[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 SENATOR HOWARD METZENBAUM

  Mr. SASSER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my good 
friend from Ohio, Senator Howard Metzenbaum. Senator Metzenbaum is 
retiring at the end of this session, closing his public career as one 
of America's leading advocates for the common man.
  Whether he's fighting on behalf of the American worker or taking on 
the powerful special interests, Senator Metzenbaum brings a dogged 
determination rarely seen in the Senate. He has especially been an 
effective advocate for the forgotten people in our society--the poor, 
the elderly, women, minorities, and those who could not afford high-
priced lobbyists to represent their interest. Of course, they didn't 
need to, they had Howard Metzenbaum in their corner.
  His tenacity of purpose and strength of will has been both a blessing 
and an annoyance, depending on one's point of view. During debate on 
the Senate floor, his knowledge of Senate rules and sharp wit can 
either be powerful allies or difficult obstacles to overcome. 
Regardless of how one stood on the issues, no one expressed their 
conscience, their values, or their ideals more effectively or purposely 
than Howard Metzenbaum.
  During his tenure in the Senate, Howard Metzenbaum has been one of 
the most productive Senators in passing or improving legislation. As 
chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Monopolies and 
Business Rights, he led efforts to protect workers' insurance benefits 
at bankrupt companies. He also investigated price fixing among 
companies and oversaw restructuring of the savings and loan industry.
  As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Howard Metzenbaum 
helped enact important legislation to improve the lives of workers. 
Senator Metzenbaum was instrumental in passing a bill requiring advance 
notice to workers of plant closings. He also used his position on the 
subcommittee to produce compromise legislation revising a Supreme Court 
ruling that allowed age-based discrimination in employee benefits.
  Most importantly, Howard puts his own special touch on every piece of 
legislation he comes across, and we are better for it. Countless times, 
he has stayed on the Senate floor ensuring that nothing slips through 
in the dead of night. He is aptly named the Senate watchdog and his 
efforts have probably saved the American taxpayers over a billion 
dollars.
  Now, he leaves us to spend more time with his wife and family, a 
prospect I know many of us envy. However, I'm confident we have not 
heard the last of Howard Metzenbaum. His voice will always be ready to 
speak up for the downtrodden, the discriminated, and the forgotten 
people of our Nation. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve 
with him all these years, and I will miss him deeply. I wish him well 
in his future endeavors.

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