[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 46 (Monday, April 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE LEGACY OF PRESIDENT RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, as with all of our major leaders perhaps, 
but perhaps more so in his case, Richard Nixon's political legacy is 
mixed. His resignation because of the Watergate scandal will probably 
always be the aspect of his career that most people will remember the 
most. But it would be unfair to define this extraordinary politician, 
author, and President by Watergate alone, as disheartening as that 
constitutional crisis proved to be.
  As President, Richard Nixon won widespread admiration and respect for 
his conduct of international affairs. His accomplishments in this area 
will long stand, as they should, as his greatest legacy. Perhaps his 
greatest achievement was the ending of the United States military 
involvement in Vietnam. He also opened relations with mainland China, 
which he visited in 1972, and eased the tension that had existed for 
years between the United States and the former Soviet Union. He won 
congressional approval of the United States-Soviet agreements to limit 
the production of nuclear weapons.
  In 1970, under President Nixon's leadership, Congress lowered the 
minimum voting age for Federal elections to 18, giving younger people 
more of a voice in their Government. One year later, the 26th 
constitutional amendment was ratified, which set the voting age at 18 
for all elections.
  Even Nixon's many detractors have to admire his tenacity and 
determination. One has to give a man credit who climbed to the top from 
such humble beginnings and who dragged himself off of the mat so many 
times. Over the years, he won as many battles as he lost, but he never 
really left the battlefield. As the title of his 1992 book ``In The 
Arena'' suggests, he remained engaged and influential. I had the 
opportunity to visit with him on a few occasions and was always 
impressed by his keen intellect and knowledge.
  In spite of the tragedy of Watergate, I think Richard Nixon will go 
down in history as one of the most intriguing and successful political 
leaders of the 20th century. He will be especially remembered for his 
many and lasting contributions in fostering international relations.
  Mr. President, 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. BENNETT. 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. BENNETT. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be allowed 
to continue as if in morning business for no less than 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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