[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5161-S5162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    THE RETIREMENT OF MACK FLEMING, MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR, HOUSE 
                      VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to pay tribute to Mr. Mack Fleming, who has recently retired as 
minority staff director of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the U.S. 
House of Representatives, after more than 20 years of service on the 
committee.
  A native of Hartwell, GA, Mr. Fleming was educated in the public 
schools of Anderson County, SC. He graduated from my alma mater, 
Clemson University, Clemson, SC, after which he entered the U.S. Army. 
He also earned a law degree from the Washington College of Law, 
American University, Washington, DC.
  In the military, he served with the 2d Armored Division in Europe and 
he was a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.
  Mr. Fleming has a long and distinguished career in public service, 
both in the Congress and the executive branch. He began that career in 
1960 as the administrative assistant to Congressman William Jennings 
Bryan Dorn, of the Third Congressional District of South Carolina.
  In 1965, Mack Fleming moved to the executive branch, first as the 
director and counsel of the Congressional Liaison Office at the 
Veterans Administration, then served as Special Assistant to the 
Administrator of Veterans Affairs.
  After a short interval, during which he was engaged in the private 
practice of law, Mr. Fleming returned to Capitol 
[[Page S5162]] Hill in 1974 as chief counsel to the House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee. In 1981, ``Mack,'' as he is known among his friends 
and colleagues, became chief counsel and staff director of the 
Veterans' Affairs Committee, where he served through the 103d Congress. 
For the past 3 months he has served as the minority staff director of 
the committee, retiring from that position last Friday, March 31, 1995.
  During his tenure, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee worked in a 
bipartisan manner to improve the medical care, compensation, and other 
benefits to our Nations' deserving veterans. Mack Fleming earned the 
respect of Members of Congress and staff because of his 
professionalism, knowledge, and ability. He worked with all sides on 
the issues, to ensure that all views were heard and to build consensus 
where possible.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I appreciated 
Mack's expertise, experience, and skill as we worked together on many 
issues. The Congress benefited from his service and his leadership, and 
I know he will be missed.
  I congratulate this fine public servant, a man of integrity, 
capability, and character. I extend my best wishes to his wife, 
Elizabeth, and their children--John, who attends Clemson University, 
and Katherine, who practices law in Texas. I wish him well in his 
retirement, as he and his wife return to Seneca, SC, where I am sure 
they will enjoy the views, recreation, and quieter life on the shores 
of Lake Keowee.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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