[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]

 
                    FAREWELL TO SENATOR DURENBERGER

  Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. President; when the 104th Congress convenes next 
January, the senior Senator from Minnesota will not longer be David 
Durenberger. As he retires from the Senate, I want to express my 
gratitude to him for his efforts on many issues of interest to both of 
us.
  Senator Durenberger has been a leader in this Congress on issues of 
vital importance to all Americans. For many years, he has been 
committed to reforming our Nation's broken health care system to 
improve patient choice, to contain costs, and extend care to those who 
need it but cannot afford it.
  In this session, Senator Durenberger was instrumental in our efforts 
to break the gridlock and reach agreement on much needed reforms. He 
came to the negotiating table with an open mind and with a true 
understanding of the magnitude of the problem facing our Nation.
  He worked tirelessly, investing countless hours in our effort to 
develop a bill which could attract the 60 necessary votes to overcome 
the promised filibuster. And I know that he was as frustrated as I was 
by our inability to complete action on any health care reform proposal.
  Senator Durenberger rose above party politics and put the good of the 
American people first. He sought not political advantage, but 
compromise and action. I cannot fully express how much I appreciated 
his support and his work during the difficult and trying negotiations.
  The people of Minnesota are losing a good friend, and the senior 
citizens of America are losing a strong voice. Senator Durenberger has 
long been concerned with our Nation's elderly, advocating for long-term 
care, catastrophic health care coverage, and other programs of benefit 
to America's fastest growing group of citizens: those over 65.
  Senator Durenberger has also worked to make higher education 
available to more American youth by reforming student loan programs. He 
recognizes that our Nation's future is tied to the ability of young 
people to get the education they need to be competitive and employable 
in the 21st century. His efforts have made a significant difference in 
this area.
  In short, Senator Durenberger  has worked hard to make life better 
for all Americans. I have very much enjoyed working with him, and I 
wish him the very best as he returns to private life.

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