[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 150 (Tuesday, December 20, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: December 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MITCHELL

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, in my 20 years in the Senate, I have 
had the honor to serve with a number of exceptional majority leaders. 
They have included Senators Mike Mansfield of Montana; Robert Byrd, of 
West Virginia; Howard Baker, of Tennessee; Bob Dole, of Kansas; and in 
the past several Congresses, with my good friend, George Mitchell, of 
Maine.
  Each of the majority leaders has brought their individual strengths 
to the Senate and each have contributed to the good of our great 
country. I must note though my special appreciation and friendship for 
my New England neighbor, George Mitchell.
  I worked as closely with him as anybody in the Senate and I have seen 
him in the most difficult of times, always maintaining his judicial 
composure as he has brought parties together for the good of the 
country, and to uphold the promise of the U.S. Senate.
  I have often said that the U.S. Senate should be the conscience of 
the Nation, and on those occasions when it has achieved that it has 
been because of George Mitchell, and people of his nature. I have never 
heard Senator Mitchell advance a cause for his own personal benefit or 
glory, but always for what is best in this country.
  Many have spoken of his humble background in Maine, but I think more 
of all that he has done to make it possible for someone of that 
background to achieve whatever they are willing to work for in our 
country. It will not be the same Senate without him, and I know my own 
views toward the Senate will be different absent his leadership.
  I do cherish the fact that I had this chance to serve with 
him.

                          ____________________