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Georgia.
Mr. ISAKSON. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to
address the Senate as in morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. ISAKSON. In the third chapter of the book of
Ecclesiastes, the Bible teaches us that ``there is a time
for everything; a time to live and a time to die, a time
to reap and a time to sow.'' Last night became the time
that Craig Thomas left us. For that we are all sorry and
extend our sympathy to Susan and all his family and the
people of Wyoming. But for all of us today and for years
to come, it will be a time for us to reap the benefits of
having known Craig Thomas, having benefited from his
service as a colleague in the Senate, but for the people
of Wyoming as a great servant to that State. I don't know
if there are two finer people who ever served the Senate
than Mike Enzi and Craig Thomas. To have a matched set of
rock-solid, quiet but humble, and strong men to serve a
State is quite a unique privilege for that State and a
unique privilege for all of us who serve.
On this sad occasion of the passing of a great Senator
and a great friend, I know I will benefit and reap for
years to come from the service, the passion, and the
integrity of Craig Thomas.
I honor his life.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Florida.
Mr. MARTINEZ. Madam President, I rise to address the
Senate in morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. MARTINEZ. I am saddened by the passing of a good
friend, Senator Thomas. I express my condolences to his
family, the people of Wyoming, Senator Enzi, and to all of
us who knew him and loved him. I have not served long with
Senator Thomas. It was a joy to hear this morning how he
was described by Senator Enzi, who has known him for a
long time. My memories of him are as someone who always
was kind, always friendly, offered me a helping hand on my
first days in the Senate. I know he has been described as
an authentic cowboy. I certainly always viewed him as
that. He seemed to be the real deal, the real McCoy.
I remember speaking before the break with the Senator,
telling him how good he looked. Of course, he already knew
he was headed back to another bout of chemo, but he didn't
dwell on that. He was telling me that he was feeling good,
and he did look good. He looked a lot better than he had
been, and we were all encouraged. He certainly believed in
that assessment as well.
In the last few months, he has been ``down the road''
from us, and he has been responsible for the candy drawer,
a little Senate tradition. As we were talking before the
break, standing there, he was commenting on his pride in
the Wyoming taffy candy he had introduced to the candy
drawer. He was a Wyoming promoter to the very end.
I relish the good memories. I know we are all sad today
at this incredible loss. My heart goes out to the members
of his family. We will do all we can to support all those
who loved him.
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from New
Hampshire.
Mr. GREGG. Madam President, I rise to speak as in
morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. GREGG. Madam President, on behalf of Kathy and
myself, we send our deepest condolences and expressions of
sympathy to Susan and her family on Craig's passing. Susan
and Craig were good friends of ours. Susan is and Craig
still is. They are special people. They are people whom
you like to call friends, the type of people who are
there. And they had a special relationship. I don't know
how many votes we cast together. It was a lot. Craig
arrived 2 years after I had. We would walk out of this
Chamber together very often, and Susan, because she was
here in Washington, would almost always be right out
there, right outside the door, with a great smile to greet
us, even though we probably just lost the vote.
Craig was special because, as has been mentioned and
said so well by his partner Senator Enzi and his
colleagues, Senator McConnell, Senator Inhofe, Senator
Stevens, Senator Isakson, Senator Martinez, and the
Democratic leader, Senator Reid, everybody respected him.
You may not have agreed with him, but you could not help
but respect him. He was quiet but accomplished and
understood the issues. He was a man of inordinate common
sense. When he would look at an issue, he would cut
through all the puffery, all the theater, of which there
is a fair amount around here, and he would get to the
essence of the question. Then he would bring common sense
to the question. Yes, it was common sense born out of a
philosophy, which is our side of the aisle, which is
conservative, but it was a common sense that cut across
ideology most often because it was usually so obvious what
the conclusion would be as presented by Craig.
I had the great good fortune--I don't know how it
happened, but it was good fortune for me--to end up
spending almost every Tuesday lunch, where we do policy,
and almost every Wednesday lunch sitting next to Craig,
where we do steering and get together as Members of the
Republican Senate to discuss whatever is happening. We
sort of gravitated to each other. That is sort of ironic,
me being from New England and him from Wyoming, but I
think there is a certain identity of our approaches to
events. I am certainly proud to say that. The great fun
about sitting beside Craig was that not only did he have
this wonderful common sense, but he had an extraordinary
sense of humor. He would listen to statements made, often
by our leadership--I do not wish to be disparaging here; I
am simply being kind--and he would make some smiling,
thoughtful comment that was usually fairly humorous and a
touch irreverent about comments made by our leadership as
to what we should be doing. You couldn't help but laugh
because he was a person who had a sense of self, a sense
of humor, a focus on what was right and what was wrong and
what life should be about.
This disease attacked him, but honestly, you couldn't
convince him that it attacked him. You would ask him how
he was doing. He would say: ``I am OK.'' Even though you
knew he was going through extraordinary pain, you would
never, ever--at least I never, ever--hear him complain. He
was a genuine Marine in that sense.
He will obviously be missed around here. He was a low-
key person who had a high-level impact. I will certainly
miss him. I will miss him at those lunches and I will miss
seeing Susan outside the door.
To Susan and his family, Kathy and I say: He was a great
friend, and we will miss him.
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Colorado.
Mr. ALLARD. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to
speak as in morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. ALLARD. I rise to honor my friend Craig Thomas, the
Senator from Wyoming who passed away last night, and to
express my sympathy to Susan, his wife, and to his family
and to the people of Wyoming. Joan and I and my staff feel
we have had a very special relationship with Craig and
Susan and his staff.
Two weeks ago the Senate passed S. Res. 130 declaring
July 28 as National Day of the American Cowboy. This was
the last piece of legislation Senator Thomas pushed
through the Senate. It is so true to his spirit. Senator
Thomas was himself a cowboy, a roper. He understood that
as a symbol of the American West, cowboys represent much
more than men on horses. They stand for courage,
determination, hard work, and respect for nature. They
stand for the West itself and for those who wish to
protect and preserve it.
His work on the Energy and Environment Committees was a
testament as well to his belief that the land we have been
blessed with needs stewardship and care, and that those
who live on and work with the land are often the best at
doing so. Craig tried to take care of the land, especially
the Wyoming he loved so much. This connection with the
West, his concern for land management, and the way of life
of those who lived on the land, should be his legacy.
Craig rode forward into the end of his life so bravely
that most of us never knew how bad his health was. He told
us he was seeking treatment, but the end came quickly and,
for him, stoically.
It was always a pleasure serving with Senator Thomas--
first in the House of Representatives, then in the Senate,
where we collaborated on a whole range of issues. The
proximity of our home States and our shared interest and
passion for natural resources and energy issues provided
many opportunities to partner on legislative efforts.
During the 2001 anthrax attack on the Hart Senate Office
Building that pushed several Senators out of their
offices, I was happy to offer Senator Thomas and his staff
space in my office for several months until his office was
deemed safe again. During that time I was able to get to
know him and his staff even better.
I offer my condolences now to his staff. He was the type
of man who was not just a boss but a friend as well. I
know they are hurting. He will be remembered for being the
quintessential Wyoming cowboy, a gentleman with quick wit
and humility of spirit that endeared him to his colleagues
and made him a joy to us all.
Any man who can list cowboy, U.S. Marine, husband, and
father on his life's accomplishments lived life well. The
Senate has lost a gentle giant who served his State and
Nation with honor and distinction. Joan and I are keeping
Susan and the family in our thoughts and prayers. I will
miss my friend, Craig Thomas.
Madam President, I yield the floor and suggest the
absence of a quorum.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call
the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the
roll.
Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent
that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, I ask to speak for up to
10 minutes in morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from New
Mexico is recognized.
Mr. DOMENICI. Madam President, I first note the presence
on the floor of the distinguished Senator from Wyoming,
Mr. Enzi. I note also present in the Senate is a beautiful
bouquet of flowers on the desk that was occupied by the
other Senator from Wyoming, Mr. Craig Thomas.
I want to say to Senator Enzi, first, we will all have
an opportunity in the next few days and weeks to speak
about the Senator who was your colleague who left us last
night, and we all will have an opportunity to speak with
you and see you on more occasions than this to express to
you our heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your colleague.
You will suffer a lot of things that will be downers
during your life in the Senate--and because we all live
our lives, things happen, go up and go down--but I am
quite sure you will not have an opportunity to suffer any
more severe a loss than the loss of your colleague who was
at the same time a cowboy, a Marine, a Senator, a father,
and, clearly, a husband.
He had a wife named Susan. Everybody who knows her loves
her. My wife loves her. I called my wife early this
morning, after I heard, and I was so pleased she answered
the phone herself because I thought: Where will I get her?
We may get caught up in the maze of today and maybe I will
not be able to talk to her until tomorrow, or maybe Nancy
will not be able to talk to me. But, sure enough, it was
at 8:30 this morning I was able to talk to her.
Her first words, after knowing who I was, were words
coming out of her mouth saying: ``He did a good job for
Wyoming, didn't he?'' I said: ``You bet.'' Then: ``I am
sure, not knowing the rest of his life, he must have done
a good job in a lot of other areas. Probably he was a good
husband--,'' to which there was no answer because that was
not intended as a question. He obviously was a wonderful
man. Quiet, sort of unassuming, but he was a very involved
Senator, especially when it came to Wyoming.
Very early on, as he worked his way from the House,
where he replaced Dick Cheney, over to the Senate, where
he had been elected, he decided he would work for his
State. You did not hear of him a lot on national news
because he was busy doing what he thought was best for him
as a Senator, and that was, representing that great State
of Wyoming. What a State that is, and what a Senator they
had.
From my standpoint, I served with him on two committees.
The one I know the most and remember the most is the one
we served the longest on: Energy and Natural Resources,
which the occupant of the chair has served on with us. But
when it came to this man, he frequently worked with
Democrats on serious issues because he wanted to get
things done.
If there is one thing I noticed as we worked together,
shoulder to shoulder on this committee, it was that he was
impatient because he did not understand when we wasted
time and he did not understand why we were doing some
certain things. He would ask: ``Why don't we get on with
what we are supposed to do? What are we talking about this
for? This is not policy. We are talking about a bunch of
little things we ought not be involved in.'' I think I
remember that more than anything else: ``Can't we get on
with it?''
I remember he was burdened with the fact there is a
substance in his State called trona. The other Senator
from Wyoming might know about it. He must know about it.
Apparently, they were having competition in the world, and
he thought the royalties were too high. I don't know.
Anybody who served on the committee must have heard the
word ``trona'' because he was all over that issue, wanting
to get somebody to listen to him about the unfairness of
it and to help solve it.
I did not get to serve with him on the Finance Committee
and other committees he served on, but it would be my
guess he was the same way on all of them, that he showed
up when he should and did his job as best he could, and
that when the chips were down, you could count on him.
When the chips were down, he did what he said. He voted
the way he would tell you. He worked the way a dedicated
person works.
For me and my wife, on this day, shortly after his
death, I want to say in the Senate that Wyoming sent us a
true man. I do not know whether it was the Marines who
made him a man or what it was, but he was truly different.
He was tough minded. He was quiet. But he was impatient,
and he wanted to get good things done.
I am positive his relatives and his great State will
never forget him. He will be remembered by them, just as
we remember him. He will leave them, and they will have a
big void, without a question, because a giant part of
their lives leaves. That goes for Wyoming, and that goes
for his wife Susan and their children. I think there are
four of them. I did not get to meet them. But if they are
like their mother and father, they could not help but be
great.
With that, I say goodbye to the Senator, and I extend my
sorrows to his wonderful wife, and, hopefully, I will be
part of whatever ceremony there is for us to send him on
his way.
May God bless his family and him, and may whatever he
aspired to get done, get done by others who follow him
because he set such a wonderful basis to get those things
completed for his State.
I thank the Senate and I thank the junior Senator from
Wyoming for the kind man he is. I will be seeing him, and
I say to the Senator, if I can help you during these
times, please call on me. I am available.
I yield the floor.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Indiana.
Mr. LUGAR. Madam President, the thoughts and prayers of
my wife Charlene and myself are with Susan today and their
four children, as we think about Craig Thomas, our dear
friend, our colleague, a man who has been such a wonderful
presence in our lives in the Senate.
Much has been said, and quite correctly so, about
Senator Thomas as a cowboy, and certainly he was, and his
rich heritage of experience in the Marine Corps, as he
volunteered to serve his country after college. But I want
to stress two or three things that perhaps have not come
to the attention of Senators in the same way this morning,
one of which is that Craig Thomas was a person who was
vitally interested in the Far East. He served for a period
of time on the Foreign Relations Committee, and during
that period of time, as I recall, was either the
subcommittee chairman or heavily involved in hearings and
in working with our Ambassadors to countries in Asia.
For a variety of reasons, because Craig always sought
opportunities to serve Wyoming in whatever committee
assignments seemed most appropriate at the time, his
service on the Foreign Relations Committee was not a long
one, but he continued that service by holding breakfasts
in his office. I was privileged to be invited to those
breakfasts in which famous people from abroad, especially
the Far East, were his guests. These are ladies and
gentlemen he had met during his foreign travels or during
his work in Wyoming in which they might have been of value
to his State.
It was an extraordinary set of experiences. I stress
``experiences'' because there were many of these
breakfasts. I encouraged him to continue on. I enjoyed the
fellowship of the people he brought together as well as
Senators he brought into an orbit of understanding about
the Far East, through his own ministry in this case.
I have been impressed in addition--speaking of
breakfasts and the fact that Senator Thomas was a regular
at the Aspen Institute breakfasts that are held right here
in the Capitol on Wednesdays and Thursdays frequently
throughout the legislative year. I am advised as many as
24 of these breakfasts are held on the subjects which the
Aspen Institute congressional group is focusing.
Among the things on which the group has been focusing in
recent years have been problems with Russia and the
Balkans and developments in Eastern Europe, the problems
certainly in education generally as a subject for our
schoolchildren in this country, problems in Latin America,
the problems of the environment and energy, and,
appropriately, problems in Asia and especially China in
the Far East.
I noticed Craig Thomas, when it came to these
breakfasts, usually was there on time and listened to the
lecture or the paper that was being given by the speaker,
and that he frequently proceeded on, perhaps, to another
breakfast or another appointment without severely
questioning either other Members of Congress or the
speaker at the time, but was intensely interested. Because
we frequently saw and listened to the same people, this
led to many rich conversations which I was privileged to
have with him. I would ask him: ``What did you think? What
were your impressions of that speaker today?'' He always
had some very concise impressions.
But a third thing I simply want to mention, in addition
to these breakfasts, is the sense of good humor with which
those impressions were cast. He had his own unique sense
of humor, and yet it was clearly there and very much a
part of the personal association each one of us enjoyed
with the Senator.
Likewise, that sense of humor was shared by Susan,
appropriately. I can remember so many times outside the
door to this Chamber Susan would be standing there at
about 6:30 at night or some such time. It was obvious she
and the Senator were going to dinner or had some activity.
But one of the delightful things was that so many of us
had been visiting with Susan over the years. We had a lot
to say to her and she to us, always with a wonderful sense
of humor, with a sense of the work we are about, how
unusual to some this schedule seems, how absurd it may be
to others, someone who had her own vocation as a very
remarkable teacher and someone who understood the needs of
children.
It is not surprising that Craig would attend the Aspen
Education Conferences in addition to his far-flung
interests in Asia and most important, obviously, the land
use issues and the remarkable ability of people to make a
living off the land in his home State. It was finally in
that capacity that I enjoyed the best conversations with
Craig Thomas because he was deeply interested in
agriculture, as I am. We come from very different kinds of
agriculture, yet there was a profound understanding of the
challenges and the joys of people who make their living
from the soil; likewise, from the husbandry of animals and
the combination of forestry, and even the mineral uses of
lands--much more abundant, I must say, in the State of
Wyoming than in Indiana. But we both understood the nature
of that income, the nature of the challenge, and the
importance of State and Federal legislation as it
pertained to those farmers. So I will miss those
conversations especially because that is a heritage of
land in which both of us have been involved in our
families, and I suspect his will continue.
Our thoughts are with the family today. We are never
prepared for such a day. That is why many of us perhaps
are rambling on occasion in our thoughts as we collect
them about this outstanding Senator and wonderful friend.
But it truly is a privilege to have this opportunity on
the floor of the Senate to pay tribute to my dear friend
Craig Thomas.
I thank the Chair.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Nebraska is recognized.
Mr. HAGEL. Madam President, this is a sad day for all of
us. Wyoming and the Senate have lost Craig Thomas. He was
a neighbor. He was a friend. He was an individual whose
life was committed to his country and his State.
Often, when he would refer to my State of Nebraska, he
would say: ``Oh, yes, that State of Nebraska; that is
where Wyoming sends all of its wind.'' He said other
things as well. Many times, he and Senator Enzi were
responsible for stealing Nebraska's water. Other than
those obvious flaws, Craig Thomas was one of those unique
individuals whom we have heard his colleagues speak of
this morning. None has exaggerated in their descriptions
of this remarkable man. He, as has been noted, was a
Marine. He was a straight shooter. He was born and raised
on a ranch in Wyoming. When you add all of that up, what
else could he be but a straight shooter?
He worked hard, as has been noted here this morning.
Chairman Lugar outlined some of his participation on the
Foreign Relations Committee where I, too, had an
opportunity to serve with him. No one was ever better
prepared when he spoke, more knowledgeable of the subject
matter, and more a joy to be around because he never lost
the most important element of each of us; that is, a
humanness, the human dynamic. He had a special humanity
that is not always easy to retain in this town and in this
business. But that is what Craig Thomas was, and I think
that is what most of us admired most about him.
If service to America is one of America's highest and
most important values, then Craig Thomas's legacy speaks
volumes because that was his life. Lilibet and I offer our
sympathy and our prayers to Susan and to the family. He
served with great distinction and always put others first.
One last comment about a memory of Craig Thomas for me.
In 1996, when I was campaigning for my first elective
office to the U.S. Senate and when there was a very
legitimate question of whether I was worthy of election
and whether I could win, Craig Thomas flew over from
Wyoming to central Nebraska and spent a day campaigning
with me in 1996. Craig was the first U.S. Senator to help
me, to come into my State, and that day I spent with him
talking about water issues, agricultural issues, the
Marine Corps, and service to our country inspired all who
were around him. I noted that those ranchers and those
water resource specialists and others whom we visited on
that campaign tour that day responded to him in a way that
was rather special. I later learned through my almost 11
years in the Senate why people responded to him in such a
special way.
We will miss him. He leaves our institution, his State,
and his country better than he found them.
Thank you.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Tennessee is recognized.
Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, we will miss Craig
Thomas. Craig Thomas would want it to be said that he was
a conservative. He enjoyed expressing conservative views
on this floor. He enjoyed expressing conservative views in
our Energy Committee on which we served together, and the
Senator from Louisiana and I served with Senator Thomas.
He kept his feet firmly planted on the ground in Wyoming
from which his conservatism came. He obviously well
represented the people of Wyoming because he barely
noticed there was an election last year. When Craig Thomas
ran, he was elected by an overwhelming margin.
Craig Thomas was a conservationist. He was chairman of
the National Parks Subcommittee during the time I served
on the Energy Committee, and he enjoyed that very much. I
am not a bit surprised because he took great pride in the
fact that Yellowstone, a great, premier park--I can say
that even though we have the Great Smokies in Tennessee--
but Yellowstone, which has such a special place in the
hearts of all Americans, Craig Thomas took special pride
in his jurisdiction of that responsibility. He was honored
by the National Parks Association a couple of years ago.
Craig Thomas was awarded the singular honor of the
National Parks Association for his stewardship of our
national parks.
Craig Thomas was no-nonsense. That came from several
places, I suspect. One was, as the Senator from Nebraska
noted, he was a Marine. One was that he was a cowboy, a
real cowboy. I saw Senator Inhofe talking about him in
that respect. Another reason is he came from Wyoming. I
see that Senator Enzi from Wyoming is here. Wyoming
citizens, I have noticed, don't waste words. They think
about them before they say them, and they often don't say
them. They don't feel a need to fill every vacuum with a
string of words, which is an unusual characteristic on the
floor of the U.S. Senate, but Craig Thomas was such a
person. I think, in fact, he grew up in Wyoming, came from
Wyoming, lived in Wyoming, kept his feet planted in
Wyoming, and helped contribute to that no-nonsense
approach to life he had which enriched the Senate.
Craig Thomas was also interested in working across party
lines. Earlier this year, Senator Lieberman and I and
others began a breakfast on Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock
for those Senators who had time to come, not for the
purpose of passing legislation but for the purpose of
getting to know each other better across party lines so
that we could perhaps come to solutions more quickly in
other areas. It was interesting to see who came to that
breakfast. We all are busy. We all have tremendous demands
on our time. We started off with 40 Senators of both
parties. Sometimes it got to be 10 or 12 or 14. But almost
every Tuesday morning at the bipartisan Senators'
breakfast, Craig Thomas was there, and he always had a
contribution to make. He was there 2 weeks ago, in the
week before our recess, which is why it was such a
surprise to learn that he died yesterday, because when he
was there, he sat quietly, but you could tell he had
something to say, and he finally said it before he left.
The subject was immigration. He had some questions, and he
had some comments. He looked the perfect picture of
health. He looked as if he would last forever. That was
the last I saw of Craig Thomas.
We are a family here in the Senate. We say that often to
one another, but it is true. We have breakfast together,
as we did this morning at the bipartisan breakfast or as
we will tomorrow morning at the prayer breakfast where we
will remember Craig Thomas. We have lunch together, which
we are about to do, Republicans on one side and Democrats
on the other. We have committee hearings and meetings all
day long and little visits, and then in the evenings, if
that weren't enough, why, we get together and we go to
receptions for each other. That is how we live our lives
here. So it is a surprise to us to suddenly find ourselves
without Craig Thomas, whom we saw at breakfast, whom we
saw at lunch, whom we saw at committee meetings, and whom
we saw in the evenings. We will miss him, but we greatly
respect his presence here in the Senate for such a long
period of time.
When he got sick last year, we heard that he was soon
doing fingertip pushups again. So all of us thought--at
least I thought--well, Craig is going to be fine. He is
going to be fine. But, as will be the case with each of
us, in the end, his life has come to a conclusion. It has
been a life of public service, one I greatly respect.
To Susan and to his family, Honey and I offer our
sympathy and our respect for his life. We will be thinking
and praying for them, and we will be remembering how much
joy our friend Craig Thomas brought to the U.S. Senate.
Thank you, Madam President.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from New
Mexico is recognized.
Mr. BINGAMAN. Madam President, I appreciate the
opportunity to say a few words about Craig Thomas. He was
a friend of mine and of all of us in the Senate. His death
is a shock to this institution and to all of us. I heard
the news this morning on the radio, as many of us did, I
believe, and I was genuinely shocked to hear that he had
died. My last encounter with him was the week before we
had our recess where I had the chance to be with him in
the Energy Committee, and he was there and very much
participating in that committee hearing. He had a great
deal to say, as he usually did, and an interest in what
was going on.
I think the first thing that comes to my mind about
Craig is that he was an example of courage in the face of
adversity. I have seen several interviews recently where I
was very admiring of Elizabeth Edwards and the tremendous
example she is presenting for the entire country about
carrying on in the face of adversity after having been
diagnosed, as she has been. I think the American people
appreciate that, and understandably. I appreciate it, and
I am sure everyone who is aware of her circumstance
appreciates it greatly.
The same can be said about Craig Thomas. Craig was
diagnosed with leukemia shortly before his reelection this
last fall, and I think everybody had to know that this was
not a minor illness that was easily overcome. Craig took
it in stride. He was here working in the Senate. He went
through the chemotherapy and he was back, regaining his
strength, and all of us admired that. All of us admired
the way he faced that adversity, and he did all that he
could, all that was humanly possible, to overcome that
adversity.
I had the good fortune to serve with Craig on two
committees, including the Energy Committee, where he was
chair of the National Park Subcommittee. He took a great
interest in issues affecting not only national parks but
our public lands generally and, of course, our energy
issues as well. I also had the good fortune to serve with
him on the Finance Committee. The chairman of the Finance
Committee this year appointed a new Subcommittee on Energy
and Natural Resource Tax Issues. I was fortunate to be
named chair of that, and Craig was named as the ranking
member. So he and I spent a lot of time together, both in
the Energy Committee and in the Finance Committee, sitting
in hearings and talking about the agenda of the committees
and generally interacting.
I had the other great good fortune of taking a trip last
year that Senator Warner and Senator Levin sponsored--a
trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, in April 2006, with Craig
Thomas. Craig and I were both invited to be on that trip.
So I spent time with him and interacted with him in
Afghanistan and in Turkey, where we made a short stop, and
also in London, where we met with some British defense
officials.
Three things came through to me that I think are my
recollection of Craig Thomas: First, his decency as a
human being. When you are with a person for a substantial
period of time, you get a sense of their decency as a
human being. I have spent a lot of time with Craig Thomas
in this Senate and on that trip to which I just alluded. I
can vouch for his basic decency. He was always
considerate, always civil, always concerned about the
feelings of others and the reaction of others.
The second characteristic I would allude to is his
ability to ask tough questions. Craig liked to think of
himself as a conservative. I would characterize him, as
much as anything, as sort of a skeptic. Whenever the
experts were telling us what the solution to a problem
was, or what their analysis of a problem was, he was one
who would stand back and say: ``Wait a minute, let's
question some of that expert advice and expert analysis
that you are giving us.'' That is very much needed by
people in public office. You need people who will ask the
tough questions, and Craig Thomas asked the tough
questions.
Third is the characteristic that others have spoken of
here--that he was a straight shooter; he was
straightforward in his view of the issues. You didn't have
to guess what Craig thought about an issue. He would tell
you, and it was a heartfelt view that he was expressing.
So this is a very great loss to this Senate, to the people
of Wyoming, and to the country. I consider him to have
been a superb public servant. The people of Wyoming were
extremely well served by him, the country was well served
by him, and this Senate was well served by having him as
one of our distinguished members.
I extend my condolences to Susan and the family and, of
course, to all of the people who are friends of his in his
home State. He will be fondly remembered in this Senate.
Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Casey). The clerk will call
the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent
that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise this morning with a
very heavy heart, like all the rest of my colleagues,
about the loss of our dear friend Craig Thomas. Craig was
an inspiration in such a quiet way to all of us, a guy
from the true Wild West, the great State of Wyoming. He
had such an easy manner about him that is so indicative of
a lot of people who come from that part of the country. It
was indeed a privilege and a pleasure to have the
opportunity to serve with him.
I had a number of interests in common with Craig. First
of all, we served on the Agriculture Committee together.
In the past 2 years, as chairman of the Agriculture
Committee, Craig was one of those guys I called on from
time to time to seek his advice and counsel because in the
area of Wyoming and in the western part of the country,
they grow different kinds of crops than what we grow in
the Southeast. Craig was always willing to give his time
to talk to me about the thoughts of farmers and ranchers
in his part of the country and what we needed to do from a
policy perspective on the Agriculture Committee relative
to his farmers and ranchers that would also be beneficial
to my farmers and ranchers. I cannot overemphasize the
value of that kind of relationship with a Member of this
body.
I grew up in my law practice and in the rural
electrification business. Craig was a strong advocate of
rural electrification and the REA Program and had been
involved with it in Wyoming for decades. We had the
opportunity to talk about this issue and long-term policy
relative to providing electricity and other assets to
people in rural America, and whether it was rural Wyoming
or rural Georgia made no difference. Craig was an advocate
of making sure that people in rural America all across our
great country had the opportunities that folks in the
urban parts of America have. I had a special opportunity
to work with Craig.
Earlier, I heard folks talk about Craig's love for the
country and his love for the land. We were both
outdoorsmen. He used to ride a horse a lot, and I like to
shoot a shotgun at quail, pheasant, and a few other things
that I have been blessed to be able to do over the years.
We talked about our enjoyment of the outdoors on any
number of different occasions.
Craig was the chairman of a major committee during the
last Congress. He was in charge of an issue that has been
very near and dear to my State, an issue of designating
property with a heritage designation in Georgia. I worked
on this for about 6 years. We got right up to the brink
last year, and all of a sudden we ran into a roadblock.
Craig, as chairman, said, ``Saxby, here is the problem.''
Then he went through it and explained the very complex
side of the issue that I had never thought of before.
What it made me realize about Craig was that he was a
lover of the land of America, irrespective of whether it
was in Wyoming, Georgia, or the State of New York. He
wanted to make sure future generations had the same
opportunity to enjoy lands as our generation and previous
generations have had the opportunity to do. Once he
explained his position to me, we again worked through the
issue. It took us a little longer than I wanted it to, but
I had to be patient because Craig was very thoughtful. I
knew his thinking was the right way of thinking on any
issue like this, particularly with the designation of
heritage areas, because there are other connotations to it
than just saying we are going to leave this land for
future generations.
Craig was such a great ally in this process. At the end
of the day, I remember when he gave his consent through a
unanimous consent resolution. He and I sat right here near
one another. He used to sit right there, and he moved
behind me here. We sat across the aisle, and we had a long
conversation that night about this particular piece of
property for which he had now come to have a great
appreciation. It is something that Georgians and America
are going to enjoy for generations to come, and it simply
would not have happened without Craig Thomas.
Last, the desk that is right behind my desk is one of
the more notable desks on this side of the aisle in this
great institution because it is our candy drawer. His desk
is our candy drawer. Of course, Rick Santorum from
Pennsylvania had that desk in the two previous Congresses,
and he kept it full of candy. Craig could not wait to get
that desk when Rick left the Senate. Now, when a lot of us
walk into the Senate door, the first thing we do is open
that desk drawer to see what kind of candy Craig has put
in there for us. He has never failed us. It was always a
delight of his to be able to make folks happy, and this
was a simple and easy way to encourage and get a smile on
the faces of Senators as we walked in the door.
Craig's wife Susan is such a great lady. I don't know
his sons, but Susan is such a wonderful person. Again, as
this body is such a small body, we all become friends
regardless of our political differences. At the end of the
day, we are a family, and we truly do have Susan and all
of her other family in our thoughts and prayers as they go
through what we know is a very difficult time.
Craig and I also had in common the fact that we were
both cancer survivors. I went through a process about 3
years ago, and Craig was one of the first ones to come to
me and give me his thoughts and encouragement, which I
really respected and greatly appreciated. That is the kind
of family thought process that we go through here.
So as we reach this day when Craig has lost that last
battle--and, boy, did he ever fight good ones through the
years. He fought this one very well, too. But as we think
about him today, knowing his love of the outdoors in our
conversations about his riding horses--even riding horses
with the Capitol Police on the grounds of the Capitol--I
am always going to have those very fond memories of Craig
Thomas as a great friend, a great Member of this
institution, and a truly great American. We know he is
riding off into the sunset for a better life even as we
speak today.
With that, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Louisiana is
recognized.
Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I had the great privilege
of presiding this morning. I got to listen to my
colleagues come to the floor to pay tribute to our friend,
an outstanding Senator and a wonderful man, Craig Thomas
from Wyoming.
So many things were said this morning, but I wanted to
add a few more. First of all, as I sat in the chair to
listen to the tributes, I want to give a compliment to the
Senator from Wyoming, who spoke on behalf of his
colleague. I have heard many tributes in the 10 years I
have been in the Senate but, to me, it was one of the most
beautiful tributes that a partner and colleague has made
for another. Senator Enzi will continue to carry on the
great traditions of the State, and I am sure he, as we all
have, will be inspired by his friend that we lost. It was
evident in his heartfelt and beautifully executed remarks
this morning.
I wanted to rise as a Member who served with Senator
Thomas on the Energy Committee, someone who worked fairly
closely with him, although we are not of the same
political party, to reiterate just a few things about his
character.
This life we choose to live in public life is not the
easiest life to live, and sometimes it is harder on our
families than it is on us individually. It is a life that
we choose because we want to serve our constituents. We
believe we can do that job.
I heard so many of our colleagues rise to pay tribute to
the Senator but mention Susan, his wife, that I wanted to
restate for the record how inspirational their
relationship has been to me and to many of us. Not only
did Susan wait for him, many times outside of this door,
to greet him always with a smile or encouragement, they
often were able to travel together as a couple, to share
both the joys and the burdens of this life. I think it is
a tribute to both of them and particularly to Craig
Thomas, who shared his life in such a special way with his
spouse, which stands as an inspiration to us all, and
Susan to him.
I also wanted to say what a strong and steady voice, an
unflinching champion for Wyoming he was, in fact, even in
the twilight of his life, within the last few weeks, as
was mentioned by some of us who were with him at the
prayer breakfast, some of us who were with him at the
bipartisan conference, and some of us who were with him in
one of his last Energy Committee meetings. I recall the
memory of his voice, although weak in body, strong in
spirit, fighting for Wyoming, talking about coal, talking
about a new energy policy, talking about how the country
depended so much on the resources of Wyoming and how he
was determined to continue to fight and provide that point
of view on our committee. So on the Energy Committee we
will miss him, always there, always on time, always
steady, always strong, and never forgetting the State he
came to represent and did so, so completely and so
consistently.
Finally, some of us have mentioned the inspiration he
has been to us in terms of his quiet and gentle spirit,
knowing that he was facing a very difficult time, with his
time perhaps not that long to be here. As many of our
colleagues have said, however, he never complained. He
always said how well he was feeling and how much better
and how thankful he was for his doctors, for his family's
support, and he was always thanking us for being there
when we could.
I wish to mention the strength of his spirit in having
come to terms and making peace in his life, that God was
his friend. He had a great faith in God Almighty. It was
evident by the way he walked, not agitated and not
nervous, not anxious and not afraid, but basically the
quiet confidence of a person who was at peace with God and
with whatever God would have in store for him. I think
those of us in the Senate family, for all we remember of
him--as a cowboy, as a Marine, as a Senator--we will
always remember the last few weeks of that quiet
confidence of a man who knew why he was born and where he
was going. That was our good friend Craig Thomas.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.
Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to
join my colleagues in tribute to the memory of a wonderful
friend, Senator Craig Thomas from Wyoming. For me, Craig
Thomas was not only a member of the Senate family, he was
a neighbor to the north. Because of the similarities
between Wyoming and Colorado in terms of the rural nature
of our States, Senator Thomas and I had the opportunity to
work on many matters during the time we both served in the
Senate. I wish to comment on two or three of those issues
which were very important to us as we worked on them
together.
I always saw Senator Craig Thomas as someone who was
truly a fighter for the land, water, and people of this
Nation, and the people of the State of Wyoming. I remember
very clearly the debate we had in the Senate Energy
Committee and the National Parks Subcommittee, which he
chaired, about whether we were going to abandon the 100-
year principle that had guided the conservation philosophy
of our national parks. It was Senator Craig Thomas who, at
the point of the spear, made sure that the conservation
doctrine of our national parks' policy remained intact.
I also remember the leadership role Senator Thomas took
in the last several years when there were efforts to try
to sell off our public lands in order to make that part of
the deficit reduction for our Nation. While he was a true
fiscal conservative, he also understood the importance of
the legacy of our public lands, protecting our public
lands, and making sure those public lands were not used
simply for deficit reduction. It was through his
leadership that we were able to turn back the efforts of
those who wanted to sell off the public lands of our
Nation.
I wish to also comment with respect to Senator Thomas's
efforts for rural America.
There are some significant differences between the
Senate family and the House family. I think the House of
Representatives, because of the makeup of that body--many
of them come only from metropolitan and urban areas. Here
in our Chamber, many of our Senators represent States that
are very rural in nature, and there are very few States
that are as rural as that great State of Wyoming. So it
was natural for Senator Thomas to be a champion for rural
America, and it was my honor to join with him in working
on a number of other things where we stood together and
said that the America that had been forgotten by so many,
rural America, was never going to be forgotten on the
floor of the Senate. It was in that vein that Senator
Thomas took a leadership role, along with our good friend,
Senator Larry Craig from Idaho, to make sure we were doing
right with payment in lieu of taxes so that those rural
communities in the West, which are so dependent upon
payment in lieu of taxes because so much of our land is
owned by the Federal Government, that we would be
providing them with the kind of compensation needed to
keep them afloat.
It was also in that regard that I had the honor of
joining Senator Thomas last year and Senator Craig in
moving forward with the creation of the Office of Rural
Veterans Affairs. That is because Senator Thomas
understood that there was a great disparity in how
veterans were being treated in the urban-suburban areas of
our society and those in rural communities. The fact is
that the VA had done a study that demonstrated the great
disparity in health care services that were forthcoming
from the VA to those veterans who lived in the urban
communities as opposed to those who lived in rural
communities. So it was his effort and his leadership that
helped lead to the creation of the Office of Rural
Veterans Affairs.
Finally, his work on the Agriculture Committee. When I
think about Wyoming, a State that I often travel, a State
where I have often worked, I think about its natural
resources and I think about its people, but I also think
about its agricultural base. Certainly, Senator Craig
Thomas will always be remembered for his great advocacy
for agriculture and making sure we have sustainable
agriculture here in our Nation.
I would like to thank Senator Thomas for the
contributions he made to my State, even though I am a very
new Senator here in this body. We worked on a number of
different issues. It was through his leadership that we
were able to hold hearings and move forward on legislation
that created the Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area,
the Clark County National Heritage Act legislation, the
Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Act, and the Betty
Dick Resident Protection Act, and I could go on and on
listing a whole host of other matters that were moved
forward because of the advocacy of Senator Thomas.
Last, I would say this: We get to know each other in a
number of different ways here on the floor of the Senate
and while working together. I fondly remember traveling
with Senator Reid and with Senator Thomas to Iraq and
spending 8 or 9 days with him in that troubled part of the
world. I remember the conversations about his yearning for
a more peaceful and stronger world, where we would create
a legacy for our children that was a legacy of peace for
the world.
I was honored to often go to the prayer breakfast on
Wednesday mornings and listen to the speakers. I knew
Craig Thomas was a man of faith and that he was doing the
duty of the people of this country and the duty of the
people of Wyoming.
So from his neighbor to the south, I conclude by simply
saying that I am proud of that cowboy. I am proud of Craig
Thomas, and I am proud of the contributions he made not
only to the State of Wyoming but the contributions he made
to this Nation.
Madam President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. McCaskill). The Senator from
Wyoming.
I am sorry, the Senator from Idaho.
Mr. CRAIG. Madam President, today I take that comment
with respect and honor because I am here, like many of my
colleagues, to join in speaking about the loss of Senator
Craig Thomas, a friend from the neighboring State of
Wyoming.
Over the course of years in working with Craig on the
floor of the House and here in the Senate, I must tell you
that notice of his death late yesterday evening was a real
loss to me and my wife Suzanne. And I say to his wife
Susan and their four children that we stand in quiet
prayer for strength for you through this difficult time in
the loss of a truly marvelous American.
The Senator from Colorado just mentioned the word
``cowboy,'' and I oftentimes, when at a gathering with
Craig, if the opportunity arose where we were both
speakers and I was to introduce him--and that happened on
several occasions--I would say: And now, ladies and
gentlemen, let me introduce the cowboy from Wyoming. And
he would stand with a big smile on his face because he
viewed that as a statement of respect. I think we
Westerners, who work closely together on issues that are
uniquely Western, appreciate and understand that
expression.
Craig came to the House in 1989, just as I was leaving
the House, so I got to know him then. And, of course, when
he came to the Senate and came to the Energy and Natural
Resources Committee, where we both grew in seniority, we
began to work very closely together on so many issues that
were important to the West but also issues that were
important to the Nation.
CQ, Congressional Quarterly, in its ``Political Profiles
of American Politicians,'' said this about Craig, and I
think it is so typical of the man. They said:
While Thomas pursues his State's interests, he does it
in a quiet, methodical way that has made him remarkably
few enemies after nearly two decades in Congress. Known
for his courtesy and diplomacy, even on bitterly contested
issues, he is no pushover.
That is the Craig Thomas whom we all got to know. He
could be tough in his position. He knew exactly where he
was on almost all issues, and he very seldom gave ground.
But he would give ground when he knew it would bring the
issue to resolution. Now, I say that is the art of a
talented policymaker, and Craig Thomas, representing his
State of Wyoming and the Nation, was truly that.
He filled big shoes. When he came to the House, he
filled the shoes of the departing Dick Cheney, and, of
course, when he came over here, he filled the shoes of
Malcolm Wallop, who was well known here as a very clear
conservative and often very partisan Member of the Senate.
But in filling those shoes--and more important, he brought
his own boots--he made his own mark for his State and for
the Nation. So whether it was park issues, whether it was
natural resource issues, whether it was differences
between that boundary line that sometimes is fairly
indistinguishable out West between Idaho and Wyoming,
Craig Thomas served the citizens of his State extremely
well.
Oftentimes known as an open, multiple-use advocate, as
both he and I are on the utilization of our public lands
and their management, when it came to Yellowstone National
Park and the Grand Teton National Park, they were
something special in Craig's mind. Oftentimes I would say:
``Craig, you are siding with the environmentalists on that
issue.''
He would laugh or smile and say: ``Larry, nothing is too
good in protecting Yellowstone National Park and the Grand
Teton. They are the crown jewels in the Nation and they
are a major part of my State.''
While we were very seldom in disagreement, there were
times when there was a bump-up now and then, as is typical
amongst all of us who serve in the Senate, even though on
most issues we found great compatibility.
I am one amongst all who will miss Craig Thomas. He was
a friend of long standing, a colleague. His wife Susan and
my wife Suzanne had become good friends over the years, as
so many of us do while working in the Senate. His life is
taken from us and from the citizens of his State and from
his family at a time when Craig Thomas was serving his
State and his Nation well.
Again, to his wife and children, we are going to miss
Craig a great deal in the Senate. I, personally, as a
friend, will miss Craig Thomas.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.
Mr. LOTT. Madam President, I, too, rise today to pay
tribute to our fallen friend, the distinguished Senator
from Wyoming, Mr. Craig Thomas. My wife Tricia and I were
greatly saddened this morning when we rose and found out
that Craig had lost his battle with this form of leukemia.
The four of us have been together many times, socially and
in business settings. We have had some great experiences
together in other parts of the world. We were so sad to
learn he had passed away. It was heightened by the fact
that he seemed to have done so well after his first round
of treatment. It was a great pleasure to come on the floor
over the last couple months and see him looking better
every day. He seemed to feel good. So I was personally
excited that he was going to whip this thing. That was his
attitude, as a true Marine. He was fighting a battle to
win.
He brought to the Senate a special down-to-earth Wyoming
wisdom, reflective of the unique part of the country he
represented so well. Cody, WY, where he was born, is a
special place. Craig was the epitome of the people in that
part of our great country. In a legislative body of
sometimes showboats, lightning rods, and mavericks, Craig
was an engine of the Senate. He was not flamboyant. He
didn't try to be. He kept plodding along, trying to find a
way to get the right results and help the Senate do its
job.
I have learned over the years there are some people in
life, and some Members of the Senate, who are tried and
true, who can be depended on no matter what the issue is.
Craig Thomas was one of those. He kept the Senate on point
when we strayed from the big picture--with his goodness,
his common sense, and his affable manner. It is very easy
to get fired up and lash out at an institution where we
all come from so many different backgrounds and are so
passionate sometimes about issues. But Craig kept it cool,
kept a level head, and kept moving forward. When we
drifted off message, when we were too much into the weeds
with our competing agendas, he didn't complain or rail or
make demands to fix it, he rounded up several of his
colleagues, came to the floor, and before long he had a
way of helping us get back on track.
His resilience and self-reliance were emblematic of the
open range country in which he was born. He was Wyoming to
me, in all its rugged zest for community, Nation, and
faith.
I was particularly interested in hearing our colleague,
Senator Larry Craig, from Idaho, talk about his love of
the outdoors, of Yellowstone, and his effort to preserve
and improve that great national park. It was one of the
things he truly did love. He didn't talk about himself
very much, but he spoke eloquently about the quality-of-
life issues of his mostly rural West neighbors. He was,
after all, a farmer. That is what he got his degree in, in
college--agriculture.
Of course, he served his country for 4 years in the
Marines. That was kind of how he approached his job in the
Senate. He came to get things done, to get results for
Wyoming, and the Nation. He was on the right committees to
do that. He was on the Energy Committee, and I tangled
with him, one time in particular I remember, on the Energy
Committee. I came away knowing that, when you get in a
tussle with Craig Thomas, you better bring your lunch
because it will not be quick. It will take a long time to
work it out. But work it out we did.
He also served on the Finance Committee, where I had the
pleasure of serving with him. He provided, again, good,
solid, calm counsel and participation. It was that self-
reliance, that selflessness that diverted our attention
from the tragedy his family was facing over recent months.
But that is how he wanted it. He was riding the Senate
range, keeping us on the trail, and helping us to stay
with the big picture, to improve the quality of life of
all those we represent.
Tricia and I extend our love, our thoughts, and our
prayers to Susan, their children, and Craig's loyal staff.
We have lost a solid statesman, and we will dedicate
ourselves to keeping his spirit of goodness alive in the
Senate for all of those to come.
I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent
that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, this is a sad time for the
Senate. As we continue with the important business of the
Nation, we pause for a few moments to think about our
common loss of one of our kindest, most dedicated, and
most thoughtful colleagues, Senator Craig Thomas of
Wyoming. All of us have our own private memories of our
relationship with Craig. Mine is of him as a kind of
silent leader, kind of an atypical character, if you will,
in the Senate.
When I got here 4\1/2\ years ago, someone alleged--and
this is a broad characterization--someone said: ``Welcome
to the Senate, a place that has 100 large egos and 200
sharp elbows.''
I think what that person forgot to do was account for
somebody such as Craig Thomas, who was never jockeying for
the headlines and spotlight but always focused on his work
and quietly, every day, made a difference.
I learned firsthand in recent months, as I began working
with a number of Senators on this side of the aisle,
trying to encourage their active participation in the
floor debates, Craig understood it is open debate and
discussion in this, the world's greatest deliberative
body, that protects and extends democracy. Indeed, every
week as we met, Senator Thomas would simply ask: ``What
can I do, John?'' It is that fundamental desire to serve
the public, the most basic and fundamental question of all
that best characterized Senator Craig Thomas: ``What can I
do?''
He was a defender of American values. From his service
in the Marine Corps to his time in the House and the
Senate, he served with courage and integrity. Nowhere was
that more apparent than in the way he served and handled
his final illness. You never would have known that he had
been through chemotherapy or that he was not feeling well.
The only way you would know is because his hair had fallen
out as a result of the chemotherapy. It was almost back in
its original form. But you never would know from his
attitude, which was always upbeat, always positive, never
looking for sympathy but simply, day in and day out, doing
his dead level best to represent the people of Wyoming in
the Senate.
He was known as one of the people's most staunch
advocates, leading the charge against government waste and
always fighting higher taxes.
In many ways, Senator Thomas was an example to all of
us. In an environment that can sometimes turn too nasty,
his friendly demeanor and his dedication to his country
was always a reminder that public service is more than a
duty, it is a privilege. It can be conducted in a way that
does not turn political adversaries into personal enemies.
It can be done without bitterness, without anger, and with
dignity.
I know Craig was honored to be able to represent the
State of Wyoming and that the State of Wyoming was
privileged to be served by such a man. Wyoming and the
Nation now mourn the loss of this great Senator, this
great patriot, this fine husband and father, and this good
man. He left an indelible mark on the Halls of the Senate
and America in general. He will be missed.
For Susan and all the Thomas family, Sandy and I say to
you, you are in our thoughts and prayers, as I know you
are in the thoughts and prayers of countless millions of
people all across this great land. In these trying times,
we are all comforted by the strong faith in God that Craig
exemplified, as well as the enduring legacy he left and
his positive impact upon the Nation.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.
Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, I listened to my colleague
from Texas. I come to the floor to add a word about my
friend whom we have lost, Senator Craig Thomas. Craig was
from the State of Wyoming. He was from the Northern Great
Plains. Last evening, when I heard he had died, I spent a
lot of time thinking about Craig and about this place.
Most Americans see the partisanship. This is actually a
political body, so it is not unusual there would be some
partisanship. What most Americans never have the
opportunity to see is the friendship. This is a small
community of 100 Members of the Senate, men and women who
come from every part of our country who are elected to
serve. There is a great deal of friendship that exists in
this Chamber, even in the middle of all of the politics
that exists in our political system.
Senator Craig Thomas was an interesting and a wonderful
man. I have had, especially the last 6 months, an
opportunity to work very closely with him. I knew him as a
Member of the House of Representatives. I knew him as a
Member of the Senate and a colleague in both the House and
the Senate. But the last 6 months we worked together, I as
chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee and Craig Thomas
as vice chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. We sat
next to each other, hour after hour, hearing after
hearing, and I got to know a lot about Craig Thomas that I
had not previously known.
His word was his bond. He was quick with a smile. A
quiet man in many ways, he cared deeply about his home
State of Wyoming and cared deeply about the future of his
country.
Craig was a proud son of the American West who never,
ever forgot about the people he represented. His
commitment to American Indians, and especially and
particularly to those living on the Wind River Reservation
in Wyoming, was evident as I worked side by side with him
on the Indian Affairs Committee, as was his strong support
for Indian health care and for all of the other services
to Native Americans.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to work with him
and to get to know him and to admire his work. In recent
months, of course, Senator Thomas faced some very
challenging health care issues with a very challenging
illness. He met those challenges with courage and with
grace. He never complained. I never heard him complain. In
fact, it was just about 3 weeks ago at a hearing that I
turned to him and said: ``You look great. You really look
terrific.'' He said: ``I feel good. I feel great.''
He was a person with that kind of attitude. What a
wonderful contribution to the Senate. I think all of us
here will miss a terrific friend.
Let me end as I started by saying this is a political
body. I know most Americans see the evidence of that
politics, so they see sometimes the politics and the
partisanship. What most Americans never have the
opportunity to see is the friendship that exists on the
floor of the Senate. Yes, even between those who from time
to time are adversaries in debate but who understand each
other and are friends with each other.
I had the privilege of working with Senator Thomas for
many years in the House and in the Senate, and
particularly in the last 6 months as chairman and vice
chairman of the committee. I will miss him dearly. I
considered Senator Craig Thomas a friend. My thoughts and
prayers today are with his wonderful family as well.
Madam President, I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kansas.
Mr. ROBERTS. Madam President, I join my colleagues in
paying tribute to our friend and colleague, Senator Craig
Thomas. I always said if I got into a tough situation--
using the allegory, a gunfight on Front Street in my
hometown of Dodge City, KS--I would want Craig Thomas by
my side. I also knew that he would be there.
In that regard, it was only 2 weeks ago that he and
Susan, his wife, corralled a group of supporters for me
and we talked about his personal battle. He was confident.
As Senator Dorgan has indicated, he looked good. And we
joked with him of no longer being a member of the
folliclely challenged caucus.
His turn for the worse and sudden passing comes as a
great shock to all of us. We served together in the House
where, as in this body, he was always a voice of reason, a
man of trust, decency, and commitment.
I do not know of anyone who did not like or respect
Craig Thomas. In this day of rough and tumble public
service and the Congress overflowing, it seems, in a
cauldron of partisan discontent, Craig transcended all of
that.
In the end, the only thing any of us who have the
privilege of public trust has going for us is our word.
Craig Thomas set the gold standard in keeping his word and
our trust and our admiration.
The Senate, Wyoming, and our Nation have lost a steady
hand and a man who did much for his special State. He was
dependable in the finest sense of the word. He never
sought the center ring or the spotlight; that was not his
style. He was the epitome of a workhorse, not a show
horse.
I remember and I treasure our times together, especially
when I first came to the Senate. We both agreed the length
of a conversation does not tell anything about the size of
the intellect. We also agreed that no matter who says
what, you should not believe it if it does not make sense.
Craig made sense. He did not need decorated words to make
his meaning clear. He spoke Wyoming, and Kansas for that
matter.
Craig would take the floor during morning business, and
in his calm, reasonable manner then discuss an issue of
the day. And you sort of had to sit on the edge of your
seat and lean forward, and as they say in his beloved
Marine Corps, listen up. He talked softly, he talked low,
he talked slowly, and he said a whole lot without saying
too much.
To some of us in this body he was, and is, a fellow
Marine. In this case, Semper Fidelis, always faithful, is
most appropriate. As I said, if anyone faced trouble in
their life, the one person you would want by your side
would be Craig Thomas. I shall miss him greatly as a
personal friend, confidant, and supporter.
Both of the offices I have occupied in the Senate were
previously occupied by Craig. I just thought if they were
good enough for Craig, I would fit right in. There is a
short book by Bix Bender called, ``A Cowboy's Guide to
Life.'' In it, he describes the code of the West and urges
men of this common background to write it in hearts, to
stand by the code, and that it would stand by you. Ask no
more and give no less than honesty, courage, loyalty,
generosity, and fairness.
Madam President, Craig Thomas embodied that code. Now,
while our minds are full of sorrow and our hearts
certainly heavy with his loss, Craig would not want that.
In this regard, the words of Helen Steiner Rice come to
mind as our thoughts and prayers are with his supporter,
friend, and his wife Susan; his sons, Patrick, Peter, and
Greg; and his daughter Lexie.
When I must leave you
for a little while,
Please go on bravely
with a gallant smile
And for my sake and in my name,
Live on and do all things the same.
Spend not your life in empty days,
But fill each waking hour
in useful ways.
Reach out your hand
in comfort and in cheer,
And I in turn will comfort you
and hold you near.
Bless Craig Thomas.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.
Mrs. HUTCHISON. Madam President, we did not think,
coming back to the Chamber a week after we had all gone
our separate ways back to our States, that we would come
back with one of our Members not here. There is a drape
over Craig Thomas's chair and a beautiful flower
arrangement.
But all of us who go through the day-to-day workings of
the Senate, working with our constituents at home, the
pressures which we all know we feel being 24/7 in a job
that we love, but we all know the stresses and strains and
therefore we bond because of the similarity of experience.
So when we all said goodbye at the end of last week, we
did not expect to come back and have one fewer Member. So
I want to rise today to express my sadness for the passing
of Senator Craig Thomas and to express my deepest sympathy
for his wife Susan, their family, and the people of
Wyoming.
Senator Thomas served in Congress for 18 years, 6 years
in the House and 12 years in the Senate. He had just been
reelected to his third term. But his service to the United
States did not begin when he came to the Nation's Capital.
It began in the Marine Corps, where he served from 1955 to
1959. Then he went back to Wyoming to work at the Wyoming
Farm Bureau and then the Rural Electric Association.
Later, he began a career in public service, winning an
election to the Wyoming House of Representatives. Five
years later he won a special election to succeed then-
Congressman Dick Cheney as a Member of the U.S. House, and
5 years after that in 1994, then-Congressman Thomas won
election to the Senate.
Craig Thomas used his real-life, rural background to
champion a positive agenda for America's rural community.
As a former chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee,
Craig Thomas authored legislation to provide funding and
management reforms to protect America's national parks in
the 21st century.
He was honored by the National Parks and Conservation
Association with their William Penn Mott Jr. Park
Leadership Award. As a senior member of the Senate Finance
Committee, Senator Thomas was instrumental in vital issues
such as Social Security, trade, and tax reform. He was
cochair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.
These are impressive accomplishments, but Senator Craig
Thomas, the man, was just as impressive. Every time I
called Craig to fill in for me when I was vice chairman of
the Republican Conference, he was there. He was on the
executive committee as the vice chairman of the
conference. Craig was the one I turned to the most to
chair a meeting if I could not be there. He would talk on
the Senate floor about the specific issues that we were
wanting to focus on at the time.
He was so well liked by everyone in this Chamber. I
cannot imagine anyone ever saying they did not like Craig
Thomas. His wife Susan is a very special lady as well. She
works with children who have disabilities. She has made
that her lifelong mission. She is so loved and respected
in the teaching community for the great work that she has
done.
So when all of us learned about Craig Thomas's illness
late last year, we all thought: Gosh, he is going to be a
fighter. He is going to do so well. And he did. He did do
well. He fought it with immediate chemotherapy. He came
back with less hair than he started with in the month of
November, but we knew, as we were watching him progress,
that he was looking better and better and his color was
getting better and better. Then when we all left last
week, some knew he was going back for another round of
chemo. Many of us did not know. But no one in our body
realized how serious it was.
Yesterday, God did call him home. At the moment that he
was called, his wife Susan; his sons, Patrick, Peter, and
Greg; and his daughter, Lexie, were all there with him. So
our prayers shift now from recovery to comfort, and we
hope his family knows and the people of Wyoming know what
a mark he made on this body. He will be remembered, and he
certainly is where the angels are because of his good
nature and his good deeds. We wish Susan and the family
our condolences and our best wishes, and we hope all of us
will be able to have the good memories when time begins to
heal.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arkansas.
Mrs. LINCOLN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent
to speak as in morning business for 5 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mrs. LINCOLN. Madam President, I join my colleagues in
expressing my heartfelt condolences to Susan, the entire
Thomas family, and the people of Wyoming over the passing
of our dear friend, Senator Craig Thomas. We have lost one
of the truly great statesmen from this body who always had
a kind word and a smile for me in the hallway or here in
the well or in this body and anyone else he came across
during the day. He had a wonderful way of calming people
down and making people feel at home. I personally felt a
kinship with Senator Thomas. Our offices were not merely
located in the same corner of the third floor of the
Dirksen Building, we were neighbors in every sense of the
word. We also had the distinction of serving together on
both the Senate Finance and Energy Committees. Not a day
would go by that we didn't share a ride in the elevator or
cross pathways in the hall or stand and visit with our
staffs together.
We also both came from rural States with similar needs,
and we worked together to address many of the same issues
the citizens of Wyoming and Arkansas face. As one of the
cochairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, Senator Thomas
was a true leader and a fighter, consistently fighting to
improve access to health care for rural communities,
especially for seniors. We worked on several issues
together to make sure our rural constituents had a voice
on health care and many other important issues. Senator
Thomas and I also were delighted to work together to
improve tax fairness for the numerous disabled veterans
who served our country with dignity and honor and call
Arkansas and Wyoming their home.
Senator Thomas was a tireless advocate for Wyoming and
fought to ensure that the interests of his State were
always protected throughout the legislative process. I
can't tell you how many times I saw different constituent
groups from Wyoming lined up in the hallway to visit with
their very respected Senator. He was always accessible and
always made time for folks who traveled so far to see him.
But he also made time to visit with those who were there
in the hallway, oftentimes my constituents or staff
members. He was never in too big of a hurry that he
couldn't stop and take the time to visit with someone, to
share with them a kind word or listen to what was on their
mind or in their busy schedule.
He has a tremendous staff. They all reflect the
Senator's good nature. Working with his staff so closely
in the neighborhood of the third floor of Dirksen, they
exemplify the courage and kindness of this incredible
Senator they have served.
He was a tremendous public servant, and he served our
Nation courageously as a U.S. Marine. He was a true
gentleman and one of the kindest and most genuine people
you would ever meet.
I am truly saddened by the loss of my friend, and my
thoughts and prayers are with his dear wife Susan and the
entire Thomas family. This Senate body, the State of
Wyoming, and the American people have been truly blessed
by his life and his service.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Dakota.
Mr. CONRAD. I ask unanimous consent to speak about the
passing of our colleague.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I was deeply saddened to
learn last night that Senator Thomas had lost his
courageous battle against leukemia. Over the years, Craig
and his wife Susan have become very good friends to both
me and my wife Lucy. I will greatly miss him in this
Chamber and, more than that, as a friend.
Senator Thomas and I cochaired the Senate Rural Health
Caucus. We have worked closely, along with our staffs, on
rural health care issues. You couldn't find a more decent
and honorable person than Craig Thomas. He is from
Wyoming; I am from North Dakota. We didn't always agree
politically, but we always got along. I always felt I had
a friend in Craig Thomas.
On health care, he and I partnered over several years to
produce comprehensive legislation to improve reimbursement
levels for health care providers in rural areas. During
the legislation that passed on comprehensive drug
legislation, there were provisions included to, for the
first time in many years, improve reimbursement for rural
providers. It is not well known in the country or perhaps
even in this Chamber that rural institutions often get
one-half as much to provide the same treatment as more
urban institutions. Senator Thomas and I focused on those
issues in the Finance Committee. Much of the legislation
that was included in the comprehensive drug legislation to
for the first time address that unfairness in
reimbursement was legislation that Senator Thomas and I
had offered.
We spent hours and hours together agreeing on the
elements of these legislative packages. Our staffs worked
closely together. They became friends.
This week we were planning to introduce together the
latest version of our comprehensive rural health care
legislation. This week will be a poignant one for me and
my staff as we consider what might have been.
In the Senate Finance Committee, Craig and I worked
closely together on other issues that are important to our
States. We had a shared interest in the impact of trade on
U.S. agriculture, whether it was unfairly subsidized
foreign sugar or the Japanese and Koreans unfairly
blocking exports of American beef. We also shared a deep
interest on energy policy because Wyoming is an energy
State, as is North Dakota. We worked together to boost
transmission capacity and to support clean coal
technologies and to develop coal to liquid fuel
technologies.
I can tell you Craig Thomas was a determined and
principled Member of this body. He had real convictions.
They were never far from his heart. Craig Thomas was
somebody who cared deeply about the people of Wyoming and
the people of this country. He also was someone who could
understand that others might have a different point of
view. While Craig Thomas might not agree with you, he was
willing to listen. He was always willing to debate, but to
do it in a gentlemanly way. I knew many times when Craig
and I were debating legislation we were going to
introduce, there were simply places he wasn't going to go.
He was not going to go against certain deeply held
principles. But he was willing to have a discussion about
how we might accomplish the goal. That is something I
admired deeply about Craig Thomas.
He was a tenacious advocate for improving health care
for the many rural communities in his State and across the
country. He was a fierce fighter for the people of
Wyoming. Nobody could ever doubt that. He brought that
same strength and tenacity to his fight with leukemia.
Although he must have been in pain in the last several
weeks, he never let it show. In fact, one of the last
conversations I had with him was right here in the corner
of this Chamber. I asked him how he was doing. He was
upbeat and positive. I sensed he was on the mend. So it
was a real shock to me to find out last night that we lost
him. He continued to the very end to pursue his goals with
courage and strength and as a true gentleman. We will miss
Craig Thomas as a friend and a colleague. We will miss
that wry sense of humor. We will miss his ability to find
amusement in the daily workings of this body.
Most of all, we will miss his quiet smile and that
twinkle in his eye, because all of us know that is the
Craig Thomas who became our very good friend.
Lucy and I express our deepest condolences to Susan and
to his four children and to the larger Thomas family. We
also take this moment to express our condolences to his
very dedicated, loyal, and highly competent staff. Craig
Thomas had around him people with the same qualities he
demonstrated, people of quiet dignity and people of real
competence who worked very hard for the people of Wyoming
and this country.
I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the
roll.
Mr. WARNER. I ask unanimous consent that the order for
the quorum call be rescinded.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I thank the distinguished
presiding officer for allowing me to come over at this
point in time. I shall take but a few minutes to address
the Senate and the American public about the passing of a
dearly beloved colleague with whom I and other Members of
this great Senate have shared a friendship through the
many years.
Each of us is deeply saddened at the passing yesterday
evening of this valued friend and colleague. I first came
to know him in 1995, when he took the seat of Malcolm
Wallop. I had known Malcolm Wallop very well, still know
him quite well. He was a very strong-minded, able, tough
U.S. Senator, tough in the sense that he was a man of
resolute convictions.
We wondered who would take his place. Craig Thomas took
Senator Wallop's place, and I think even Senator Wallop,
were he here today to address the Senate, would agree he
has followed in the footsteps of many great Senators who
have come from the great State of Wyoming.
He also served as a Marine officer from 1955 to 1959. He
entered as a private and was released as a captain. I say,
with a sense of humility, I entered the Marine Corps as a
private and parted, many years later, as a captain.
Therefore, we had a special bond.
But he was able, through the years, to carry on I think
one of the great attributes of the Corps--taught to all of
us--and where I failed, he succeeded. I used to have a
nickname for him. I called him ``Ramrod.'' He did not have
to say ``I was a Marine'' because you could tell by the
way he walked, the way he carried himself, and the way he
had his chin always projecting. That is the way we were
taught in the Marines. It fell by the wayside with this
humble Senator, but it never left the posture of that
great Marine and great Senator.
As Marines served over the past 5 years on the tip of
the spear around the world, all of our Marines,
particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan of recent, it was
helpful for the Senate to have Senator Thomas's
perspective in looking out for our Marines in a very
special way.
He was very active in the Marine Caucus, meeting for
breakfast at 0800 in the morning, getting together,
talking about years past, years present, and years in the
future. Each year, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
would come over, and, quite understandably, the job fell
to Senator Thomas, which he loved, to introduce the
Commandant of the Marines.
I refer then to our Marine Corps Hymn, which all of us
sing. And I quote one stanza: ``Our flags unfurl'd to
every breeze, From dawn to setting sun.'' The Sun has set
on this great Marine, and that is how I shall always
remember him. Whatever the challenges facing us in the
Senate, he was steadfast, unruffled, and committed to the
task at hand, like the Marine he was and always will be in
our memories.
It is interesting, another characteristic of Marines--
our good friend, Conrad Burns, being one, and to some
extent myself--we tend to be rather gregarious, somewhat
undisciplined and rough and ready. But Senator Thomas was
a very quiet man, very introspective in his thinking, with
a smile on his face. But he could project his persona
without some of the other attributes we Marines pride
ourselves in.
He chaired the Senate Rural Health Caucus. I am a member
of that caucus, and I stop to think--I do not know how
many are members of it--it was an effective caucus. We got
together particularly on issues of medical care and how,
through the past decades, that care has shrunk in the
rural areas because of the lack of young men and young
women going in and practicing medicine and accepting the
hardships and indeed the less pay the rural areas have.
But he left his hallmark trying to encourage better
medical care in those regions which are in every State of
our Union.
We both loved fishing. How many times we talked about
trout fishing. He always said to me: ``John, I have a very
special stream, almost untouched, largely unknown, but I
will take you there someday, and you will experience a
trip you will never forget.'' I have missed that trip.
His constituents, his loving family, and, above all, his
wife Susan, are in our thoughts and prayers. I ask
colleagues to stop and think on those evenings when we got
our evening engagements and we were, fortunately, going to
be accompanied by our wives, that Susan would stand watch
at the door of the Senate. I can see that spot. As you
approach the Chamber, it is on the left, right there next
to the column. I would always see her and wave a
``hello.''
So I say to her and her family, thank you for sharing in
our lives the richness of the life of your Craig Thomas.
From one Marine to another, I simply say: ``Fair Winds
and Following Seas to you, sir. Semper Fi.''
Mr. AKAKA. Madam President, I am deeply saddened at the
passing of my dear friend, Wyoming's senior Member,
Senator Craig Thomas. We have lost a truly dear and
courageous member of this body, whose absence will be
felt. I had the pleasure of serving with Senator Thomas
for many years, both in the U.S. House of Representatives
and here in the Senate since his election in 1994. I found
him to be a true statesman, of great character, with a
passion for serving others.
He grew up on a ranch in Cody, WY, and never forgot his
roots, as he continuously advocated for rural communities
and our natural resources. He graduated from the
University of Wyoming with a degree in agriculture, and
served our country proudly for 4 years in the Marines.
During his tenure in Congress, he forged a distinguished
legislative record on issues as diverse as public land
management, agriculture, fiscal responsibility and rural
health care. It was a great pleasure and honor to serve
with Senator Thomas on the Senate Subcommittee on National
Parks, both when he was chairman and I was the ranking
member, and most recently, when our roles were reversed
this Congress. Working with Senator Thomas was a joy and
privilege due to his positive and optimistic attitude. We
were able to accomplish many notable things during our
tenure together, as we always worked in a bipartisan
manner, putting the needs and challenges of the parks and
public lands before all else.
I also had the privilege of working with Senator Thomas
on the Indian Affairs Committee. As the ranking member of
the committee, he took seriously his responsibility to
address the needs of our country's indigenous people.
Knowing of the challenges faced by our Native communities
throughout the country, he worked tirelessly to improve
their quality of life.
I extend my heartfelt condolences and deepest aloha to
Senator Thomas's wife Susan and their four children. They
should be proud that he lived a full and purposeful life,
and had a positive impact on the lives of so many. He will
be sorely missed. Our prayers and support are with them as
they walk down this difficult path.
Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, words cannot express how
sad I am that my good friend Craig Thomas passed away last
night. We will all truly miss his tenacious advocacy on
issues, his incredible sense of humor, and his upstanding
character and integrity. The Senate will not be the same
without him.
I have known Craig for almost 20 years. I first became
friends with him when we both served in the House of
Representatives. We continued our friendship in the
Senate, where I had the great fortune of serving with him
on both the Senate Finance and Senate Energy Committees.
Craig was a tireless advocate for Wyoming issues. He was
an effective leader in energy, public lands, tax, trade,
health, and rural community issues. We stood side by side
on many issues, and I always felt we could accomplish any
project because I had Craig by my side.
He and I worked closely on energy issues in both
committees. Craig was skilled at keeping his eyes on the
details that mattered to the people back home in Wyoming.
Recently, we worked together on a small issue in the
landmark Energy Policy Act of 2005 that he helped craft.
We learned that western coals, because of their naturally
low sulfur content, would be excluded from certain clean
coal programs for failing to remove the high percentage
mandated by the bill. This was one of those little things
that slipped by many people but not Craig. We have already
fixed the problem in the Tax Code and are now working to
do the same in the Energy Committee. It was the little
things he did for the people of Wyoming that made him such
a great Senator for his State.
Craig also pushed to make sure that both his State and
the Nation had an effective energy policy. Just a couple
of weeks ago, Craig and I sponsored an amendment during
markup of the Energy Committee biofuels bill to attempt to
push coal-to-liquids technology into reality. Thomas
believed this would help both the people of Wyoming by
providing more jobs and cheaper energy costs and would
help the Nation by reducing our reliance on Middle East
oil. And although this amendment failed in committee, his
dogged determination showed through because he planned to
continue fighting this issue on the Senate floor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Susan and his
children, Lexie, Greg, Patrick, and Peter. They have shown
incredible courage and strength the past few months.
I am honored to have known Senator Thomas. He impacted
all of our lives and will be sorely missed.
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, I appreciate this
consideration. I realize we must move to the legislation
before us, the issue of immigration, but I wanted to take
just a few minutes this afternoon to stand in tribute to
my friend, to our friend and colleague, Senator Craig
Thomas.
I think it is fair to say that this is very difficult
for all of us here in the Senate. It has been described
that we are a family. We are friends. My neighbor Senator
Thomas and I have sat on this back row together for this
past year. I sit next to him in the Energy Committee. I
sit next to him in the Indian Affairs Committee. He is a
friend and a man whom I will miss very deeply. To learn
this morning of his passing leaves me truly with a hole in
my heart. I can't imagine the depth of loss the family and
his wife Susan are feeling at this point.
We recognize that we were privileged to serve with a
truly incredible man. I haven't served with him as long as
many of my Senate colleagues. I came to know him really
from a very personal perspective. I was fascinated with
the fact that he is a true cowboy. I have always kind of
thought that cowboys never die. He was claimed by a very
terrible disease, a very terrible cancer, leukemia. Alaska
mourned the loss of a young woman just last year who was
claimed by leukemia. She was a world-famous dog musher. In
Alaska, we say dog mushers, real famous dog mushers never
die, either. So, again, my heart is very heavy.
When I got up this morning and saw on my BlackBerry the
news of Senator Thomas, there was a second BlackBerry
message that came to me from one of the pages who served
here in the Senate just last fall. She was one of the
winter pages. I was very touched by the note she sent to
the head of the page program, and she forwarded me a copy
of it as well. I want to read just a paragraph from her e-
mail to me because I think it reflects how Senator Thomas
touched the lives of so many--not just his colleagues and
not just the people of Wyoming but a young 16-year-old
page from Alaska. She wrote:
My class and I witnessed some of the stages of Senator
Thomas's sickness, but we never witnessed him getting
upset or angry because he was feeling down and overtired
due to his symptoms and treatments.
Senator Thomas was a cheerful man, always smiling and
personable, even when he was not being approached. He did
not have to address us at all; we were pages, mere peons
in the infrastructure of what we know as the Senate. Yet,
every time he entered the Senate, he warmed the room with
his smile and a warm glow that protruded gently from his
kind eyes. When he would speak to us, he did so with the
utmost respect and thoughtfulness, truly treating us as
equals. He never looked down on us, and I believe that is
why his memory has stayed with me and will continue to do
so in the future.
What made Senator Thomas remarkable, aside from all
this, was that at the end of the day when we were at our
lowest point and we felt so tired we couldn't help but
frown, he was the one that no one ever caught frowning. He
was a great Senator, and from what I have had the chance
to witness firsthand, a great man. I am deeply sorry for
this loss, and I hope that this e-mail will attest to
that. His actions and his kindness were not lost on us.
This was signed:
With utmost respect and deepest sincerity, former U.S.
Senate Page, Lily George from Anchorage, AK.
I thought it important to share that e-mail with my
colleagues because, again, Senator Thomas was one who
generated warmth with everybody he reached out to, whether
they were pages or Senators or people in the airport. We
will miss him very deeply here in the Senate.
Mr. BOND. Madam President, today we pay tribute to
Senator Craig Thomas, whom we unfortunately lost to cancer
last night.
Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy go out to his wife
Susan and their children during this difficult time.
I had the opportunity to work closely with Senator
Thomas on the Environment and Public Works Committee.
He was a leader in the energy, agriculture, water
resources and agricultural issues that affected his State.
I highly respected his low-key, behind-the-scenes manner
of getting things done.
He was forward looking: he believed that ``clean
technologies'' were a solution both to environmental
pollution and to our dependence on foreign oil.
On the Finance Committee, he was a dependable vote for
fiscal sanity, tax simplification and cutting spending.
It is said around here that there are ``workhorses'' and
``show horses.'' By that measure Senator Thomas was
certainly a workhorse. He did not aggressively seek the
limelight. Instead he worked quietly and diligently, with
integrity, to get things done for Wyoming.
We will miss his knowledge, competence, and his
friendship.
Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I am deeply saddened by
the death of my friend, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming.
Craig Thomas was a popular figure in his home State of
Wyoming, winning a third term last November with 70
percent of the vote. He was known both at home and in
Washington as honest, hard-working, decent, and effective.
He came to the Senate in 1989 through a special election
to fill the vacancy left by Dick Cheney, who had been
named Secretary of Defense. He won that race with 52
percent of the vote. By the year 2000, Senator Thomas's
popularity had soared, and he won reelection with 74
percent of the vote--one of the largest margins of victory
in Wyoming history.
Senator Thomas's record of public service reaches back
well before his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Prior to his
election to the Senate, he served 5 years in the Wyoming
Legislature, and 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
His positions on the Finance Committee, Energy and
Natural Resources Committee, and Environment and Public
Works Committee allowed him to be an advocate for issues
such as conservation and fiscal conservatism. He was a
champion of issues of concern to rural America such as
affordability and access to quality health care services.
Senator Thomas's home State of Wyoming is not unlike my
State of Mississippi, and we often worked side by side on
issues that face our States. He fought to improve the
quality of life for the people of Wyoming and was a strong
advocate for the agricultural sector of our economy. He
was tireless in urging the importance of public land
management and conservation of our natural resources.
Craig Thomas will truly be missed in the U.S. Senate. He
reflected great credit on this body. It is my hope that
the spirit of fairness and decency he represented will
continue to be mighty valued in the Senate as a mark of
our continued appreciation of him and his exemplary
service to our Nation.
(At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement by
Mr. Obama was ordered to be printed in the Record.)
Mr. OBAMA. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute
to a dear colleague and a tireless advocate for the people
of Wyoming, Senator Craig Thomas.
Muhammad Ali once said, ``Service to others is the rent
you pay for your room here on Earth.'' Senator Thomas paid
his rent in full.
No truer to his State could a man be than Craig Thomas
was. Born and raised on a ranch outside of Cody, WY, he
grew up in the Wyoming public school system, attended the
University of Wyoming, served as vice president of the
Wyoming Farm Bureau, and general manager of the Wyoming
Rural Electric Association. He served in both the House
and Senate and returned to his State every weekend,
visiting hometowns and parks, never losing sight of his
constituents and their needs.
His commitment to this country led him to serve with
great distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to
1959. Before being elected to the U.S. Congress, he held
office for 5 years in the Wyoming State Legislature, where
he got his start in politics. And throughout his
distinguished political career, Craig Thomas became known
for his leadership on issues so critical to the well-being
of Wyoming, issues like rural health care access, fiscal
responsibility, and the protection of our Nation's park
lands. As cochair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, he
urged Congress to continue its support for rural health
programs like the Community Health Centers Program, which
provides services to over 16 million people living in
underserved areas. This is only one of the many legacies
he leaves behind.
I am sorry I could not have served longer with Senator
Thomas. My memories of him are as a kind, quiet, and
humble man. He commanded enormous respect from us all, and
had a clarity of vision that did not go unnoticed. In the
face of a life-threatening illness, he returned to work
this year with the conviction of a cowboy who knows that
if you get thrown from a horse, you have to get up and get
back on. His courage throughout this tremendous battle
will continue to inspire those of us who follow him.
On this sad occasion of his passing, Michelle and I
extend our deepest condolences to the members of his
family, especially his wife Susan and his four children,
to his staff, and to the people of Wyoming. I join my
colleagues and fellow Americans who are praying for them
and mourning their loss during this time of grief.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Madam President. I rise to honor the
memory of Senator Craig Thomas, who passed away last
night, Monday, June 4, at National Naval Medical Center in
Bethesda, MD.
I knew Senator Thomas--as we all did--as a quiet
gentleman, and a dedicated advocate for the people of
Wyoming.
My heart goes out to his wife Susan and to their four
children.
Senator Thomas died of acute myeloid leukemia, which he
had been fighting for several months.
All of us are familiar with Senator Thomas's courage,
because we saw it here, in the Capitol, and on the floor
of the Senate.
He came here to do his duty, even though he was fighting
a disease that would ultimately take his life. That is the
mark of true courage--not at all surprising, coming from
this son of the American West.
Senator Thomas was raised on a ranch near Cody, WY. He
attended public schools, and graduated from the University
of Wyoming at Laramie, earning a degree in agriculture.
After college, he served 4 years in the Marine Corps.
Then he went on to become vice president of the Wyoming
Farm Bureau, and general manager of the Wyoming Rural
Electric Association.
He served 5 years in the Wyoming State Legislature. In
1989, he was elected to the House of Representatives in a
special election to replace Dick Cheney, who had been
named Secretary of Defense. He was elected to his first
term in the Senate in 1994.
Senator Thomas was reelected to his third term last
year, with 70 percent of the vote.
Here, Senator Thomas was a strong voice for the people
of his home State.
This included working to improve health care
opportunities for rural families, work he pursued as a
senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and as
cochair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus.
Senator Thomas served as chairman of the National Parks
Subcommittee, and his work was recognized many times by
the National Parks Conservation Association.
The organization honored him with its William Penn Mott
Jr. Park Leadership Award, and with the National Parks
Achievement Award.
I had the distinct pleasure of working together with
Senator Thomas on some issues close to my heart.
Earlier this year, he was part of a bipartisan coalition
that joined with me, and with Senator Kay Bailey
Hutchison, to extend the sale of the breast cancer
research stamp, which has raised $54.9 million for breast
cancer research.
Last year, Senator Thomas joined with me to cosponsor
legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to His
Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, in recognition of his
message of compassion and peace.
And Senator Thomas and I collaborated on a plan to use
Wyoming Powder River Coal to produce cleaner electricity,
which would be sold to Western States, including
California.
Senator Thomas served Wyoming and the Nation well. He
will be greatly missed.
Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute
and bid farewell to my colleague and friend, my neighbor
from the great State of Wyoming, Senator Craig Thomas.
Craig brought a quiet dignity to this august Chamber. He
was a Senator with the heart of a cowboy. We all knew that
he would rather have been on horseback in the Wyoming
prairie than in Washington, DC, but this was where the
people of Wyoming needed him to be. Indeed, all citizens
of America benefited greatly from his presence in
Washington, DC.
Craig was the champion of rural America. He quietly but
tirelessly fought for the hard-working people of rural
America, the people who provide us with food and energy,
the woolgrowers, the cattlemen, and the farmers. If ever
there were a question on agriculture, Craig was the man to
see. During his tenure in the U.S. Senate, we all relied
heavily on Senator Thomas's expertise and leadership on
agriculture, rural development, and many other important
topics debated by this body.
We served together on the Senate Finance Committee where
he would often entertain us with his stories and
experiences. I truly enjoyed listening to him and hearing
about his great State of Wyoming. Craig had a way of
dealing with the complex issues facing the Finance
Committee that was very direct and meaningful. He had a
way of distilling the complex tax, trade, and health care
issues down to their core and ensuring that real people,
with real concerns were addressed by the policies created
in the Finance Committee.
I have had the distinct privilege of sitting next to
Craig in committee meetings, in briefings, in lunches, on
the floor, and in several other settings, and I can tell
you he was always a gentleman. He was always a caring
legislator, and he was always a true and loyal friend.
Craig earned great stature and prestige in the time he
spent as a leader in the U.S. Marine Corps, the Wyoming
Farm Bureau, the Wyoming State Legislature, the U.S. House
of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate. I am honored to
have served beside him for so many years in the Senate,
and I will miss my friend dearly.
I join with my colleagues in offering my condolences to
Senator Thomas's family, especially his widow, Susan. My
thoughts and prayers are with them on this day as we mourn
the loss of a great Senator but celebrate the life of our
great and dear man. The people of Wyoming will certainly
thank Susan and the rest of the Thomas family for sharing
their beloved Craig with them, and I believe the entire
Nation would join with me in thanking Susan for sharing
her great husband with us. He represented the good people
of Wyoming in such a capable and dignified manner, and I
know they are going to miss him. In fact, the entire
Nation is going to miss him.
In this instance, I believe it is appropriate to quote
the beloved cowboy song and say to Craig, ``Happy trails
to you, till we meet again.''
Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, I was deeply saddened to
hear of the sudden passing of my colleague from Wyoming,
Senator Craig Thomas. The loss we all feel at his passing
is tempered by the happy memories I have of working with
him on so many issues of mutual interest. His efforts and
his leadership on the panels on which we served together--
the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Agriculture
Committee, and Senate Environment and Public Works
Committee--will remain foremost in my memory. I
particularly admired his staunch advocacy for the needs of
rural communities and farmers. Craig brought a special
passion and expertise to issues affecting ranching
families. His focus on their unique needs spanned the
trade, economic, environmental, and public lands
management issues of rural communities.
Craig brought to Congress his vision for the needs of
Wyoming and rural States, and he became a strong advocate
of effective resource and energy policies. I am pleased to
have partnered with him in applying technologies to
improving our Nation's energy generation. Although he
lived his life modestly, he became a leader in national
park stewardship, and the American people owe him a debt
of gratitude for his promotion of the underserved National
Park System. I also appreciated his long and thoughtful
counsel on ways to update the Endangered Species Act.
In recent months, Craig took a prime role on the Finance
Committee in working to simplify the Federal Tax Code and
improve entitlement and health care assistance to the
least fortunate. As one who took to heart the importance
of protecting the taxpayers' dollars, Craig was a strong
proponent of restoring the sustainability of our Nation's
welfare system. And Craig understood that economic
development in rural States like Wyoming was inextricably
linked to trade promotion that ensured open and fair
markets abroad. I will miss his stalwart and consistent
advocacy for farming communities as the Senate considered
trade legislation.
As a man who represented a small State in population,
Craig towered large over the landscape of thoughtful
conservative Members of Congress. I think a fitting
tribute and legacy to our late friend would be to adopt
his resolution making July 28 National Day of the Cowboy.
My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family and
friends. I will miss my good friend and colleague.
Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, last night, the State of
Wyoming lost a fine statesman and a true gentleman with
the passing of Senator Craig Thomas. Senator Thomas was a
strong advocate for his State and its interests. He fought
hard for his priorities, and I especially admired his
tireless advocacy for our Nation's beautiful parks and
wilderness. He also worked hard for the priorities of
rural Wyoming and indeed all of rural America, fighting
hard to improve health care infrastructure.
Senator Thomas dedicated his life to serving his country
and his State. After graduating from the University of
Wyoming, he joined the Marines and began his long career
of service. Even when faced with his final battle with
cancer, he continued to fight on for Wyoming and serve
with distinction.
But the Senate lost not only an outstanding advocate but
a wonderful person. More than anything, I will remember
Senator Thomas as a man who carried himself with dignity
and who treated all of his colleagues with respect,
despite party differences. More than any debate, committee
hearing or piece of legislation, it is his warm smile that
I will remember most. I know he did a fantastic job
representing the State of Wyoming, and I am honored to
have known and worked with him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends
during this difficult time.
Mr. BYRD. Madam President:
I saw the sun sink in the golden west
No angry cloud obscured its latest ray.
Around the couch on which it sank to rest
Shone all the splendor of a summer day.
And long though lost to view, that radiant light
Reflected from the skies, delayed the night.
Thus, when a good man's life draws to a close,
No doubts arise to cloud his soul with gloom,
But faith triumphant on each feature glows,
While benedictions fill the sacred room;
And long, long do men his virtues wide proclaim
And generations rise to praise his name.
It is with deep sorrow--deep sorrow--that I note the
passing of our colleague Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming.
He was my friend. He always passed here and I would say:
``How are you doing today, Cowboy?''
First elected to the Senate in 1994, Senator Thomas was
twice reelected to the Senate by some of the widest
margins in his State's history, one time reaching 75
percent of the vote. It is hard to beat that.
As has already been mentioned today, he was one of the
very few people from Wyoming to have represented his State
in both houses of the Congress, over there and over here.
Here in the Senate, I found him to be a most considerate
and patient colleague. He was always willing to step aside
for another Senator who sought recognition. He was a nice
man, a very quiet man with a radiant smile, staying out of
the spotlight, working behind the scenes, always ready to
cooperate and work with others for the good of our
country. He was a good, decent human being.
Yes, we represented different political parties. Yes, we
sometimes held different political views, and we came from
vastly different parts of the country, but we shared
important common interests and objectives. With his State
of Wyoming being the No. 1 coal-producing State in the
Nation and my State of West Virginia being No. 2, I always
appreciated his support for clean coal technologies and
legislation that promoted the use of coal. I always
appreciated his interest in and support of our country's
beautiful and magnificent national parks. As chairman of
the National Parks Subcommittee on the Energy and Natural
Resources Committee, he sponsored legislation that both
protected and promoted these national treasures.
Just as this former Marine dedicated his life to his
country, he dedicated his career in the Senate to
improving the quality of life for rural America. As
cochairman of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, he worked
tirelessly to improve the quality of rural health care. He
was truly a fine Member of this institution and a great
American who will be missed by his colleagues, certainly
by me, and by the people of Wyoming.
I express my sincere condolences to his wife Susan, to
his sons and other members of his family, to his staff,
and to the people of Wyoming. All of us will miss Senator
Thomas. But we will always retain our very fond memories
of him, Craig Thomas. Bless his soul. May God bless him.
I repeat these few verses in his memory:
Let Fate do her worst,
There are relics of joy,
Bright dreams of the past,
Which she cannot destroy;
Which come, in the night-time
Of sorrow and care,
And bring back the features
That joy used to wear.
Long, long be my heart
With such memories filled,
Like the vase in which roses
Have once been distilled;
You may break, you may shatter
The vase, if you will,
But the scent of the roses
Will hang round it still.
Goodbye, Craig. I will miss you. But we will meet again
on that far shore where the roses never wither and the
flowers never fade.
Mr. KYL. Madam President, I am going to have a statement
printed in the Record, but I did wish to say something
this evening before the evening is over about our
colleague, Craig Thomas. Craig was a wonderful friend of
all of us. In my case, being a fellow Westerner, I had a
special affinity for Craig. He was a fellow I could talk
to--without talk. Particularly a cowboy such as Craig can
communicate with you in a real Western way that doesn't
require a whole lot of ``jibber-jabber,'' as he would say.
Craig was a man of the earth. He really was a cowboy,
and a good one at that. He took that kind of set of
Western values, of not talking a whole lot but meaning
what he says and saying what he means, into the political
life. When he came to the Senate, I think everyone
appreciated that quality in him.
By the way, I would say he reminds me of my colleague,
the Senator from Alabama, in that regard. You never have
any doubt about where the Senator from Alabama stands and
you never had any doubt about where Senator Craig Thomas
stood. That is a quality we need in our public officials
today.
Craig's wife Susan is a wonderful friend of mine and of
my wife Carol. Our hearts go out to her and their family
tonight. But she does have, at least, I think, the solace
in knowing that people all over this country--not just
from their home State of Wyoming--have tremendous respect
for the achievements of her husband Craig and the way in
which he handled himself as a Member of the Senate, never
letting an ego take over what he understood to be his
primary responsibilities.
He was quiet and he was humble. He was serious and he
was very hard-working. He stood up for the interests of
the people of his State. He was a great patriot for the
United States of America. But he never took himself so
seriously that he gave even a hint of pomposity or being
someone who didn't understand where he was grounded.
We will miss Craig Thomas immensely. We will never
forget him as a loyal friend, a patriot, and someone who
was quintessential in the way he represented his area of
the United States and, in particular, his constituents in
the State of Wyoming.
I thank the Senator from Alabama.
Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I thank Senator Kyl for
his good remarks. I thought perhaps tomorrow I would have
the ability to focus on our loss, but I will attempt
tonight to say a few words about our colleague, Craig
Thomas. I loved Craig Thomas. He was a person who came
from the West. He understood where he came from. He
understood the values with which he was raised, and he
reflected those daily in his work in the Senate without
ever bragging about it or talking about it. People just
knew it. He was a man of character and integrity, a man
who, as Senator Kyl indicated, never allowed personal ego
to interfere with his commitment to serve his constituents
and his Nation.
We had a visit to Iraq together not too long ago. Things
had not been going well. He would ask penetrating
questions. He would ask: ``When are the Iraqis stepping up
and how much are they doing so? How long do we continue to
put our troops at risk if they are not carrying their
load?''
He did it in a way that was sincere and raised
fundamental questions of great importance.
Craig liked issues. He believed in a series of
principles that made America great. He cared about those
principles. For a time, he volunteered to come to the
floor and be a part of a message team for the Republican
Senate Members and spent a good bit of time at it--over a
year or two. During that time he would articulate the
basic premises and values that I think are fundamental for
the Republican Party and for most Americans.
I would say to our wonderful friend Susan, our prayers
and our sympathies are with you. We can only imagine the
loss you have sustained. We have watched in these past
months the courage that Craig had displayed as he suffered
from the terrible disease that he had. We saw the strength
that he had, his refusal to stay at home, his
determination to be at work. I had several examples of it
in which I talked to him, and I said it is not necessary
for you, you need to rest up. He knew he was susceptible
to infection. But he was determined to fulfill his
responsibilities as a Senator and he did so in a way that
all could be proud.
He ran the race and he fought the fight. He served his
country with great skill and ability. Our respect and love
is extended to the family and our prayers are with him and
the family.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida.
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Madam President, I am aware of
the hour of the recess, and I will be very brief. But I
wished to come and express my condolences to the family of
Senator Thomas and to share for them, spread upon the
pages of the Congressional Record, the fact that a
faithful member of the weekly Senate prayer breakfast was
Senator Thomas.
The gathering is private, Senators only. All Senators
check their egos and check their partisanship at the door
and join together as friends in a spiritual setting.
What a delight it was for this Senator to share that
collegiality with Senator Thomas on a weekly basis in the
proceedings of the Senate. For that friendship, that
collegiality, I am especially grateful.
Madam President, I yield the floor.
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
SENATE RESOLUTION 220--HONORING THE LIFE OF SENATOR CRAIG
THOMAS
Mr. McCONNELL (for himself, Mr. Reid, Mr. Enzi, Mr.
Akaka, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Allard, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Bayh,
Mr. Bennett, Mr. Biden, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Bond, Mrs.
Boxer, Mr. Brown, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Bunning, Mr. Burr,
Mr. Byrd, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Carper, Mr. Casey,
Mr. Chambliss, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Coburn, Mr. Cochran, Mr.
Coleman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Corker, Mr. Cornyn,
Mr. Craig, Mr. Crapo, Mr. DeMint, Mr. Dodd, Mrs. Dole, Mr.
Domenici, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Ensign, Mr.
Feingold, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Graham, Mr. Grassley, Mr.
Gregg, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison,
Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Johnson, Mr.
Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Kyl, Ms.
Landrieu, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Levin, Mr.
Lieberman, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Lott, Mr. Lugar, Mr.
Martinez, Mr. McCain, Mrs. McCaskill, Mr. Menendez, Ms.
Mikulski, Ms. Murkowski, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Nelson of
Florida, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Obama, Mr. Pryor, Mr.
Reed, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Salazar, Mr.
Sanders, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Smith,
Ms. Snowe, Mr. Specter, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Stevens, Mr.
Sununu, Mr. Tester, Mr. Thune, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Voinovich,
Mr. Warner, Mr. Webb, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Wyden)
submitted the following resolution; which was considered
and agreed to:
S. Res. 220
Whereas Senator Craig Thomas had a long and honorable
history of public service, serving in the United States
Marine Corps, the Wyoming State Legislature, the United
States House of Representatives, and the United States
Senate;
Whereas Senator Craig Thomas represented the people of
Wyoming with honor and distinction for over 20 years;
Whereas Senator Craig Thomas was first elected to the
United States House of Representatives in 1989;
Whereas Senator Craig Thomas was subsequently elected 3
times to the United States Senate by record margins of
more than 70 percent; and
Whereas Senator Craig Thomas's life and career were
marked by the best of his Western values: hard work, plain
speaking, common sense, courage, and integrity: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) the United States Senate has heard with profound
sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of
the Honorable Craig Thomas, a Senator from the State of
Wyoming;
(2) the Senate mourns the loss of one of its most
esteemed members, Senator Craig Thomas, and expresses its
condolences to the people of Wyoming and to his wife,
Susan, and his 4 children;
(3) the Secretary of the Senate shall communicate this
resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an
enrolled copy thereof to the family of Senator Craig
Thomas; and
(4) when the Senate adjourns today, it shall stand
adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of
Senator Craig Thomas.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the Senate now proceed to consideration of S. Res. 220,
which was submitted earlier today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the
resolution.
The assistant legislative clerk read S. Res. 220.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to
consider the resolution.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to,
and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 220) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. TOMORROW
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, if there is no further
business today, I now ask unanimous consent that the
Senate stand adjourned under the provisions of S. Res.
220, as a mark of further respect to the memory of our
late colleague, Senator Craig Thomas.
There being no objection, the Senate, at 8:53 p.m.,
adjourned until Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at 9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Mr. REID. . . . This week, we have conducted four
rollcall votes, adopted four other amendments by voice
vote, and we probably would have done more but for the
unfortunate death of our colleague and friend, Senator
Thomas. Yesterday morning, in memory of our friend, we
decided not to work here, and that was the right thing to
do. This morning, we have two more votes that are
scheduled . . .
We do a lot of business in this body by unanimous
consent--in fact, most everything. The cloture vote is
scheduled for tomorrow morning, an hour after we come into
session. We can change that. It is my hope that we can
finish the [immigration] bill this week. I am very
confident we can.
I personally feel an obligation to go to the funeral in
Wyoming. Craig Thomas was a Republican with whom I worked
very closely on a number of issues, and I had great
appreciation and admiration for him. Out of respect for
him and Susan, I feel that I need to go to that funeral,
and I am sure many others feel the same way. So that is
going to change our schedule. It is my understanding that
the funeral is going to be Saturday. I have notified my
caucus, and I have explained to the distinguished
Republican leader that we may have to work longer hours
this week. But let's try to finish this bill. . . .
Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, this is my first time
speaking on the floor since the passing of our colleague,
Senator Thomas. I know we are all very conscious of the
desk draped in black across the way, next to Senator
Cornyn. I extend my condolences to his many friends, my
many esteemed colleagues who knew and admired Senator
Thomas and mourn his loss and know he will be sorely
missed by his friends in the Senate and his friends and
family in his native State of Wyoming. . . .
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I rise to honor Senator
Craig Thomas, who, very sadly, passed away Monday evening.
As all of us in the Senate know, Craig was a respected
Member of this body. A number of my colleagues have made
very kind remarks on the floor about their relationship
with Craig. While I have not served as long in the Senate
as have many of my colleagues who knew and worked with
Craig over the years, I did have an opportunity to get to
know him since being elected to the Senate in 2004.
I think one of the most important things we have all
witnessed with Craig's passing is the outpouring of
support and stories about the people he impacted in the
Senate, in Wyoming, and across the country.
Without question, the Senate is a lesser place today
without Craig's presence. One of the clearest indications
of any politician's popularity is his or her support back
home. Craig's leadership as the senior member of the
Wyoming delegation was overwhelming--primarily due to the
confidence he earned from his constituents back in
Wyoming. That confidence was something he fought to keep
since first being elected to Congress back in 1989.
Craig's battle with leukemia was very indicative of the
way he led his life and how he worked on behalf of his
State and our Nation. I also believe if his diagnosis
hadn't been made public following his reelection last
November, I doubt anybody would have known of the battle
he waged as he underwent his chemotherapy treatments.
Craig did timeless work on behalf of the citizens of
Wyoming and our Nation. His absence from the Senate will
be greatly felt. Kimberley and I are deeply saddened by
Craig's passing and extend our prayers to Susan and her
family. Craig's hard work over the years on behalf of
Wyoming and our Nation is a testament to his character and
gives all of us something to strive for.
Craig Thomas was a man of the people. He was a Wyoming
original. He represented the very heart and soul of the
people of his State and of our Nation. He personified hard
work and integrity. He was a ``what you see is what you
get'' kind of a guy. Wyoming and America are a better
place because of his service.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise to join the many
Senators who have paid tribute to our colleague Craig
Thomas. Many of my colleagues have come to the floor since
Senator Thomas's passing, and it is clear how many friends
he had in this Chamber and how well everyone thought of
him and the work he did.
We all knew him as a hard-working Member of the Senate
who quickly earned his colleagues' respect. That respect
was grounded in the way Craig Thomas served his country
throughout his life. He spent 4 years in the U.S. Marine
Corps and served in the Wyoming State Legislature, the
U.S. House of Representatives, and since 1995, the U.S.
Senate.
During his years in the Senate, Senator Thomas served
Wyoming with great dedication. Raised on a ranch, Senator
Thomas understood the concerns of rural Americans, and I
appreciated his efforts in the Senate to stand up for the
people who keep our rural communities strong. That is an
important concern in my State, and I know it is in Wyoming
as well.
I was very pleased to work with him to improve
competition and fair treatment for farmers and ranchers. I
know that he was committed to giving farmers and ranchers
a fair shake in the marketplace, and his constituents
appreciated that dedication.
Senator Thomas also worked on a range of health care
issues important to rural Americans. He well understood
the challenges that people in rural areas face as they
seek access to health care services and helped to address
those concerns. The Senate benefited from his leadership
as cochair of the Senate's Rural Health Caucus, where he
showed tremendous commitment to these issues. He led the
push to maintain full funding for several rural health
discretionary programs, and I am grateful for his efforts.
That was just one of the many ways he contributed to the
work of the Senate and served the people of Wyoming.
As we remember Senator Thomas, we can all be grateful
for the life he led and his outstanding service to the
Senate and to our country. To his wife, his family, his
staff, and his many friends, I offer my condolences and my
deepest sympathies.
Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise to join others in
paying tribute to a wonderful colleague, Senator Craig
Thomas. Tragically, last night, he lost his battle with
leukemia. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his
wife Susan, his children, Patrick, Greg, Peter, and Lexie,
and to his staff.
Since January, I had the pleasure to serve with Senator
Thomas on the Finance Committee. I found him to be a hard-
working Senator and very concerned about his constituents'
struggling to get health care in rural areas.
I also had a chance to work with him last year on the
Michigan Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Act. This
legislation sets up a process whereby the National Park
Service would work with the State of Michigan to create a
lighthouse tourist trail.
As my colleagues know, he was chairman of the National
Parks Subcommittee, which had jurisdiction over this
legislation. During consideration of this bill, he was
helpful to me and the people of Michigan even though these
lighthouses are thousands of miles away from his home. He
held a hearing on this legislation, worked with me to get
it to the floor and ultimately to the President's desk.
On behalf of the people of Michigan, we appreciate his
support of this legislation.
Senator Thomas was a wonderful man--kind and decent to
everyone. We will all miss him.
Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, with a combination of great
sadness and admiration, I join my colleagues in honoring
the life of Craig Thomas, a person of strength, passion,
and integrity.
Those who have had the blessing of traveling to the
State of Wyoming appreciate its amazing beauty and
variety. Craig Thomas reflected the geography of his
State. He could be as peaceful and serene as Wyoming's
rolling prairie grass lands, and he could be as striking
and powerful as its majestic mountains.
Growing up, he learned the creative dynamic of frontier
life: rugged individualism joined with an ethic of
neighbor-helping-neighbor when the need was great.
In this sometimes stuffy and frustrating Washington
world, he was a fresh breeze of unconventionality. He
maintained his Wyoming vision of life throughout many
years in this city, and the people of Wyoming deeply
appreciated his strong immunity to the political disease
called Potomac fever.
Craig Thomas lived a very meaningful life and made the
State and country he loved a better place in which to
live. From his young days as a Marine to his last days as
a Senator, his heart was service and he put everything he
had into making a difference for generations to come.
Because of his service here, our national parks are a
legacy that will be passed to future generations in better
shape than he found them. Because of his fiscal
conservatism, fewer dollars of debt will be passed on to
our children. Because of his vision and integrity, a model
of public service will be available to those who come
after.
Laurie and I send our prayers to the Thomas family. We
thank them and the people of Wyoming for sharing Senator
Thomas with the Nation.
Every one of us on this floor can learn a lesson from
his life and remember Craig Thomas by living the values
and commitments he taught us.
Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, when Craig Thomas passed
away on Monday evening, the U.S. Senate lost more than a
Member; our institution has lost a good man and a good
friend--someone who was proud to be called an American
cowboy. Sharon and I extend our deepest sympathy to his
wife Susan, his family, his friends, his staff, and the
people of Wyoming whom he served with such complete
dedication.
Over the last few years, I worked closely with Senator
Thomas. I came to know him well and came to respect him
enormously. We both represented small, rural States with
critical constituencies--his most emblematic being the
farmer, mine the miner. We both maintained a deep
commitment to our home States. Perhaps most important, we
both had a history of public service.
Throughout our careers, I would say that we had a very
good partnership. We served together on the Senate Finance
Committee and fought to make this country more independent
of foreign energy, to promote the development of clean
coal technologies, and to preserve the rural American
lifestyle.
Through it all, I greatly liked and admired Senator
Thomas and appreciated him for the fine human being he
was. He was a man of strong principle, one who knew the
bottom line and didn't hesitate to consult his colleagues
on the other side of the aisle. What I will remember most
about him, however, wasn't his ability to work with his
so-called foes or our tough fights in the Senate, but for
his deep affinity for the beauty of this country.
In fact, over the years, when I have traveled to Wyoming
and looked up at that towering, earthly skyline of the
Grand Tetons, I have often thought of Craig.
Craig, after all, was perhaps one of the people who
shared my deep love of the Grand Tetons. It was in those
mountains and the Gros Ventre that we found a common bond.
Together, we exchanged our marvels about the Alpine Lakes,
the cutting glaciers, wind-swept glaciers and sparkling
rivers.
I will never forget his advice on enjoying the beauty of
Jackson Hole or his stories about long horseback rides or
camping in the cool shadows of the mountains. I will never
forget his interest in the wildlife and his appreciation
for the foliage. Nor will I forget how passionately he
protected the autonomy of the park, and how much he
cherished the culture and beauty of his home.
Senator Craig Thomas held my deepest respect; and, to
his family and the people of Wyoming, I offer my deepest
sympathies. He was a valuable public servant, a true
fighter and a friend--and, more than anything, a true
American.
Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute
to our colleague, our friend, and a great statesman,
Senator Craig Thomas.
It is a somber day in the Senate Chamber as we mourn
this loss.
His passing leaves a significant mark on the many lives
he touched throughout his life. On behalf of myself and my
wife Annette, I send my deepest sympathies to his wife
Susan, his four children, and the entire Thomas family.
Craig was an influential force in the Senate for the
people of Wyoming, as well as a thoughtful leader on
national issues.
Craig served the people of Wyoming with distinction and
honor.
His roots in the State ran deep, and Wyoming had no
greater advocate. He has built his reputation as a fiscal
conservative while focusing on the unique issues affecting
the American West.
He was honest, humble, good natured, and loyal. It was
these characteristics that he brought to the Senate and to
his work. He was an effective leader because he believed
you could get a lot accomplished when you did not care who
took the credit.
Craig was committed to the values and principles he
believed in deeply. He loved his State, and it showed. He
was committed to protecting our Nation's natural
resources, improving the lives of those in rural America,
and a leader in advocating a sound national energy policy.
It was my true privilege to have served with Craig over
the past 13 years in the Senate. While we continue to
mourn his passing, we should try to carry on with the same
determination and energy he brought every day to the
challenges he faced.
He will be remembered as a dedicated American, a Marine,
a public servant, and the quintessential American cowboy
who gave so much of his life in service to the Nation.
I offer my thoughts and prayers to those close to Craig
in this difficult time, especially to his family.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, it is with a heavy heart
that I rise today to honor the service and memory of my
friend, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming. His exemplary
service in the Congress over the past 18 years is a
shining example of the good that can be accomplished for
the public benefit. A 1955 graduate of the University of
Wyoming, Senator Craig Thomas demonstrated considerable
leadership early in his life; he entered the Marine Corps
soon after graduation and rose in rank from private to
captain in just 4 years. Following his service, Senator
Thomas returned to Wyoming to make a difference in his
native State, serving as vice president of the Wyoming
Farm Bureau and later as general manager of the Wyoming
Rural Electric Association. In 1984, Senator Thomas first
entered public service as a State representative, was
elected to the House of Representatives in 1989, and
finally ascended to the Senate in 1995.
It was my honor to work with Senator Thomas during his
Senate career. He was a firm believer in compromise and
bipartisanship. This was no more evident than when he and
I introduced legislation to protect taxpayer privacy. We
worked together on a broad range of issues from protecting
consumers to stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons
to Iran. Senator Thomas and I shared a belief in this body
and what it can achieve. I am very saddened by this
tremendous loss, but the memory of Senator Thomas and his
good deeds remind us all of a long, rich life that should
be celebrated, and I respectfully request that this
statement be entered into the Record.
Mr. KYL. Madam President, Senator Craig Thomas was a
wonderful friend to all of us. He was an accomplished
Senator, and he was a true cowboy. It is that spirit that
won't be replaced in the Senate, and it is that spirit
that I would like to remember today. Craig's record in the
Senate will reflect his significant accomplishments, and I
wish to honor the quality of the man who achieved them.
I had a special affinity for Craig. Not only did he and
I come to the Senate at the same time, we had also served
in the House of Representatives together. Craig came to
the House in 1989, 2 years after I did, when he won a
special election to replace our current Vice President,
Dick Cheney, who had been made Secretary of Defense.
We, of course, were also fellow Westerners, and I
admired the manner in which he embodied the values of the
West: the self-reliance, grit, and quiet determination of
pioneers that shape Americans still today.
These values were impressed into Craig as he grew up on
a ranch near Cody, WY. Those values of the American West,
instilled by the rugged landscape of Wyoming, would serve
him well in the Marine Corps and in the Senate.
Craig did not talk a whole lot, but he always meant what
he said. He communicated in a way that didn't require a
whole lot of ``jibber-jabber,'' as he would say. Everyone
appreciated this quality in him. You never had any doubt
about where Craig stood, something our public officials
could learn from today.
Craig understood that words and rhetoric easily vanish
from our memories. He recognized that honor is not won by
keeping up appearances but by working hard and
accomplishing what you set out to do. He understood that
the best way to accomplish difficult things was to get
busy doing them. To Craig, this was common sense, but
oftentimes common sense is all too uncommon.
In his commonsense manner, he served the people of
Wyoming who overwhelmingly elected him to the Senate on
three occasions. Craig let the interests of the State
guide his work in the Senate. He never let his ego get in
the way of doing what was best for Wyoming and the
country.
My wife Caryll and I grieve with Craig's wife Susan and
their family. But, in our grief, we also celebrate his
life. There is much to celebrate not only in Craig's
accomplishments--whether on behalf of our national parks,
farmers, or rural families, to name only a few of his
legislative priorities--but also in his character. He was
a humble servant for Wyoming who stood up for the people
of his State. Even in his illness, he never waivered from
his duties as a legislator.
The values of the American West are the commonsense
values that make self-government possible. Craig Thomas,
the cowboy and statesman, embodied these values that made
this country what it is and are needed to sustain it in
years to come.
Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I join with my fellow Senators
and so many in Wyoming and throughout the country in
expressing my profound sadness on the passing of my
colleague and good friend, Senator Craig Thomas. I also
want to offer my most sincere condolences to his wife
Susan, their four children, and the entire Thomas family
at this most difficult of times.
Today, we mourn the loss of a true patriot whose love of
country and loyalty to its principles were always an
inspiration and example to us all. A U.S. Marine captain,
an advocate for rural concerns with the Wyoming Farm
Bureau, American Farm Bureau, and the Wyoming Rural
Electric Association, and an indefatigable public servant
as a Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives, the
U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate--
Senator Thomas always placed a premium on bettering the
lives of the citizens of his state, ensuring that their
concerns were not only heard--but were addressed
vigorously, effectively, and with results.
I recall the distinct honor and privilege of serving
with Craig for more than 17 years both in the U.S. House
and U.S. Senate. Indeed, we entered the Senate in the same
class of 1994, and I remember with tremendous regard our
service together on the Senate Foreign Relations and
Senate Finance Committees. Time and again, regardless of
the issue, Craig exhibited a stalwart dedication to his
country and his constituents--with a steadfast devotion
that was ever mindful of the public trust placed in his
hands.
Senator Thomas was unwavering in his allegiance to the
tenets that guided his life. True to his core beliefs and
unshakable in the values he drew from his beloved Wyoming,
Senator Thomas held fast to his philosophy of fiscal
conservatism. And yet when he advanced his arguments, he
did so without rancor and with the utmost respect and
cordiality. He possessed an unyielding decorum that
contributed to his esteemed presence in the Senate, and he
had at his disposal that indispensable tool of politics--
humor, which he used to great effect and at times with
incredibly disarming outcomes. Even when we disagreed, he
was never disagreeable, rather choosing to give no more
than an occasional good-natured ribbing--always with a
smile on his face.
As my colleague Mike Enzi stated in his tribute, Craig
Thomas was not one who necessarily sought the limelight.
He lived his life and comported himself in a manner that
exemplified the words President Ronald Reagan displayed on
his desk in the Oval Office: ``There's no limit to what a
man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets
the credit.'' Whether on matters of rural health,
safeguarding the interest and concerns of farmers, or
reducing the deficit, Craig focused on making concrete
strides, not amassing accolades.
In the arena of public life, regardless of trial,
tribulation, or triumph, Senator Craig Thomas remained a
compassionate person of immense caliber who served the
best interests of the people of Wyoming with unyielding
advocacy, integrity of purpose, and uncommon civility. We
will miss his benevolent nature, his good will, and his
great deeds. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family
and staff here in Washington and in Wyoming.
MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
At 2:58 p.m., a message from the House of
Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of its
reading clerks, announced that the House has passed the
following bills, in which it requests the concurrence of
the Senate: . . .
The message further announced that the House has agreed
to the following resolution:
H. Res. 454. Resolution relative to the death of the
Honorable Craig Thomas, a Senator from the State of
Wyoming. . . .
Monday, June 11, 2007
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I honor a colleague, a
friend, and a great Senator, Senator Craig Thomas.
No words that I can speak will ease the sadness of this
loss. Nothing my colleagues and I say can fill the
emptiness that his passing has left or lessen the pain
that so many feel.
I feel compelled to speak of Senator Thomas not for the
effect of my words. Instead, I speak to recognize the
effect of his words, his actions, and his service.
His were words, actions, and service that have improved
the lives and futures of Americans. His words and actions
will leave a legacy long after our sadness passes.
Senator Thomas represented Wyoming effectively and with
dignity. I was proud to work with him.
We both loved the open beautiful spaces of our home
States, and we worked to keep them clean, safe, and
sustainable. We collaborated to improve the Endangered
Species Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
We also worked to safeguard our constituents'
livelihoods--establishing the wool trust fund, keeping
open global beef markets, and making sure that our trading
partners played by the rules.
We worked together to safeguard our natural resources,
improve rural energy infrastructure, and plan for a
sustainable energy future with clean coal technologies.
These and many other accomplishments will be Senator
Thomas's legacy. It is a legacy for which he deserves
recognition, remembrance, and honor. It is a legacy for
which our Nation is grateful.
But many will remember Senator Thomas more for who he
was than for what he did. They will remember someone with
a quick wit, an easy smile, and a generous helping hand.
I will remember Senator Thomas as I met him when he
first joined the Senate in 1989. Back then, I recognized
in him something very familiar. Senator Thomas was a man
of the American West. He embodied the values and the
character of the people whom he represented.
You always knew where Senator Thomas stood. Like many in
the West, Senator Thomas was quiet, unassuming, and
unpretentious--but he was never intimidated.
He was gentle and decent. When he gave you his word, he
kept it. And as we all saw in these final months of his
life, when he had to, he could fight like hell.
That is the man I will miss and it is the man I wish to
recognize today--an honorable Senator and a great man of
the American West.
Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, this last Saturday, I
traveled with my wife Nancy and many of our colleagues in
the Senate to Casper, WY, for the funeral service of my
friend Senator Craig Thomas.
During the service I was particularly impressed by the
words of Minority Leader McConnell and I would like to
thank him for so eloquently eulogizing Senator Thomas. So
appropriately did his words honor Senator Thomas that I
hope all our colleagues in the Senate will take the time
to read them.
I ask unanimous consent that this transcript of Senator
McConnell's comments be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
Service in Honor of Craig Thomas, June 9, 2007
Reverend [Moore], Susan, Lexie, Patrick, Greg, Peter;
distinguished guests, colleagues and friends of Craig Lyle
Thomas.
There are people that we can't ever imagine dying
because they're so alive, and there are people we can't
imagine dying because they seem so healthy and so strong.
Craig Thomas's death is doubly hard because he was both of
these people. But death has done its work, and so we come
back to the place that he was always so eager to return
to, to accompany him on one last trip back.
It was here that he first heard his calling to serve in
public life, and here that he first tasted the bitterness
of loss. But Susan always told him, ``If you sign up to be
a cowboy, you can't complain when you draw a raw, bucking
bronco.'' He couldn't have imagined in those early years
that one day he'd be known to America as the senior
Senator from Wyoming. But he was never one to dwell on his
achievements. So it falls to us, his friends, to speak
well of this good man.
One of the great things about this country is that so
many of its leaders come from such surprising places: a
candle shop in Boston, a cabin in Kentucky--and a one-room
schoolhouse in Wapiti, WY. Senator Enzi tells me that the
Wapiti School is still standing, but that it's surrounded
now by 10-foot fences and a ring of barbed wire--not to
keep the kids in, but to keep the grizzlies out. That
fence wasn't there when Craig was in school. They were
tougher then.
Craig Thomas was always the tough guy--not tough to deal
with, not tough on others, just tough. When his family
moved to Cody, he signed up for two sports: wrestling and
football. One of his teammates on the football team, Al
Simpson, was also his neighbor. It may be the only time in
American history that two U.S. Senators grew up a block
and half from each other.
There was a time when it was normal for tough guys to be
studious too. And if you went back to Cody in the 1940s,
you'd find the son of Craig and Marjorie Thomas as
attentive to his football plays as he was to Mrs.
Thompson's English lessons. He'd remember and benefit from
both many years later during hundreds of legislative
battles or on countless nights by the campfire along the
North Laramie River, reciting the ``Cremation of Sam
McGee.''
As a young man, Craig would have heard about the days
when an unwritten code of honesty, bravery, and chivalry
governed daily life in Cody. And he was inspired by
stories of another code of bravery that guided young
Americans of his own day in exotic places like
Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, and Guam. World War II
cost the Marines nearly 87,000 dead and wounded. But as a
young man fresh out of college with his whole life ahead
of him, Craig Thomas wanted in. Fifty years later, he
still proudly wore the anchor and the globe on his lapel.
He was happiest when he was here, but 18 years ago
history called him to Washington and he responded
dutifully. It was anything but inevitable. His opponent in
the campaign to replace an outgoing congressman who's done
pretty well himself over the last 18 years had about 99-
percent name recognition and had just lost an election for
U.S. Senate by about 1,200 votes. The lowest point in the
race was the early polling, which suggested that Craig
didn't have a chance. But over the next 40 days, the
Marine and his staff pulled it off. Craig set the tone, he
led the way, and he let others take the credit. That was
his way.
Four days after the election, Craig and Susan packed
their bags, headed east, and 2 days after that Craig was
sworn in as a Member of the U.S. Congress. It wasn't the
easiest transition. As soon as Craig got to Washington, he
froze with a sudden realization--he didn't have any suits.
So he did what anybody from Wyoming would do. He called Al
Simpson, who told him where to find one.
A few months later, he had a similar predicament. He and
Susan got an invite to the White House and Craig didn't
have a tuxedo. So he told one of his staffers to go to a
dry cleaning store up the street and rent one--but not to
worry about the shirt. When the staffer came back, she
found Craig in his office with a buck knife. He was
cutting holes into his cuffs for where the cufflinks would
go. Craig just laughed that big laugh of his, that full
body laugh, and then went to the White House with a tuxedo
shirt of his own making.
The gentleman from Wyoming took an office on the top
floor of the Longworth Office Building, but he didn't get
too comfortable. Some Members of the Senate boast about
visiting every county in their State over the course of a
year. Craig visited all 23 counties in Wyoming--the ninth
largest State in America in just 2 weeks during that first
August recess. He enjoyed every minute of it: driving west
from Casper, looking out at the Wind River Range, and
thinking about what an honor it was to serve this big,
beautiful place he loved.
This was his home, and he loved it. He loved the land,
he loved the people. But anyone who knew him knew what his
greatest love was.
Craig met Susan in 1978. She was working on a statewide
campaign, he was working for the State Republican Party,
and she invited him over to talk about the race. When she
looked out the window and saw a man riding toward her
office on his bicycle, she turned to the woman next to her
and said, ``Now who would that be?'' She soon found out,
and thanks to her loving support, so did the rest of the
country. Everything they did, they did together. She was
with him for every race he won. Craig always said Susan
was the one who liked campaigning.
They were like children, but they were deadly serious
about their work. Craig viewed politics as a high calling,
and he viewed Susan's work the same way. He admired her
deeply. He never failed to mention her. I remember my wife
Elaine telling me after giving the commencement speech one
year at Susan's high school, how devoted to her the
students there were.
We honor Susan today for her devotion to Craig. We'll
miss seeing her outside the Senate Chamber waiting for him
to finish up his votes. The Senate's a lonelier, less
joyful place without Craig. It's already a lonelier, less
joyful place without her too.
The people of Wyoming sent Craig to the Senate in 1994,
and those of us who've served with him there are grateful
they did. It was the first time since 1906 that every
statewide office in Wyoming was held by a Republican, and
the credit, of course, goes to Craig. He led the ticket,
and he worked tirelessly to bring everyone else along with
him.
But again, he didn't take the credit. And the victory
and the higher office did nothing to change the man. If
there was any chance of that, Susan made sure to nip it in
the bud. She made him hang a photo of himself falling off
a horse. She knew the Scripture that ``pride cometh before
a fail'' But Craig knew it too, and he wouldn't
disappoint. He was a simple, humble son of Wyoming and he
remained one to the end.
He was always eager to get home. So eager, in fact, that
one time when his Mustang broke down on the way to the
airport, he left it on the side of the highway and
hitchhiked the rest of the way. They let him on the plane
to Cheyenne without a ticket or anything. He called his
staff from the airport to see if someone could get the
car. When they found it, the keys were still in the
ignition. They sent his clothes on the next plane.
We'll never forget his toughness, his goodness, his
humor, his steady reassuring hand. Nor his kindness, which
he always showed toward everyone--from Presidents to
doormen. He was straightforward and honest. In a phrase
that Craig might have recalled from Mrs. Thompson's
Shakespeare lessons, he was not a man ``to double business
bound.'' His only business was his dut[ies]--to God,
country, family, and friends. And he fulfilled them
beautifully.
He was strong, humble, and full of faith. And here is
why. As a boy Craig Thomas looked out at the majesty of
the canyons and the falls of Yellowstone and knew there is
a God. As a teenager he saw the hard work and dedication
of his parents and learned that giving is more admirable
than taking. And as a man he could hear the rumble of the
herd even from his desk in Washington, and know that the
movements of men were nothing compared to the power of the
wild.
I am not a cowboy. But I've come to know and admire a
few of them in my 22 years in the Senate. And I've come to
know a little bit about their pastimes. I've heard that
holding down a steer takes two kinds of ropers--a header
and a heeler, and that there's an old saying that the
header may be the quarterback, but that the heeler makes
the money. The idea is that there may be more glory in
roping the head, but that the heeler has the harder, more
important, and less glamorous job. No one who knew Craig
Thomas is surprised to know that he preferred to be a
heeler.
The most impressive thing in Washington is also the
rarest: and that's a man whose position and power has no
effect on the person he was when he got there. I've never
met a man who was changed less by what the world calls
riches or power than Craig Lyle Thomas.
Now this great American life has come to an end. Yet we
know it continues: This husband, father, lawmaker, mentor,
and friend goes to the Father's house. We take comfort
entrusting him to the Lord of Mercy, who tells us that in
the life to come, every question will be answered, every
tear wiped away. And we are confident in the hope that he
will ride again, healthy and strong, along a wider, more
majestic plain in a land that's everlasting.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, there is a term that is often
used here in the Senate when Members refer to one another.
That term is ``gentleman.'' No one fit that term better
than Senator Craig Thomas. I join with all my colleagues
from both sides of the aisle in mourning the loss of
Senator Thomas, and in extending our condolences to his
wonderful wife Susan and the entire Thomas family.
In the 10 years I was privileged to serve with Senator
Thomas in this Chamber, I never once heard him raise his
voice, and I never once saw him lose his temper. But that
doesn't mean that Senator Thomas was not a fighter for his
beloved Wyoming. In fact, he was a very effective advocate
for the people of Wyoming and all of rural America. His
accomplishments were not the result of shouting. They were
the result of perseverance, integrity, and a whole lot of
hard work.
I was privileged to serve with Senator Thomas on a
number of committees, where I saw firsthand the scope of
his interests and his effectiveness. On the Finance
Committee, I saw how he was a champion for better health
care for rural Americans, and I saw how he worked to open
markets for the cattlemen, farmers, and soda ash producers
of Wyoming.
On the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he
brought Wyoming's unique perspective to the forefront on
the energy debate, and, as chairman and ranking member of
the National Parks Subcommittee, he brought the first
reform overhaul to the National Parks Service in 20
years--a vital step in a State that is home to the
Yellowstone National Park, one of the crown jewels of our
park system.
And I served with Craig on the Indian Affairs Committee,
where the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes of
Wyoming's Wild River Reservation and Native Americans
across the country could always count on his commitment to
improving their lives.
Although Craig Thomas spent the last 18 years of his
life working in the corridors of the U.S. Capitol, he
never forgot where he came from. He was a true Westerner,
a straight-talker, and he was always just ``Craig'' to his
constituents. Always at Craig's side was his wife and
partner Susan, who is a remarkable, eloquent advocate for
Wyoming. The last several months have been difficult and
challenging ones for Craig, and Susan was always there for
him.
Mr. President, my wife Sharon joins with me in extending
our condolences to Susan, the Thomas family, and the
people of Wyoming. I can say without hesitation that the
``gentleman from Wyoming'' will always be remembered by
those of us who were fortunate to serve with him, and by
all those he served with such diligence and distinction.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
By Mr. CONRAD (for himself, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Harkin, Mr.
Salazar, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Smith, Mr. Nelson
of Nebraska, Ms. Snowe, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Thune, Mr.
Dorgan, Ms. Collins, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Enzi, and Mrs.
Lincoln):
S. 1605. A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social
Security Act to protect and preserve access of Medicare
beneficiaries in rural areas to health care providers
under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; to the
Committee on Finance.
Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it is with mixed emotions
that I rise today to introduce the Rural Hospital and
Provider Equity Act of 2007, or R-HoPE. This proposal is
the result of months of work with my friend and colleague,
Senator Craig Thomas, who just passed away. In fact,
Senator Thomas and I were getting ready to introduce this
bill the week we lost him.
This particular legislation is the product of work that
Senator Thomas and I have done over many years as cochairs
of the Rural Health Caucus. So it is a poignant moment for
me to come to the floor to introduce this bill. I am
asking my colleagues that we name this bill the Craig
Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2007, as
we pay tribute to the service of our colleague, Senator
Thomas.
I can think of no better champion of rural health than
Senator Craig Thomas, and there is not a more appropriate
way to honor his Senate career than by enacting this
legislation that will carry his name.
As Senator Thomas and I continually argued in this
Chamber, Medicare shortchanges many rural hospitals and
providers. Before the Medicare Modernization Act, rural
providers received one-half the payments that urban areas
received--one-half to provide exactly the same treatment
for exactly the same illness. That was unfair.
Senator Thomas and I teamed up at the time to make
changes that were in the Medicare prescription drug bill
that began to level the playingfield, but those provisions
are about to run out.
I would be the first to admit that health care can be
more expensive in urban areas than rural areas, but it is
not twice as much. When I ask the doctors and hospital
administrators of my State if they get a rural discount
when they buy technology for hospitals, they laugh, they
chuckle, they say, no, they don't get any rural discount.
We know now it actually costs more to recruit doctors to
rural parts of the country than it does more urban
settings, and we know while there is some cost
differential, it is not a 100-percent cost differential.
The Medicare bill, the prescription drug bill,
recognized this disparity in reimbursement and took steps
to close the gap. Even with the additional funding, many
rural hospitals and providers continue to experience
negative margins.
If we are to maintain access to health care in rural
areas, we cannot allow providers to lose 3 percent on
nearly every patient they see. But that is what is
occurring in rural America today.
Congress needs to take steps to fairly reimburse rural
providers for the care they provide. The Craig Thomas R-
HoPE bill will build on the progress made in the Medicare
Prescription Drug Act and add new provisions that would
protect access to rural health care.
First, the bill will fulfill the promise made to those
living and traveling in rural areas that they don't have
to travel far for hospital care. The bill would also
provide more reflective reimbursement for the cost of
labor in rural areas. I should say reimbursement that more
fairly reflects the costs in rural areas since they are
often competing with more urban areas in the global health
care marketplace.
In addition, our proposal would provide the resources
currently lacking in rural hospitals to repair crumbling
buildings. It also includes two changes to the Critical
Access Hospital Program and will put these facilities on a
sounder financial footing.
Second, R-HoPE will promise that rural Americans can see
a doctor when they are sick. As is the case with most
rural States, much of North Dakota is designated as a
health professional shortage area. Recruiting doctors is
extremely difficult. Our bill would extend the provision
in current law that provides incentive payments for
doctors who practice in rural areas. Third, our bill would
guarantee that when there is an emergency, there is an
ambulance there to respond. Many rural ambulance services
are closing because of lower Medicare reimbursement,
resulting in response times far above the national
average. R-HoPE would protect rural ambulance services and
those living and traveling in these parts of the country
by providing a 5-percent bonus payment for 2008 and 2009.
Finally, our bill takes a number of steps to help
protect the availability of other health care providers,
such as rural health clinics, home health agencies, and
mental health professionals. This bill achieves the goal
Senator Thomas and I have had for a number of years, that
rural America enjoy the same level of health care access
and affordability more urban areas enjoy. Rural America is
the heart of our country. We cannot turn our backs on
these areas and their health care needs.
Before I close, I also want to recognize Senator
Thomas's staff member, Erin Tuggle, who has worked
tirelessly on this legislation on behalf of rural health
care and served Senator Craig Thomas so very well. She
played a key role in developing this legislation, along
with my staff, and I thank her for her efforts.
It is my hope this legislation, which will carry Senator
Craig Thomas's name, will help strengthen our rural health
care system. I can't think of a better tribute to my
friend and our colleague, Senator Craig Thomas.
At this point, I wish to indicate that Senator Roberts
is my leading cosponsor, Senator Roberts of Kansas, and we
are joined by Senator Harkin, Senator Salazar, Senator
Domenici, Senator Bingaman, Senator Smith, Senator Nelson
of Nebraska, Senator Snowe, Senator Murray, Senator Thune,
Senator Dorgan, Senator Collins, Senator Johnson, and
Senator Enzi. I ask unanimous consent that they all appear
as cosponsors of this legislation.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Mr. CONRAD. I should also indicate before I close that
this bill has now been endorsed by the National Rural
Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the
American Ambulance Association, the American Telemedicine
Association, the National Association for Home Care &
Hospice, the American Association for Marriage and Family
Therapy, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics,
the North Dakota Hospital Association, and the Federation
of American Hospitals, all of them joining together to
send a message that this legislation is needed and it is
needed now.
This is one way we can pay a tangible tribute to the
service of Senator Craig Thomas. I think all of us who
knew him and worked with him knew him as a quintessential
gentleman, and I hope very much that others of our
colleagues will join us in cosponsoring this legislation
in this tribute to Senator Thomas.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today I am very proud and
honored to cosponsor legislation along with my colleagues,
Senators Conrad, Harkin, and several members of the Senate
Rural Health Caucus, to honor Senator Craig Thomas.
The bill is the Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider
Equity Act. As we all know, last week the Senate lost a
steady hand and man who has done much for his State of
Wyoming. Craig was dependable in the finest sense of the
word. He was the epitome of what I believe a Senator
should be.
On a personal note, he was not only a colleague but a
dear friend, and I will cherish that always. He was also a
fellow Marine. In this case, Semper Fidelis, ``always
faithful,'' is always appropriate. If anyone faced trouble
in their life, the one person they would want by their
side riding shotgun would be Craig Thomas. The people of
Wyoming and all of Craig's colleagues knew that he fought
for rural America and always put the needs of his State
above all else.
On the health care front, Craig was truly a champion for
strengthening our rural health care delivery system and
provided much needed relief to our hospitals and other
providers in our rural areas. He served for 10 years as
the cochair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus. He actually
took the reins over as cochair after my fellow Kansan,
Senator Bob Dole, retired from the Senate. As I know
personally, certainly, it is hard to follow in the
footsteps of Senator Dole. But Craig Thomas did this with
great ease and with great pride. His steady leadership put
the caucus on the map, and he made great strides in
showing all of our colleagues the true needs of rural
health care. I know the members of the caucus will miss
him and his leadership greatly.
One of the biggest accomplishments for Craig in the
Rural Health Caucus was passage of the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003, which provided a big boost to
our rural hospitals and our providers. Never before have I
seen such recognition and support for our colleagues from
all geographical areas--large, small, urban, rural--for
including these badly needed rural health care provisions.
However, you would never know that Craig Thomas's hard
behind-the-scenes work caused these rural health care
provisions to be included in the Medicare bill. Craig
Thomas was more concerned with getting the work done
rather than taking any credit. So instead of taking
individual credit for his hard work and dedication on the
Medicare bill, Craig simply applauded the entire Senate
Rural Health Caucus and patted everybody else on the
back--so typical of Craig.
However, Craig knew that while the passage of the
Medicare bill was a giant step for rural health, we still
have much more work to do to ensure our rural health care
system can continue to survive. That is why we are proud
and honored to carry on his legacy by introducing the
Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act.
Craig and his staff have worked extremely hard over the
last 6 months, getting this bill together, working with
other members of the Rural Health Caucus to identify their
top priorities. I thank his health staffer, Erin Tuggle,
for being such a champion alongside of Craig. I know my
staff worked extremely closely with Erin, as many others
in the Senate staff have done. I have a great
amount of respect for her hard work. Erin, we are proud
of you and we thank you for everything you have done on
behalf of rural health care.
We had actually planned to introduce this legislation
last week with Craig leading the charge, but now Senators
Conrad, Harkin, and I and the other members of the Rural
Health Caucus will do our best to lead in his absence. I
have made a personal commitment to making sure we get this
bill done and ultimately provide the much needed relief to
our rural communities.
The Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act
recognizes that rural health care providers have very
different needs than their urban counterparts and that
health care is not one size fits all.
The Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act
of 2007 makes changes to Medicare regulations for rural
hospitals and providers recognizing the difficulty in
achieving the same economies of scale as large urban
facilities. This legislation equalizes Medicare
disproportionate share hospital payments to bring rural
hospitals in line with urban facilities. This bill
provides additional assistance for small, rural hospitals
who have a low volume of patients. Often, these hospitals
have trouble making ends meet under the Medicare payment
system.
The Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act
also provides a capital infrastructure loan program to
make loans available to help rural facilities improve
crumbling buildings and infrastructure. In addition, rural
providers can apply to receive planning grants to help
assess capital and infrastructure needs.
The bill extends to January 1, 2010, two incentive
programs aimed at improving the quality of care by
attracting health care providers to health professional
shortage areas. The first is the Medicare Incentive
Payment Program, which provides 10-percent bonus payments
to physicians practicing in shortage areas. The second is
the physician fee schedule work geographic adjustment,
which brings rural doctors' Medicare fee schedules for
wages more in line with urban doctors'.
This bill also recognizes that other providers play a
great role in the rural health delivery system. Our bill
increases the payment cap for rural health clinics to keep
them in line with community health centers, provides a 5-
percent add-on payment for rural home health services and
provides a 5-percent add-on payment for ground ambulance
services in rural areas.
One of the provisions in the bill Senator Thomas
particularly championed is a provision to allow marriage
and family therapists and licensed professional
counselors to bill Medicare for their services and be
paid the rate of social workers.
Currently, the Medicare Program only permits
psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and clinical
nurse specialists to bill Medicare for mental health
services provided to seniors. However, most rural counties
do not have a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Marriage and
family therapists and licensed professional counselors are
much more likely to practice in a rural setting and are
often the only mental health professionals available.
Finally, this bill uses technology to improve home
health services and quality for care by creating a pilot
program providing incentives for home health agencies to
purchase and utilize home monitoring and communications
technologies and facilitates telehealth services across
State lines.
Mr. President, today I am proud and honored to coauthor
this bill on behalf of Craig Thomas. We all miss him
greatly as a personal friend, confidant, and strong
supporter. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife
Susan, his sons Patrick, Peter, and Greg, and his daughter
Lexie. With this legislation, Craig is still with us.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from New
Mexico.
Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask for 2 minutes as in
morning business.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it
is so ordered.
Mr. DOMENICI. Senator, let me say before you leave,
first, I would appreciate it if you would add me to the
legislation, and, second, I thank you so much for doing
this, for offering this piece of legislation. That is the
best we can do. We can't bring him back--we can't do much.
We just hope everything will go well with his family, and
this will be something that in truth indicates how much we
cared for him and what a true gentleman he was--strong of
will and yet very kind and decent. We want to do this in
his behalf. Thank you for doing it.
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I would like to associate
myself with the remarks of the distinguished Senator from
New Mexico, who is himself a strong champion for rural
health care, and thank him very much for those personal
remarks that are shared by every Member of this Senate.
I thank my colleague.
Mr. DOMENICI. I yield the floor.
ORDER FOR PRINTING AND SUBMISSION OF TRIBUTES TO SENATOR
CRAIG THOMAS
Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous
consent that the tributes to Senator Thomas in the
Congressional Record be printed as a Senate document and
that Senators be permitted to submit statements for
inclusion until June 29, 2007.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I was deeply saddened to hear
of the sudden passing of my colleague from Wyoming,
Senator Craig Thomas. The loss we all feel at his passing
is tempered by the happy memories I have of working with
him on so many issues of mutual interest. His efforts and
his leadership on the panels on which we served together--
the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Agriculture
Committee, and Senate Environment and Public Works
Committee--will remain foremost in my memory. I
particularly admired his staunch advocacy for the needs of
rural communities and farmers. Craig brought a special
passion and expertise to issues affecting ranching
families. His focus on their unique needs spanned the
trade, economic, environmental, and public lands
management issues of rural communities.
Craig brought to Congress his vision for the needs of
Wyoming and rural States, and he became a strong advocate
of effective resource and energy policies. I am pleased to
have partnered with him in applying technologies to
improving our Nation's energy generation. Although he
lived his life modestly, he became a leader in national
park stewardship, and the American people owe him a debt
of gratitude for his promotion of the underserved national
parks system. I also appreciated his long and thoughtful
counsel on ways to update the Endangered Species Act.
In recent months, Craig took a prime role on the Finance
Committee in working to simplify the Federal Tax Code and
improve entitlement and health care assistance to the
least fortunate. As one who took to heart the importance
of protecting the taxpayers' dollars, Craig was a strong
proponent of restoring the sustainability of our Nation's
welfare system. And Craig understood that economic
development in rural States like Wyoming is inextricably
linked to trade promotion that ensure open and fair
markets abroad. I will miss his stalwart and consistent
advocacy for farming communities as the Senate considers
trade legislation.
As a man who represented a small State in population,
Craig towered large over the landscape of thoughtful
conservative Members of Congress. I think a fitting
tribute and legacy to our late friend would be to adopt
his resolution making July 28, National Day of the Cowboy.
My thoughts and prayers are with Craig's family and
friends. I will miss my good friend and colleague.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on behalf
of the Bunning coal to liquid fuel amendment. This was an
amendment cosponsored and championed by our dear late
friend, Senator Craig Thomas. If we could adopt this
amendment and pass it into law, I think it would be a
fitting tribute to the memory of this very fine servant of
the people of Wyoming and of the United States. . . .
So I urge my colleagues to give a hard look to the
Bunning-Domenici coal to liquid fuel standard amendment. I
would add Craig Thomas's name to that list as well. . . .
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK EXTENSION ACT OF 2007
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, it was just a few days ago when
we heard the news that we had lost our dear friend and
colleague, Senator Craig Thomas. We lowered our flags and
joined together as a family to say goodbye to someone who
fought for what he believed in and worked to the end to
make Wyoming and the West better places to live.
Craig is now gone, but the work he began lives on. That
is why I am pleased to offer an amendment to S. 277, the
Grand Teton National Park Extension Act of 2007. My
amendment builds on the work begun by Craig and the
efforts of Chairman Bingaman and Ranking Member Domenici
who worked so hard to shepherd this bill through the
legislative process. In addition, I also thank Majority
Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell for bringing
this bill to the floor so we can make one of Craig's
legislative goals a reality.
It is no surprise that Craig worked so hard to develop,
draft, and introduce this legislation. No one understood
the needs of Wyoming and the West better than he did.
Craig was a cowboy from the top of his hat to the tip of
his boots. There was nothing he enjoyed more than riding a
horse through our national forests and spending time in
the great outdoors.
Craig's love for the wide open spaces of our State led
him to introduce the Grand Teton National Park Extension
Act of 2007. When it is signed into law, it will allow the
Secretary of the Interior to accept the donation of
approximately 50 acres of private land that will be added
to Grand Teton National Park. In addition to Craig, we
have the Halpin family to thank for their generosity. It
will truly be a gift enjoyed by the people of Wyoming and
the West, and the whole country, by all who come to visit
our national parks every year.
When that land is added to Grand Teton National Park, it
will have another little addition to it. That addition is
to rename the visitors center the Craig Thomas Discovery
and Visitor Center. It will provide the people with a
place to stop and visit during their trips to Grand Teton
where they can learn about the history of the park and the
life of Craig Thomas. I cannot think of a better way to
remember Craig's life than to share it with all who
benefited from his many years of hard work and public
service.
Craig dedicated his life to protecting and preserving
our State's natural resources, especially our parks. He
was a tireless and true advocate for those important and
precious facilities, and he fought for their protection
when he served as chairman and later as ranking member of
the National Park Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources.
Craig had a proud history on the committee and in the
Senate as he constantly and consistently advocated for the
best administration and management of our park system. He
authored legislation that provided critical funding and
mandated management reforms that were necessary to keep
our parks pristine and ensure they would be available for
future generations to enjoy. He worked with all of his
colleagues, regardless of their party affiliation, to
increase funding for our parks so they could better deal
with the maintenance backlog that exists. Now that he is
gone, our parks have lost one of their best friends.
Renaming the visitors center will ensure Craig's legacy
will continue and never be forgotten. As noted in a letter
by the Grand Teton National Park Foundation:
Senator Thomas championed this project since 1997. His
leadership in securing an $8 million appropriation
inspired the Foundation to raise $13.6 million in private
funds for the project.
For his efforts on this and so many issues of importance
to our national park system, the Grand Teton National Park
Foundation supports the naming of the center after Senator
Thomas.
I ask unanimous consent that a copy of their letter of
support be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
Grand Teton National Park Foundation,
Moose, WY, June 12, 2007.
Hon. Michael B. Enzi,
Senate Russell Office Building,
Washington, DC.
Dear Senator Enzi: On behalf of the Board of the Grand
Teton National Park Foundation I am writing to endorse the
idea of naming the new Visitor Center in Grand Teton
National Park after the late Senator Craig Thomas.
Senator Thomas loved the national parks and was a
tireless advocate for them. The beautiful Grand Teton
Discovery and Visitor Center which will open this summer
is a model public/private partnership. Senator Thomas
championed this project since 1997. His leadership in
securing an $8 million appropriation inspired the
Foundation to raise $13.6 million in private funds for the
project.
The ribbon cutting on August 11th will be a special day
for everyone who has been involved with this project. It
will also be a very sad day because Senator Thomas will
not be there with us to celebrate the culmination of years
of work.
Feel free to contact me if you require any additional
information.
Sincerely,
Leslie Mattson-Emerson,
Executive Director.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for
the newly constructed Grand Teton Visitors Center is
August 11, 2007. It will be a day that will be long
remembered by all who come to honor the memory of one of
the park's greatest champions. By passing this
legislation, we are making that day possible and ensuring
that those who attend that special ceremony will be the
first to enjoy all the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor
Center will have to offer. This is an honor which I know
would have pleased Craig and made him very proud. I can
also see him riding tall in the saddle of a horse, taking
it all in under the brim of his favorite cowboy hat.
Naming the visitors center for Craig Thomas will also
mean a great deal to everyone who knew and loved him. It
will be a tribute to a special American that will last for
a long time to come. Many years from today, when people
come to the park and stop by the visitors center that
bears his name, they will know that Craig Thomas was so
many things in life--a Marine, a Senator, a rancher, and a
dedicated father and husband. But most of all, they will
know Craig loved Wyoming and the West and fought with
everything he had to maintain our precious resources.
I always said God saved some of his best handiwork for
Wyoming. We are fortunate that he also gave us the best
champion to fight to protect and preserve it all.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 41,
S. 277.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by
title.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 277) to modify the boundaries of Grand Teton
National Park to include certain land within the GT Park
Subdivision, and other purposes.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to
consider the bill.
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that
the Enzi amendment at the desk be agreed to; that the
bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed; that
the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table; and that
any statements relating to the bill be printed in the
Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so
ordered.
The amendment (No. 1709) was agreed to, as follows:
(Purpose: To designate the Grand Teton Discovery and
Visitor Center as the ``Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor
Center'')
Strike section 4 and insert the following:
SEC. 4. CRAIG THOMAS DISCOVERY AND VISITOR CENTER.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) Craig Thomas was raised on a ranch just outside of
Cody, Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park and Grand
Teton National Park, where he--
(A) began a lifelong association with those parks; and
(B) developed a deep and abiding dedication to the
values of the public land of the United States;
(2) during his 18-year tenure in Congress, including
service in both the Senate and the House of
Representatives, Craig Thomas forged a distinguished
legislative record on issues as diverse as public land
management, agriculture, fiscal responsibility, and rural
health care;
(3) as Chairman and Ranking Member of the National Parks
Subcommittee of the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate and a frequent visitor to many
units of the National Park System, including Yellowstone
National Park and Grand Teton National Park, Craig Thomas
was a strong proponent for ensuring that people of all
ages and abilities had a wide range of opportunities to
learn more about the natural and cultural heritage of the
United States;
(4) Craig Thomas authored legislation to provide
critical funding and management reforms to protect units
of the National Park System into the 21st century,
ensuring quality visits to units of the National Park
System and the protection of natural and cultural
resources;
(5) Craig Thomas strongly supported public-private
partnerships and collaboration between the National Park
Service and other organizations that foster new
opportunities for providing visitor services while
encouraging greater citizen involvement in the stewardship
of units of the National Park System;
(6) Craig Thomas was instrumental in obtaining the
Federal share for a public-private partnership with the
Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the Grand Teton
Natural History Association to construct a new discovery
and visitor center at Grand Teton National Park;
(7) on June 4, 2007, Craig Thomas passed away after
battling cancer for 7 months;
(8) Craig Thomas is survived by his wife, Susan, and
children, Patrick, Greg, Peter, and Lexie; and
(9) in memory of the distinguished career of service of
Craig Thomas to the people of the United States, the
dedication of Craig Thomas to units of the National Park
System, generally, and to Grand Teton National Park,
specifically, and the critical role of Craig Thomas in the
new discovery and visitor center at Grand Teton National
Park, the Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center should
be designated as the ``Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor
Center''.
(b) The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.--
(1) Designation.--The Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor
Center located in Moose, Wyoming, and scheduled for
completion in August 2007 shall be known and designated as
the ``Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center''.
(2) Reference.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to
the Grand Teton Discovery and Visitor Center referred to
in paragraph (1) shall be deemed to be a reference to the
``Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
The bill (S. 277), as amended, was ordered to be
engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time,
and passed, as follows: . . .
Mr. ENZI. I yield the floor.
Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I thank the Senator from
Wyoming for bringing forward this bill on behalf of
Senator Thomas, who was such a force in this Chamber and
especially a force on behalf of his State. It is a very
appropriate thing to do.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Mr. WYDEN. . . . In the last Congress, for the first
time in many years, the executives of the major oil
companies--we are talking about Shell and BP and Exxon,
the big five companies--were in front of the joint hearing
I attended, a joint hearing of the Energy Committee and
the Commerce Committee. . . .
So what we have is essentially a time now when the
companies are making record profits, and they are charging
record prices when clearly they do not need record
subsidies. That is what the Senate Finance Committee
legislation does with respect to the tax provisions. I
have reviewed them. They are clearly targeted at the major
companies. They are not targeted at the independents and
the small companies, and we ought to be taking steps to
help them. In fact, I particularly credit our friend and
colleague, the late Senator Thomas, for doing
extraordinary work over the years, some of which I was
privileged to work on with him, to help those small
independent companies. Our good friend, the late Senator
Thomas, championed that work. This is not going to affect
those small independents. This is targeted at the major
companies, the companies that, when I asked them--the
first time they had been asked in years--admitted they did
not need the billions of dollars worth of subsidies they
were getting. . . .
Friday, June 22, 2007
WELCOME TO WYOMING'S NEW SENATOR
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, minutes ago a new Senator for
the State of Wyoming was officially appointed by the
Governor of Wyoming, and I want to welcome Dr. John
Barrasso, now Senator Barrasso, and introduce him to the
Senate. . . .
He is quiet but efficient and has worked across the
aisle in Wyoming, and I am sure he will continue to do
that here, much the way Senator Thomas and I have done. We
have always worked as a team, the Wyoming delegation, and
he will become a very strong team member. . . .
Of course, no one is going to be able to replace Craig
Thomas, but working with John, we can ensure the
representation of Wyoming in the Senate will remain second
to none. . . .
Monday, June 25, 2007
SCHEDULE
Mr. REID. . . . At 3:15 the newest Member of the Senate
will be sworn in, John Barrasso, who is an orthopedic
surgeon from Wyoming. We welcome him here but with some
degree of sadness, because you are forced to comprehend
and think about Craig Thomas whom I had such great
admiration for. As I have said before, Craig Thomas and I
did not vote very much alike, but we shared a great belief
in the sovereignty of our two States, two sparsely
populated States, Wyoming and Nevada, and of course this
great country of ours that we both have such affection
for. . . .
Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, let me say briefly a warm
welcome to the new Senator from Wyoming, Senator Barrasso.
He has big shoes to fill with our departed colleague Craig
Thomas. . . .
Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, all of us in the Senate
will miss Craig Thomas. I got to know Craig when we both
served on the Senate Ethics Committee. During that time, I
came to admire him as a wonderful human being, a man of
character and integrity, and someone who spoke plainly on
how he felt about things.
I also admired Craig for speaking up at policy lunches
and at the steering committee on so many occasions. He
always got to the nub of the problem and never failed to
tell it just as he saw it. On many occasions, I sensed he
had a great frustration with the system, but he stayed in
there and was an encouragement to many.
When he got sick, Janet and I put him on our prayer
list. I also looked at some health care alternatives for
him in Cleveland, but he felt he had great care at the
Bethesda Naval Hospital. The last time I saw him, he
looked like the old Craig, full of vim and vigor. We were
shocked when we heard of his passing. It is said that it
is not the number of years one lives that counts but what
one does with those years that matters. We will all miss
Craig but know that he is in heaven with our Father
eternally happy.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute
to a colleague and a friend--someone whose presence is
missed but whose legacy will undoubtedly endure.
Senator Craig Thomas was a Westerner through and
through. The story of his life reflects the spirit of the
West--his work ethic, his strength of character, and his
love for the land and resources of his cherished Wyoming.
Craig's life lessons were formed as a summer horseback
guide, as a competitive wrestler, as a Marine, as a
husband, and as a father. He brought those lessons with
him to Washington, DC, as a Congressman and a Senator, and
he never forgot them or strayed from them. That is clear
from the issues he held closest to his heart.
As a fellow Westerner, I always admired Craig's
commitment to being an exemplary steward of our national
parks. His love for them probably developed during his
childhood summers around Yellowstone National Park, but he
was able to translate that passion into monumental
improvements that generations of Americans will enjoy.
He also worked tirelessly on issues impacting public
land management, agriculture, rural health care, and
fiscal responsibility--all issues that greatly benefited
his constituents in Wyoming. And they understood and
appreciated his advocacy for their well-being by electing
him time and again to represent them in the Nation's
Capital.
Craig definitely had a special presence on Capitol Hill.
He never gave up a fight; he had a certain grit that drew
others to him; and he loved to joke around--all tributes
that led to his being described as a cowboy or a Western
hero.
The epitome of the American cowboy, John Wayne, has
inscribed on his headstone: ``Tomorrow is the most
important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very
clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in
our hands. It hopes we've learnt something from
yesterday.''
Craig Thomas treated every ``tomorrow'' as a new and
exciting opportunity to make a difference for the people
of Wyoming and the United States. He loved his work; he
loved his family; and he loved life. While he is no longer
serving as the voice of the Westerner in the Senate, his
years of dedicated service ensured that his legacy will
survive.
Craig was a statesman and a leader, a fighter and a
friend. The Thomas family, the people of Wyoming, and
those of us who worked with Craig will always remember the
spirit of Western freedom, trusted integrity, and
heartfelt kindness that he embodied. We are all fortunate
to have known such a remarkable person.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, it has been said that we all
have a birth date and a death date, with a dash in
between. It is what we do with our dash that counts.
Senator Craig Thomas made his count. He was a dedicated
public servant, a vigorous advocate, a compassionate
leader, a Marine, a proud patriot. To the citizens of his
beloved Wyoming and to his colleagues in the Senate, he
was a cherished friend.
Although my State and his are miles apart, with vastly
different geography and history, I am struck by the
similarities in the character of our people. Both the
rugged Maine Yankee and the tough Wyoming cowboy are
steadfast and modest. Both are determined, committed to
doing what is right rather than what is easy. An old
cowboy proverb says, ``The best way out of a tight spot is
to go straight through it,'' and Craig Thomas always faced
challenges head on. I have no doubt that he would have
been just as at home on the deck of a lobster boat as he
was on horseback, riding the range.
As a Senator representing a large rural State, I deeply
appreciate Craig's devotion to preserving and enhancing a
way of life that is such a vital part of the American
spirit. His tireless work on such issues as agriculture,
Indian affairs, natural resources, rural health care, and
educational opportunity will help ensure a better future
for people in small communities throughout our Nation.
The courage and integrity with which he led his life
were evident until the very end. Although stricken with a
terrible disease, Craig always put his Nation and his
State first. There was no time for self-pity or regret
while there was still work to be done. He stayed in the
saddle.
Craig was a public man, but, first and foremost, he was
a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud
grandfather. In this time of sorrow, I know that his
wonderful family finds strength in his honorable legacy.
Senator Craig Thomas filled his dash with service,
courage, and commitment, with life and love. May his
memory inspire us all to do the same.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, Senator Craig Thomas was a
very good friend. He served in the Senate with great honor
and respect for the institution.
I got to know Senator Thomas best through the work of
the Finance Committee. Senator Thomas was an active and
dedicated participant in the business of the committee
from tax policy, to health care, Social Security and
international trade. When I was chairman of the committee,
I could always count on his diligent, steadfast and
valuable involvement in the issues before us. I
appreciated greatly his commitment to conservative
principles and the responsibilities of governing.
In particular, as chairman of the Trade Subcommittee,
Senator Thomas was a strong voice for opening new markets
and opportunities for U.S. exports. He went above and
beyond and engaged himself fully in efforts to achieve
ambitious outcomes from trade negotiations. He
demonstrated his commitment time and again with his own
personal time and his personal resolve.
Senator Thomas was a true representative for his Wyoming
constituents. He worked hard and sincerely for their good
and for the good of our Nation every day. He will be
missed so very much. Barbara and I extend our sincere and
deep sympathies to his family and his staff.
Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I seek recognition to honor
the life of my colleague, Senator Craig Thomas.
Craig, a real outdoorsman, would say he enjoyed nothing
more than a horseback ride through Wyoming's spectacular
wilderness area. Despite that, he found himself here in
Washington, DC, working for the betterment of his home
State and the Nation. He was outspoken on Government's
need to provide adequate funding for national parks, a
subject he knew well as chairman and ranking member of the
National Parks Subcommittee on the Energy and Natural
Resources Committee.
Senator Thomas was also a strong defender of his State's
cattle industry and was a firm believer in the virtues of
rural America. This passion stems back to his time at the
University of Wyoming, where he received a degree in
animal husbandry. Senator Thomas also served as an officer
in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959, achieving the
rank of captain, an experience that taught discipline and
reinforced his commitment to the United States.
Before Craig came to Congress, he served as vice
president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau, and once headed the
Rural Electric Association of Wyoming. After 5 years in
the Wyoming House, Thomas won a special election to
replace Dick Cheney, who was appointed to be Secretary of
Defense. As Wyoming's lone Member in the U.S. House of
Representatives, he had the responsibility of representing
over 450,000 constituents. Craig was reelected to that
seat in 1990 and 1992, a testament to his ability to serve
the people of Wyoming effectively. In 1994, he ran for the
U.S. Senate and won, defeating popular Democratic Governor
Mike Sullivan by 20 percentage points. He was elected to a
second term in 2000 with a 74-percent majority, one of the
largest margins in Wyoming election history. He was
reelected to a third term in 2006 with 70 percent of the
vote.
Senator Thomas had no doubts about who he was or what he
represented. He was not one to pick a fight, but if asked
how he felt about a given issue, he would be sure to give
his typically candid and honest response. When it came to
issues he was passionate about, such as public lands and
private property, he left little doubt as to his
priorities. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee,
and particularly in his leadership of the National Parks
Subcommittee, Craig asked tough questions and made strong
statements about the responsibility of the Federal
Government to care for the land it already owned; the
fundamental nature of private property rights; and
Congress's need to consider the interplay between these
principles when contemplating new national parks or
historic sites. He was always a fair broker, and I found
on many occasions that he would give my priorities fair
consideration and due process.
I very much regret that Senator Thomas lost his battle
to cancer. In 1970, President Nixon declared war on
cancer. Had that war been prosecuted with the same
diligence as other wars, my former chief of staff, Carey
Lackman, a beautiful young lady of 48, would not have died
of breast cancer. One of my very best friends, a very
distinguished Federal judge, Chief Judge Edward R. Becker,
would not have died of prostate cancer. All of us know
people who have been stricken by cancer, who have been
incapacitated with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, who have
been victims of heart disease, or many other maladies. I
sustained an episode with Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer 2
years ago. That trauma, that illness, I think, could have
been prevented had that war on cancer declared by the
President of the United States in 1970 been prosecuted
with sufficient intensity.
On a personal level, Senator Thomas had an extraordinary
relationship with his wife Susan. As many of my colleagues
can attest, Craig and Susan were quite inseparable and
quick with humor. Even as Craig battled with acute myeloid
leukemia he continued to serve in the Senate with extreme
vigor and a smile. He leaves behind many friends and
admirers who have tried to emulate his courage, his
tenacity, and his integrity.
I extend my deepest condolences to Susan, their four
children, the whole Thomas family, and his very able
staff.
Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that
I join so many Americans in mourning the passing of my
dear friend and esteemed colleague, Senator Craig Thomas.
Craig served the people of Wyoming with great integrity,
honesty, and common sense. He was a true American patriot
and dedicated public servant who never failed to put the
best interests of his beloved State and country above
personal ambitions.
Craig came from humble beginnings, working summers on
his family's dude ranch near Yellowstone National Park. He
earned a degree from the University of Wyoming, where he
was a respected student and accomplished athlete, and from
there he went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was
these life experiences that taught Craig the values of
hard work, perseverance, and personal responsibility.
These principles guided him throughout his remarkable
career, during which he worked for the Wyoming Farm
Bureau, the American Farm Bureau, and the Wyoming Rural
Electric Association before winning a special election to
the U.S. House of Representatives.
In 1994, Craig was elected to the U.S. Senate, and went
on to make his mark in a number of areas. He served with
distinction on the Energy, Finance, and Agriculture
Committees--posts he used to promote issues important to
his constituents in the rural West and their quality of
life. As the chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee,
Craig worked tirelessly to protect America's natural
treasures, and as the cochairman of the Senate Rural
Health Caucus, he made significant strides in improving
rural health care infrastructure. No question, Craig's
numerous accomplishments truly speak volumes about his
commitment to the people of Wyoming and our entire Nation.
Craig's greatest commitment, however, was to his family.
He was unwavering in his devotion to his dear wife Susan
and his children Peter, Patrick, Greg, and Lexie. My
husband Bob and I are blessed to have known and worked
with Craig, and we keep Susan and the entire Thomas family
in our thoughts and prayers.
Craig's memory and legacy indeed live on, across
Wyoming, throughout the halls of Congress, in the
countless lives he touched, and in the public servants who
follow in his footsteps. Our Nation is grateful for his
many years of service and positive contributions. May God
bless the entire Thomas family in this time of sorrow, and
may God continue to bless his beloved Wyoming and this
great land of the free--America.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Mr. BARRASSO. Thank you, Mr. President.
This is the first time I am addressing this body. I am
filling the seat of former U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, a
Marine, a warrior, and an American hero. He was a
gentleman from Wyoming who has left large boots to fill. .
. .
This past weekend, I was home in Wyoming. I had a town
meeting in Douglas. I was also home over the Fourth of
July. I had town meetings in Jackson and in Lander. I went
to a couple of rodeos, community activities, as I am sure
you do as well. I talked to hundreds of folks traveling
around the State. When I went to the rodeos--whether in
Casper, or on the Fourth of July in Cody, where I attended
it with a former U.S. Senator from Wyoming who has served
on the Iraq Study Group--when they ride into the arena
holding the American flag, people stand, take off their
hat, and put their hand over their heart. The announcer
does not have to tell them to do that. They just do it.
At both of those rodeos, in Casper and in Cody, they
dedicated the ``Star Spangled Banner'' with a salute to
Craig Thomas, former Marine. Susan Thomas was there at
both events and received the love of the crowd. Then, at
both events, the announcer asked for prayers for the
bravest men and women in the world, those who are fighting
to keep us free. . . .
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I just wanted to congratulate
the Senator from Wyoming on the speech he gave this
morning. It is his first speech on the floor since he
arrived. It is not necessarily his official first speech,
but it is his first speech. I wish to congratulate him on
doing a very admirable job. He accurately reflected the
feelings of Wyoming which he has collected from his
extensive travels in the 3 weeks since he has been in
office. He has held a lot of town meetings; he has been to
a lot of places; he has listened to a lot of people. I
also appreciate very much the comments he made about
Senator Thomas and also the tribute that has been paid to
Susan Thomas at the events he has attended.
I appreciate the indulgence of the Chair, and I thank my
fellow Senator for his excellence comments.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from
Massachusetts is recognized.
Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I join with the senior Senator
from Wyoming in congratulating the new Senator, the junior
Senator, for his comments. All of us miss Senator Thomas.
I had the occasion to work with him on committee. He was a
very fair, decent person and really looked for the center
ground here and tried to make things happen. I certainly
hope his successor will follow in that good tradition. We
thank him for his comments. . . .
Monday, July 23, 2007
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that an
Albert Caswell tribute entitled ``The Promise of Thomas''
be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
The Promise of Thomas
The promise of Thomas
Wyo, Craig Thomas, Cowboys and The Marines
Are some of the greatest damn things, this our country has
ever seen
Walk soft,
But, carry a big heart . . . A straight shooter, The
Promise of Thomas
Surely, this was Craig's greatest of parts . . . as what
his life so surely means
A cowboy, from the great wide west
A hero who wore the uniform, A Marine . . . one of
America's Best
Then, upon House and Senate floors . . . as a legislator .
. . his state and country he'd bless
He was so kind, and ever so cool . . .
He was nobody's patsy nor anybody's fool, following The
Golden Rule
Understated, not complicated . . . just the way God
created, a beautiful calm western scene
A Father and a Friend,
A Devoted and Loving Husband . . .
As has been this life of a patriot, time and again . . .
A man of the land,
For nature and wildlife he'd take a stand . . .
Like a beautiful Yellow Stone sunset . . . as was so this
man
A leader of woman and man,
A quiet, and classy kind of guy . . . like a Gary Cooper
he'd stride . . .
Making many a fan, under control, a thoughtful soul, as
wherever you'd find honor . . . he'd stand
For he was as real as it gets,
The happiest, when in his cowboy boots and hat, in his
jeans and belt buckle . . . heading for home on a jet
Yea, you my fine son . . . Craig . . . you were quite the
one . . . we will never forget
About a week before you died,
Meeting inside, how you stopped to provide a warm moment
still yet . . .
What does that say, about a man on death's way . . .
nothing but greatness, yea you conveyed!
Now Marine, this is your life's final scene,
High and Tight, with our Lord up in Heaven . . . ready to
fight . . .
As an Angel in The Army of Our Lord, on this night
In Yellow Stone, when on a quiet night all alone . . .
As the river runs through you in tone, and the wind in the
branches to all heart so moans . . .
All in serenity, and in peace, among our Lord's beautiful
beasts . . . you'll find Craig there at home! What to
our world, such promises unfurled . . . do we so leave
behind?
Thursday, July 26, 2007
NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY
Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to remember my dear
friend and colleague, Senator Craig Thomas. Craig was a
champion for Wyoming, the West, and its values. Every
year, for the last several years, Craig championed a
resolution honoring the American cowboy. A true cowboy in
his own right, Craig sought to honor those who serve as
stewards of the land, embody the courageous and daring
spirit of the West, and uphold the values of freedom and
responsibility that we all cherish.
I was proud to support my friend in this endeavor over
the years to honor these great individuals, and today I am
pleased the President has also stated his support for the
National Day of the American Cowboy. As cowboys, cowgirls,
family, and friends gather on July 28, 2007, to celebrate
at Cheyenne Frontier Days and nationwide, I extend my best
wishes to all.
Proceedings in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution
(H. Res. 454) and ask for its immediate consideration.
The Clerk read the resolution, as follows:
H. Res. 454
Resolved, That the House has heard with profound sorrow
of the death of the Honorable Craig Thomas, a Senator from
the State of Wyoming.
Resolved, That a committee of such Members of the House
as the Speaker may designate, together with such Members
of the Senate as may be joined, be appointed to attend the
funeral.
Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions
to the Senate and transmit a copy thereof to the family of
the deceased.
Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn
as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased
Senator.
The resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now
adjourn.
The motion was agreed to.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution
454, the House stands adjourned until 10 a.m. today, as a
further mark of respect to the memory of the late
Honorable Craig Thomas.
Thereupon (at midnight), pursuant to House Resolution
454, the House adjourned as a further mark of respect to
the memory of the late Honorable Craig Thomas until today,
Wednesday, June 6, 2007, at 10 a.m.
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and resolutions
were introduced and severally referred, as follows: . . .
By Mrs. CUBIN:
H. Res. 454. A resolution expressing the condolences of
the House of Representatives on the death of the Honorable
Craig Thomas, a Senator from the State of Wyoming;
considered and agreed to. . . .
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE
A message from the Senate by Ms. Curtis, one of its
clerks, announced that the Senate agreed to the following
resolution.
S. Res. 220
In the Senate of the United States, June 5, 2007.
Whereas, Senator Craig Thomas had a long and honorable
history of public service, serving in the United States
Marine Corps, the Wyoming State Legislature, the United
States House of Representatives, and the United States
Senate;
Whereas, Senator Craig Thomas represented the people of
Wyoming with honor and distinction for over 20 years;
Whereas, Senator Craig Thomas was first elected to the
United States House of Representatives in 1989;
Whereas, Senator Craig Thomas was subsequently elected 3
times to the United States Senate by record margins of
more than 70 percent; and
Whereas, Senator Craig Thomas's life and career were
marked by the best of his Western values: hard work, plain
speaking, common sense, courage, and integrity: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the United States Senate has heard with
profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the
death of the Honorable Craig Thomas, a Senator from the
State of Wyoming;
Resolved, That the Senate mourns the loss of one of its
most esteemed members, Senator Craig Thomas, and expresses
its condolences to the people of Wyoming and to his wife,
Susan, and his 4 children;
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate shall
communicate this resolution to the House of
Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to
the family of Senator Craig Thomas; and
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it shall
stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory
of Senator Craig Thomas.
MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House will rise and observe
a moment of silence in memory of Senator Craig Thomas.
Monday, June 11, 2007
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER TO ATTEND FUNERAL OF THE LATE
HONORABLE CRAIG THOMAS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution
454, and the order of the House of January 4, 2007, the
Chair announces the Speaker's appointment of the following
Member of the House to the committee to attend the funeral
of the late Honorable Craig Thomas:
Mrs. Cubin, Wyoming
Departure Ceremony for Senator Craig Thomas
Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland
Friday June 8, 2007, 10 am
Presiding, Dr. Barry C. Black,
Chaplain, U.S. Senate
Prelude
Procession
Psalm 46:1-5, 10-11
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be
removed, and though the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be
troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling
thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad
the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the
most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be
moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted
among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The
LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah.
Psalm 90:1-2, 4, 10, 12
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all
generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or
ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from
everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday
when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and
if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is
their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off,
and we fly away.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our
hearts unto wisdom.
Old Testament reading. Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me
to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine
enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth
over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for
ever.
Instrumental Interlude: Amazing Grace
New Testament reading. John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God,
believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not
so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come
again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there
ye may be also.
Homily. Going Home to a Prepared Place.
Closing Prayer
Benediction
Recession
Revelation 21:1-4
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was
no more sea.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down
from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for
her husband.
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold,
the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with
them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall
be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former
things are passed away.
Memorial Services for
The Honorable Craig Thomas
United States Senator
Saturday, June 9, 2007 -- 3 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
322 East Second Street
Casper, Wyoming
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United States Senator
Craig L. Thomas
1933-2007
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God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot
change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to
know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying
one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway
to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all
things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be
reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next. Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
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Officiating
Reverend Bill Moore
Reverend Margaret Gillikin
Honor Guard
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
Diemer True, Words from a Friend
Old Rugged Cross, United Methodist Hymnal, page 504
The Apostles Creed, United Methodist Hymnal, page 88
Miss Katelynn Thomas, Grandchildren's Tribute
U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, a Poem from Men to Match My
Mountains
U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Cubin, the Twenty-Third Psalm
Celebration of Life, Affirmation of Faith, Reverend Bill
Moore
Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Amazing Grace, United Methodist Hymnal, page 378
Benediction--Sending Forth
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Honorary Pallbearers
Peter Thomas Greg Thomas Patrick Thomas Lexie
Thomas
Bill Martin Lynn Martin Harry Roberts
Ushers
Ken Marken Jeff Bennett Bill Schilling Jeff Clark
Steve Cathey
John Scherlin Sean Boril Lester Lebsock
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Beginning at 5 p.m., please join family and friends for a
reception at The Casper Petroleum Club, 1301 Wilkins
Circle.
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In memory of U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, his family asks
that memorial donations be given to the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society or the Special Olympics of Wyoming.
[The following was part of the Casper, WY, program.]
Wyoming's U.S. Senator Craig Lyle Thomas passed
peacefully June 4, 2007, surrounded by his family. By the
age of 74, the senior Senator from Wapiti, Wyoming
achieved his life's dream--to make a lasting difference
for the State of Wyoming and the people who proudly call
it home.
His was a humble beginning. Born February 17, 1933, he
was the son of school teachers in Cody, Wyoming who in the
summers operated a small dude business on the edge of
Yellowstone National Park. It was there and then that he
developed a child's love of special places that would
later inspire his parenting of our National Parks.
During those summers guiding on horseback, he also
learned to work hard and to earn one's way in the world.
Those who knew him, either closely or observing from a
distance, witnessed the same quality of Craig Thomas: a
cowboy's tireless work ethic and respect for those around
him. He held that ethic throughout his career. Without
doubt, his modest start in life shaped his nature as a
fiscal conservative and his lifelong dedication to
advocate for the average Wyoming person.
It will surprise no one who knew him politically that
Craig was a wrestler, and a good one at that. Following
high school in Cody, he attended the University of Wyoming
and joined its wrestling team. The University's legendary
wrestling coach Everett Lance was an important influence,
training Craig's competitive focus with an ethic of how to
win with more than simple strength, but with honor and
strength of character.
Academically, Craig studied agriculture at UW and earned
a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, thinking perhaps
he might later try his hand in the ranch business. But
like most men in the late 1950s, first came military
service, and for an athletic man with determination and
drive, the Marine Corps was a perfect fit. Trained at
Quantico, Craig was stationed in Japan in the later part
of that more peaceful decade, rising to the rank of
Captain.
He returned home with a broadened view of the world and
the powers that shape it. Agriculture policy and the
issues of the West compelled him and he began work for the
Wyoming Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau in
Washington, DC, and later the Wyoming Rural Electric
Association. Reflecting his roots in small business, he
also bought a small hotel in Torrington, Wyoming which
would ground him squarely in the state's tourism policy
for years to come.
It was during these Wyoming years, based in Casper, that
he met a young educator of high school children with
special needs. Susan Roberts and Craig Thomas found much
in common. Raised on a ranch in Barnum, Susan also shared
Craig's love of Wyoming, horses, politics and people.
Theirs was a remarkable marriage as life partners and each
other's best friend.
Craig's political ambitions took hold with races for the
State Treasurer's Office and the Wyoming State House of
Representatives. Like the wrestler he was trained to be,
Craig tried each of these matches persistently. Coach
Lance taught him that each match trains you for the next,
and Craig joked often that he had learned those early
political lessons the hard way.
In 1989 came the match of his life. A special election
to replace then-U.S. Congressman Dick Cheney for Wyoming's
at large House seat. Forty long and hard fought days
later, Craig won the race. Elected on a springtime
Wednesday and sworn into Congress the following Monday,
Craig became a member of the Wyoming Congressional
Delegation, serving with his boyhood friend, U.S. Senator
Al Simpson, and U.S. Senator Malcolm Wallop. Then in 1994
with Wallop's retirement, Craig chose to run for the U.S.
Senate, winning that race, then in 2000 and again in 2006.
Over that time, U.S. Senator Craig Thomas became one of
Wyoming's most popular and beloved public servants.
While he ran successfully in statewide election after
election, he also ran every morning with his wife Susan in
the early hours, long before most alarm clocks were set to
ring. He arrived eager to work just about the time wake-up
buzzers sounded for the rest of the city. Their fitness
passion and focus on health helped him look younger than
his age, a fact of which he was proud. It would also help
him as he fought his disease. His doctors said men of
lesser strength would not have been able to battle as well
as he did the aggressive cancer in his blood.
Tough country breeds uncompromising values, tested by
experience. The grit of Craig Thomas is legendary. He
never backed down from a challenge. On the floor of the
Senate or the rodeo arena, he continued to fight and rope,
wrestle and win with honor. Those close to him knew that
behind his strength was a constant faith that carried him
through each brave experience. He was devout, quietly and
steadfastly with abiding hope. Craig knew where he came
from, knowing exactly the man he was. Craig's Senate
colleague and friend, Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, said on
the floor of the Senate, ``Although that last battle of
his life was lost, there were so many victories in his
life that we will long remember. Craig died as he lived,
with his spurs on, fighting for Wyoming to the very end.''
As Wyoming's senior U.S. Senator, Craig positioned
himself on the committees with the greatest legislative
importance for Wyoming. In addition to serving on the
Energy Committee, he served on the Senate's most powerful
panel--the Senate Finance Committee, as well as
Agriculture, Indian Affairs, and Ethics. In his work,
Wyoming and Wyoming people were central. His efforts in
job creation and economic growth are the foundation of his
vision to improve the quality of life for a better future
for people in communities across the state.
His distinguished legislative record on issues as
diverse as public land management, agriculture, fiscal
responsibility and rural health care have made a
difference in the lives of Wyoming people. He valued
resources--the energy resources with which Wyoming is
blessed as well as the scenic resources that help create
special places and tourism.
From his position on the highly coveted chairmanship of
the Senate Energy Committee's National Park Subcommittee,
Craig Thomas worked tirelessly on National Park policy . .
. to help the parks with infrastructure--from management
reforms to landmark improvements in concessionaire policy
to roads to visitors centers. National visitors and state
residents have benefitted dramatically from Craig's work
for quality national parks. His efforts resulted in many
national recognitions and awards.
The character of Craig Thomas as a public servant was
based on a Marine's sense of responsibility to the people
who elected him. Early on in his career Craig . . .
[developed] the profound accountability he felt for the
people who elected him his bond. He talked often about the
obligations each of us has to achieve something better
through hard work and leadership. He and Susan would say
they work in Washington, but they live in Wyoming. He
traveled persistently to Wyoming each weekend so that he
would know what Wyoming people needed and wanted. Craig
Thomas worked, fought and led every day within this ethic:
that it was an honor to serve Wyoming and Wyoming people.
Outside of his duties as a Legislator, Congressman and
Senator, Craig was active in the community in other
important ways. He involved himself in volunteer efforts
that included the Special Olympics of Wyoming, the State
Developmental Disabilities Council, the Susan G. Komen
Breast Cancer Foundation on which he and his wife Susan
shared roles as Honorary Chairmen. He helped countless
organization[s] in raising money for locally and state
based causes. And from 4-H to Girls State, rodeo clubs to
the spelling bee teams, vo-tech to valedictorian, Craig
gave his time, kindness and inspiration to thousands of
Wyoming school kids.
While tough and tested as an individual, there was
another side, a lighter one that distinguished him. What
many will tell you about Craig Thomas is that he loved to
laugh and loved to collect jokes, both good and bad. He
flashed a mischievous smile each time he told one and he
relished in the reaction he would raise. He laughed with
his whole body, broad shoulders and bright eyes.
His life was blessed with four children and later, with
their growing families, nine grandchildren. His sons,
Peter, Patrick, Greg, and daughter, Lexie, shared their
father with an entire state and nation. They wish to thank
the people of Wyoming and this great country for the love
and support given so generously during their father's
illness and passing. Each of Craig's children carries the
hope that his legacy will live on, in the ways that their
father wanted, both small and large, for generations to
come.
Many dignitaries from far and wide mourn his passing.
President of the United States George W. Bush called Craig
``a man of character and integrity known for his devotion
to the values he shared with the people of Wyoming.'' But
in the halls of the U.S. Capitol, there are others, many
others who share a common pain of his loss. Ask the
elevator operators, the cashiers, the janitors and they,
like most, would say what a wonderful person Craig Thomas
was. His staff and the people who have had the privilege
to work for him over the years will tell all you of his
kindness and the open family character that is the nature
of his office. Each will say what a great, good guy Craig
Thomas was. Because no matter who you were Craig took time
each day, every day, to talk to you, to say hello and not
to simply pass by. In Wyoming, people in each town, each
county, feel a loss because Craig gave so much of himself.
He gave his time, his passion, his leadership and his
tireless energy to make Wyoming a better place.
Craig Thomas represented Wyoming with honor and dignity.
Admired by those who knew him, he gives us a legacy of
unmatched legislative accomplishments--a brilliant example
of what one can do with a life lived with determination,
strength of character and vision. How Craig Thomas lived
was as a success, achieving unassumingly what he set out
to do: to make a difference for the state and the people
he loved. Many people might hope to live as they dream.
Craig did. He was an honorable man who loved his wife
Susan dearly, gave tirelessly to his state and country and
left his beloved Wyoming a better place. He leaves behind
a family of thousands and the unparalleled legacy of a
humble, true western hero.
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