[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
                     TRIBUTE TO THE MAJORITY LEADER

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, as a freshman Senator, I quickly learned 
that George Mitchell is a man of great ability, depth, and eloquence. 
He has a commitment to the public welfare that does not blow hot or 
cold with popular opinion polls. He has been willing to take difficult 
and sometimes unpopular stands. His commitment to protecting and 
preserving our Constitution and the balance of power between the three 
branches of Government enabled him to steer a steady course through 
difficult times.
  His dedication stems from the values he learned as the son of hard-
working immigrants; from the hard-working town of Waterville, ME on the 
banks of the Kennebec River; from the home of textile mills and shoe 
factories where his mother worked to put him through school. His story 
reflects the best sense of what it means to be an American.
  He has been a force for the common good who has demonstrated uncommon 
skill and compassion.
  His rapid rise to leadership, second only in this century to Lyndon 
Baines Johnson, is a testament to his ability and determination. 
Moreover, by all accounts, his record in 6 years as majority leader has 
been remarkable for not only his achievements but for his dogged 
resolve to remain fair and respectful to all of our colleagues.
  His reputation for fairness and decency is unparalleled at a time 
when political debate too frequently deteriorates to mud-slinging and 
gamesmanship, rather than edification and statesmanship.
  He is a credit to his party, standing up for its best principles and 
making us proud to be Democrats. In what can be, at times, fierce 
partisan battles on the floor of the Senate, he has steadfastly refused 
to engage in personal attacks as staunchly as he has refused to 
compromise his political ideals.
  Mr. President, in my short tenure here as a Member of the Senate, I 
have had the honor to serve with one of the finest majority leaders who 
has ever served in the U.S. Senate. An astute politician, a skillful 
legislator, a vigorous leader, and remarkable man: The U.S. Senate will 
be a different place without George Mitchell.
  I am confident that although Senator Mitchell is leaving the Senate, 
he will not be leaving public service and that he will continue to make 
important contributions to the country he loves and has served so well. 
We all wish him the very best.

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