[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 22 (Thursday, March 3, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                           ROBERT C. LOUTHIAN

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, it is my privilege today to recognize and 
commend the many contributions made by one of the Senate's most 
talented and distinguished staff advisers, a native of my own 
Commonwealth of Virginia, Robert C. Louthian.
  Having served longer than any other individual in the Office of 
Legislative Counsel of the Senate, Bob is preparing to embark on a 
well-deserved retirement. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of 
congratulating Bob right here in this Chamber as he celebrated 40 years 
of service; today I am pleased to reiterate my appreciation for his 
dedication and accomplishment as we--the U.S. Senate--bid him farewell 
for a well-earned retirement.
  While we are fortunate in the Senate to have the assistance and 
counsel of many outstanding support staff, few careers are as 
exceptional as Bob Louthian's. His experience, knowledge, wisdom, and 
judgment are evident in the major legislation he has drafted over these 
many years. He has crafted the language of legislative efforts as 
diverse as Indian affairs and shipping, communication, and energy. Our 
paths have crossed frequently as he advised the committees on natural 
resources. Indeed, all Senators have had Bob's invaluable experience 
and guidance through his service as senior legal adviser to Senate 
offices.
  Born in Roanoke, VA, Bob Louthian attended that city's public 
schools. He and I share a common military experience: We both joined 
the Navy at an early age in World War II. Bob, however, saw active duty 
in the Pacific theater while I simply went to school. And, following 
his discharge, he returned to Virginia to enroll in Roanoke College. He 
earned a B.S. in economics in 1949, then pursued his legal studies at 
my own alma mater, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. At 
Washington and Lee, he began to demonstrate the exceptional abilities 
that would characterize his professional career: He served on the staff 
of the Law Review and was elected to the prestigious Order of the Coif 
in recognition of his academic and leadership achievements.
  The Senate is truly fortunate that Bob Louthian chose to join the 
ranks of those who make our mandate workable immediately after law 
school. He accepted the position of law assistant in the Office of 
Legislative Counsel on July 14, 1952. Two years later, Bob was promoted 
to assistant counsel and, in 1973, he achieved the rank of senior 
counsel.
  Throughout his tenure, Bob Louthian has served not just the Senate or 
the Congress as a whole--he has served the best interests of the United 
States of America. Moreover, he has done so in so many ways, large and 
small. His career has been marked by professionalism, insight, and a 
keen understanding of the legislative process. His efforts have been of 
invaluable help to every Members of the U.S. Senate for many, many 
years.
  Bob Louthian stands as an example for all to emulate in the realm of 
public service. I know that my colleagues join with me in applauding 
his excellence, commending his commitment, and wishing him well as he 
departs. His record of achievement will long be remembered in U.S. 
Senate, and I know that he will continue to serve his community and 
country in his future endeavors.

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