[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 3 (Friday, January 6, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S574-S575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       SENATORS DOLE AND DASCHLE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, as we all know, the 104th Congress 
convened Wednesday and before we become too immersed in the legislative 
process, I want to take a moment to recognize the two leaders who will 
guide us through the next 2 years.
  It has been my experience that some of the key qualities of a good 
leader are decisiveness, ability, commitment, integrity, and moral and 
physical courage. The new majority leader, Senator Robert Dole, posses 
those attributes and many more, and I am proud to call him my friend.
  Bob's commitment to public service began in 1943 when he raised his 
right hand and enlisted in the U.S. Army as World War II raged at its 
height. A natural leader, young G.I. Dole soon earned a commission and 
found himself commanding a platoon in the famed 10th Mountain Division, 
which remains one of the Army's premiere combat units. During bloody 
and vicious fighting against the Germans in the rugged terrain of 
Italy, Bob was severely wounded twice and very nearly lost his life. 
Though decorated for his valorous acts in battle, Senator Dole carries 
with him to this day a very noticeable reminder of the cost of liberty 
and of warfare. I am sure that each of use recognizes the disability 
that Bob has overcome as a reminder that war, or the employment of 
military force, is not a matter to be considered lightly, and that 
whenever young Americans are placed in harm's way, they run the risk of 
being killed, wounded, or maimed.
  In 1951 Bob was elected to the Kansas State legislature, beginning a 
career that ultimately brought him to this Chamber. His time in the 
statehouse was quickly followed by a term as county attorney and then 
four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1968, Bob came to 
the U.S. Senate and it was immediately apparent to me that he was a man 
destined to go places. In the ensuring 27 years, I have been pleased 
and proud to watch Bob's career progress, as he served as the chairman 
of the Republican National Committee; as he was overwhelmingly 
reelected to the Senate four times; to watch him climb the Senate 
leadership ladder to the position he now holds; and, to see him 
nominated for the Vice Presidency of the United States in 1976. I have 
no doubt that the unbeatable combination of Senator Dole's drive and 
experience, along with what just might be a strong streak of destiny, 
may lead him to the White House before his career in public service 
comes to an end.
  Senator Dole has been leader of the Senate Republicans when we have 
been both the majority and minority party in this body and he has 
distinguished himself well in both roles. While not everyone may agree 
with Senator Dole's politics, they do respect the manner in which he 
conducts himself and the business of the Senate. Now that our party has 
once again regained control of this body, I know that Senator Dole will 
work closely with Members on the other side of the aisle to ensure that 
they are treated fairly, and that the 104th Congress will be marked as 
a period of progress, accomplishment, and bipartisanship. Bob Dole is a 
man I hold in high esteem and whose find friendship I value greatly.
  As anyone of us who stood on this side of the aisle for the last 8 
years can tell you, being in the minority can be a frustrating 
experience. With an effective leader, though, the minority party can 
play an important role in the legislative process, not only 
contributing to the debate, but strengthening bills passed by Congress. 
The man whom the Democrats have elected as their leader, Senator Tom 
Daschle of South Dakota, is a person who I believe will be an effective 
voice for Senate Democrats. Tom is no stranger to public service, as he 
spent time as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force, as a 
valued aide to a South Dakota State senator, and four terms in the U.S. 
House of Representatives, where he held several leadership positions. 
Although Tom was just recently elected to the position of Democratic 
leader, he has been a distinguished member of this body for the past 9 
years. During his tenure, Senator Daschle has demonstrated himself to 
be an able and effective legislator, working hard for his constituency 
in South Dakota. I have had the pleasure of serving with Tom on the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee and have found him to be a serious minded 
man and one of purpose. It was of little surprise to me that Tom rose 
to the important post he now holds. I have every confidence that he 
will be an effective leader for our Democratic 
[[Page S575]] colleagues and I am equally confident that he will work 
well with the Republican majority.
  While many may believe that politics in the United States is based on 
an adversarial relationship between parties, each of us knows that it 
is a system which encourages and fosters compromise--that to actually 
legislate, we must seek common ground. Senators Dole and Daschle are 
two men who are committed to ensuring that this body functions 
efficiently and effectively by seeking that point where Members can 
vote to pass a bill. I congratulate Bob and Tom on winning their 
leadership elections, and I look forward to working with both of them 
throughout the duration of the 104th Congress.


                          ____________________