[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]

 
                THANKING MAJORITY LEADER GEORGE MITCHELL

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
commend our truly distinguished illustrious leader, majority leader 
Senator George Mitchell, and tell him how sorry I am that he will no 
longer be here to lead us when the Senate returns to Washington early 
next year. I know that I cannot possibly pay tribute to all of Senator 
Mitchell's accomplishments in a manageable time. However, I would like 
to take a moment to comment on at least a few of his many 
accomplishments.
  Senator Mitchell can rightly claim credit for the passage of the 
budget bill, the Clean Air Act, NAFTA legislation, and the Crime bill. 
Although these bills were authored by other Senators, none would have 
passed without the strong leadership of majority leader Mitchell. 
Indeed, his legacy will extend well into the future.
  I very much regret that we were unable to vote on a health care 
reform bill, but when we act in the next Congress, there is no question 
that we will be building on the work the majority leader has done and I 
am convinced that the groundwork he laid will lead to a new health care 
system that is better for every American and better for our Nation.
  George Mitchell came to the Senate in 1980 through a special 
election, and then campaigned and won again in 1982. Early in his 
Senate career he demonstrated in his strength as a legislator, an 
ability to bring differing ideas and points of view together, and a 
judicial bearing that is a consequence of the years he spent as a U.S. 
Attorney and a district court judge.
  His previous services as the Maine Democratic party chairman, and in 
Senator Ed Muskie's presidential campaign steeled him for duty as the 
head of the Democratic senatorial campaign committee, where he 
engineered the highly successful Democratic senatorial election in 
1986. He showed an ability in elective politics that was every bit as 
strong as his ability as a legislator.
  Senator Mitchell was awarded the title of deputy president pro 
tempore for the 100th Congress. Two years later he was elected leader, 
by creating a broad-based, unbeatable coalition.
  Since his election to majority leader, George Mitchell has been 
successful in negotiating with and between members on both sides of the 
aisle, on and off the Senate floor. He has been simultaneously patient 
and stubborn, making sure that every Senator's rights are protected, 
but never allowing his aims in legislation to be sidetracked. Senator 
Mitchell has shown versatility in representing concerns ranging from 
the interests of his constituents in Maine to those of the president. 
He is indeed a great legislator and a wonderful politician.
  In the 2 years since I was elected to the Senate in 1992, I have 
learned a great deal and one of my greatest teachers has been Senator 
Mitchell. He has taught me that there is always more than one way to 
approach legislation and that it is important to remember that if one 
is able to maintain a patient and listening attitude, often opposition 
which seems implacable can be transformed into agreement. It is clear 
that we are all going to miss George Mitchell a great deal. I want to 
thank him personally for the spectacular job he has done. He has been a 
superb public servant. Our Nation is a better place today because 
George Mitchell served in the Senate.

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