[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 13, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO SENATOR RIEGLE

  Mr. METZENBAUM. Madam President, when I was first elected to the 
Senate, I met a young fellow by the name of Senator Don Riegle. We came 
to this body together. We have been friends, and we have worked 
together over that period of time. We never had any disagreements.
  Then about 6 years ago, he took on the leadership of the Banking 
Committee. I want to say that I do not think any chairperson of any 
committee has ever been more effective, more concerned, more willing to 
address himself to the issues of the Banking Committee and their 
responsibilities than has Senator Riegle.
  There were many occasions when the opportunity for disagreement 
between him and me was present, but we worked it out, and I think much 
of that had to do with the fact he shared many of the same concerns I 
had about protecting the lenders, borrowers, the consumers, those who 
need protection and do not get protection unless the laws of the United 
States provide for it.
  He has had legislation in the area of banks, savings and loans, the 
mortgage industry, the SEC--as a matter of fact, in every segment of 
the financial industry.
  Many times, I had found that what he was proposing or advocating 
caused me some concern, and with no exception, during all of the 6 
years of his leadership, we have worked it out and I think, to the best 
of my recollection, we have always been on the same side.
  Don Riegle has recognized his responsibility to the industry and his 
supervision of the laws pertaining to the industry, but he has not 
forgotten the consumers of this country or the depositors of this 
country. He has been sensitive to their concerns and has tried to be 
helpful in enacting legislation. He has not always succeeded, just as 
none of us in this body always succeed. But with no exception, he was 
always on the side of seeing to it that those who did business with the 
financial industry were treated fairly and honestly by the industry 
itself.
  When it came to issues such as mortgage discrimination, which did 
exist in this country, he played a leadership role. When it came to the 
Truth in Savings Act, he played a leadership role. I could stand here 
for the next 15 minutes, even though I only have 5 minutes allocated to 
me, to talk about all the different pieces of legislation, including 
the Interstate Banking Efficiency Act that was enacted today. He was 
willing to stand up against very powerful interests who brought great 
pressure, such as on the issue that was discussed earlier today having 
to do with the right of the Government to sue savings and loan officers 
and directors. He has always been on the right side.
  So I say that the Senate will, indeed, lose a giant, and I will lose 
not a good friend, but I will not see him as often as I see him while 
we are in the Senate. I wish him well in whatever future career he 
decides upon, and I express to him on behalf of my colleagues in the 
Senate, as well as the people of this country, you have paid your dues. 
You have stood up well. You have fought for the right issues, and the 
country should be everlastingly grateful to you. Thank you, Senator Don 
Riegle.
  Mr. RIEGLE. Madam President, I am sort of overcome by the very 
gracious remarks of the Senator from Ohio, who has been a mentor in 
many ways to many of us, not just in our time in the Senate but before 
that. I am very touched by his remarks.
  We have gotten a lot of work done, and I think our laws are stronger 
and fairer and the people of the country will get a much better and 
fairer chance to participate within this system. Actually, that is why 
we all ought to be here, to get that done.
  So I am very grateful to the Senator from Ohio for his remarks, and 
the Senator from Connecticut, who over many long years has had the 
chance to view this institution and Congress generally, and I feel very 
proud to be able to associate with them and everyone else in this body.
  I thank the Senator.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair would comment that all the time has 
just now expired for the Senator from Ohio.
  Under the previous order, the Senator from Connecticut is recognized 
for up to 20 minutes.
  Mr. DODD. I thank the Chair.

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