[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     RETIREMENT OF GEORGE MITCHELL

  Mr. PELL. Madam President, I wish to add my own expression of dismay 
and true regret at the announcement over the past weekend that our very 
wonderful colleague and highly respected leader, George Mitchell, has 
decided to end his Senate career at the conclusion of this session.
  This is hard news for the Senate, for New England, and indeed for the 
Nation. George Mitchell has become an important part of the fabric 
which binds us all together.
  The Senate in particular is a better place for having had the benefit 
of his steady leadership and his special gift for effective advocacy. 
He addresses the issues before this body with precision, clarity and, 
for most of us, great persuasiveness.
  And he has run the cumbersome machinery of our Senate with real 
skill, while maintaining a solid base of good faith on both sides of 
the aisle.
  His will be a hard act to follow and we will have to set high 
standards in choosing his successor.
  I can fully appreciate the leader's desire to set aside the burden of 
his job and pursue other interests. I regret that he came to his 
decision at this particular time, but I wish him well and I pledge him 
my fullest support for the remainder of his tenure.
  Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Boxer). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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