[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO SENATOR HOWARD METZENBAUM

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, as was the case with virtually all of my 
colleagues in this body, I greeted the recent retirement announcement 
by our friend from Ohio, Senator Metzenbaum, with a variety of emotions 
and sentiments. For those of us who have known and served with him over 
the years, he has come to symbolize many of the ideals upon which the 
Senate was founded. Whether we agreed with him or not--and like most, I 
have had my share of disagreements with him--there was never a doubt 
that he always approached issues armed with the courage of his 
convictions and the dictates of his conscience.
  For that reason, there will be a void in the Senate when the 104th 
Congress convenes that will be hard--if not impossible--to fill.
  At the same time, who can begrudge him wanting to spend more time 
with his wife Shirley and their wonderful family? The Senate places 
demands on its Members that cannot be viewed as family friendly, and 
sometimes when attempting to balance these often competing demands, it 
comes down to a decision about priorities. Senator Metzenbaum has 
chosen to make his family his priority at this stage in his life, and 
for that, we applaud him.
  If anyone has ever earned his retirement, it is Senator Metzenbaum, 
who has served this body with distinction for 18 years. I have had the 
pleasure of serving with him on the Judiciary Committee for a number of 
years. He has been a loud and clear voice for those in our society who 
often have had to struggle to find a voice--working families, the 
middle class, minorities, laborers, and women. He has performed as a 
true champion of the rights of all Americans, regardless of their 
status or position in society. He does his homework, he knows his 
facts, and he stands his ground. He has always adhered to the 
principle, ``Always let your conscience be your guide.''
  Many congressional staffers and members of the public were probably 
surprised to learn that Senator Metzenbaum is only in his third Senate 
term. He is one of those who has become such an integral part of the 
daily business of the Chamber and is so closely identified with the 
Senate that it is hard to imagine a time when he was not here. But 
indeed, he has only been here since 1977. And I say only because we 
have Members like Senators Thurmond, Kennedy, and Byrd who do make him 
and many of us seem like new kids on the block.
  Senator Metzenbaum touched upon something in his retirement 
announcement that is instructive. He said, ``I know that the Members of 
this body have the wisdom, talent, and experience to accomplish more 
than we now do. We seem somehow to fall short of our considerable 
potential, and as a result have a less positive impact than might 
otherwise be possible. We do not look beyond one day's news cycle. We 
find ourselves ducking tough choices, postponing the inevitable, 
passing the buck, and pointing fingers.''
  Mr. President, I have also noticed, over the last several years or 
so, an increasing tendency on the part of the Senate to avoid open, 
direct debate on some of the most critical issues facing our Nation. 
Avoidance of difficult issues only violates the trust that is supposed 
to exist between the governed and their Government. Senator Howard 
Metzenbaum has consistently worked to ensure and preserve that trust.
  I wish Senator Metzenbaum and his wife Shirley a happy and healthy 
retirement filled with lots of relaxation and visits from their 
grandchildren. He has served his constituents and indeed all Americans 
well, and will be sorely missed when he officially retires in January 
1995.

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