[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]

 
                        RETIREMENT OF SENATORS.

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I should like to at least begin a few 
remarks about our retiring Senators as we wind down this 103d Congress. 
To David Boren, John Danforth, Dennis DeConcini, David Durenberger, 
Harlan Mathews, George Mitchell, Howard Metzenbaum, Don Riegle, and 
Malcolm Wallop, I want to send my warmest wishes for their personal 
happiness. Each of these men has ably represented the people of their 
State, and I am confident that each will know great success in the 
future.
  Madam President, I wish to pay special tribute to three Senators with 
whom I have had the great privilege to work closely the past 2 years. 
Each has served as a shining example of what it means to be a leader 
and a true public servant.
  How can one say enough about Howard Metzenbaum? The man is a fighter 
for those who do not have a voice--for consumers, for those who cannot 
afford to pay high-priced lobbyists. You do not need a PAC or a high-
powered lobbyist to get on Howard Metzenbaum's agenda. All you need is 
a belief in justice, and the good Senator will rally to your side.
  Frankly, he has stood up for the little guy, for the ordinary person, 
and I hope that many of us will be able to work doubly hard so that we 
can continue his work.
  When I was appointed to the banking committee, Madam President, with 
you, I did not fully realize how fortunate I was to be serving under 
the able leadership of Don Riegle. Senator Riegle is a highly 
professional man and a productive leader. He was successful in moving 
very important legislation. But really, when I think about what makes 
Don Riegle such a special legislator, it is not just his list of 
accomplishments; it is his heart, the way he feels about helping 
America's working family. And that, too, will be missed.
  Just a few words about Senator Mitchell, before he gets up to lead us 
through this very long and complicated end of the session.
  In my opinion, Senator Mitchell will go down in history as one of the 
greatest majority leaders of the Senate. With the Senator's record on 
the environment and his belief in people, he leaves a legacy as a 
champion for the ordinary people of this country.
  In closing, I just want to add that the thing about Senator Mitchell 
that is extraordinary is he never forgets his roots, and he never 
forgets his family and the sacrifices they made to give him the chance 
to become a great leader in this country. I think all too often some of 
us forget that, and we have to remember it. I think that his greatest 
legacy will be that message to all of us.
  So I want to say to Senator Mitchell how much I will miss him, how 
much all of us will miss him on both sides of the aisle. And to all of 
our colleagues who will not be returning for the 104th Congress, you 
will be missed, but your collective experience and wisdom has enriched 
this body. Your participation has made the Senate stronger than when 
you entered it.
  Thank you very, very much, Madam President, and I yield the floor at 
this time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader, the Senator from Maine.

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