[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 23 (Monday, March 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     A TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MITCHELL

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I speak as a freshman Member of this 
body and I know I speak on behalf of Senator Boxer as well. We will 
both be forever grateful to the majority leader for all of the help and 
assistance we have received.
  I might say, Mr. President, that in the last 15 months I cannot think 
of any one incident that has taken me more by surprise than the 
announcement by our majority leader that he will not run for 
reelection.
  George Mitchell is respected. I have known a lot of public leaders 
during my day. I have never known one with more credibility, more 
integrity, and certainly more perseverance than Senator Mitchell. And I 
want to say that I believe he will be sorely missed.
  It is difficult for me to really believe that he wants to be baseball 
commissioner. I have worked with National Football League owners and 
baseball owners, and they too are rugged individualists and often 
difficult to work with.
  But I want him to know how much this freshman has respected his 
counsel, his advice, and, most importantly, his leadership.
  Last year was an important one in the U.S. Senate, and our majority 
leader saw this body pass an unprecedented amount of legislation, much 
of it major in scope--the crime bill, family leave, and national 
service to name a few.
  George Mitchell has been a very special majority leader because he is 
good on his feet on the floor and good in his chair at the conference 
table. In my experience this does not happen often when someone has 
both qualities.
  I have heard him sound with anger. I have heard his humor. And I have 
watched his leadership. I have seen those frustrating moments in the 
caucus. I must say he is an unparalled leader. He leaves very big shoes 
that will be very hard to fill.
  I just want to say I am so looking forward to working with him on 
health care reform, welfare reform, and other issues this year. I only 
wish there was something I could do to change his mind because when he 
leaves this body he will be very sorely missed.
  Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Dorgan). The Chair recognizes the Senator 
from Minnesota.

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