[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 IN TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN C. STENNIS

  Mr. HATFIELD. Mr. President, I join with my colleagues today in 
remembering a man who embodied the U.S. Senate perhaps better than 
anyone, Senator John C. Stennis. Known as a Senator's Senator and the 
conscience of the institution, his presence for 41 years in the Senate 
was formidable, yet comforting and reassuring.
  While his departure represents the passing of an era and is cause for 
our grief, it is also certainly cause to rejoice, for our friend is no 
doubt experiencing the rewards of a faithful heart and humble service. 
The legacy he leaves is one defined by his strength, integrity, and 
compassion.
  Growing up in rural Mississippi, John Cornelius Stennis learned the 
lessons that would last him a lifetime. Such lessons molded a man whose 
southern courtesy would become a mark of dignity and distinction. After 
receiving a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1927, young 
John Stennis spent 19 full years serving first as a State 
representative, then district prosecuting attorney and finally a 
circuit judge before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1947.
  Much in the same manner Senator Stennis took so many of us under his 
wing, upon his arrival in the Senate, it was Senator Richard B. Russell 
who mentored the like-minded Mississippian. Soon, Senator Stennis' 
sharp mind and unmatched work ethic earned him seats on the powerful 
Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. As chairman of the new 
Armed Services Preparedness Subcommittee, Senator Stennis became a
 watchdog for the Department of Defense and the armed services. His 
fair investigations and scrutiny of these organizations quickly secured 
him a reputation which would never be tarnished: He was analytical, 
critical, and he held unwavering convictions.

  The impact John Stennis had over his 41 years in the U.S. Senate 
surpasses description. Early in his Senate career he courageously spoke 
against McCarthyism. While assuring America would have the strongest 
and most capable military on the planet, he demanded accountability for 
each defense dollar spent. While always standing by his commitment to a 
strong military, he also began to see the growing danger of our Federal 
deficit and supported necessary defense budget cutbacks. A consummate 
professional, Chairman Stennis commented more than once that his work 
was his play. Indeed, the joy with which he carried out our Nation's 
business was contagious--our Senator's Senator was humorous and 
likeable, a role model to Members on both sides of the aisle.
  The trials Senator Stennis experienced during his sunset years in the 
U.S. Senate are almost unthinkable. He was shot twice by a burglar in 
1973, but he returned to the work of the Senate; he lost his wife of 50 
years in 1983, but he returned to the work of the Senate; and he lost a 
leg to cancer in 1984, but again he returned to the work of the Senate. 
Through all this, Senator Stennis remained a commanding presence. As 
the distinguished senior Senator from Virginia once put it, Senator 
Stennis `` . . . had a great spiritual reservoir that came to his 
rescue and served as a solid, strong, foundation
 for him.'' Well, the spiritual reservoir overflowed and served as a 
solid and strong foundation for the rest of us as well.

  To more than one Senator, John C. Stennis was more than a colleague, 
even more than a mentor. Indeed, I am not the only Senator still in 
this body who would call Senator Stennis a father figure--a figure 
worthy of our respect and deserving of our love. As long as he was in 
the Senate, I was his student--especially on the Appropriations 
Committee. Even when serving as chairman it was his counsel and 
leadership, his spirit and presence which guided me through the many 
hours of committee sessions and floor deliberations. To Senator John C. 
Stennis I owe a debt of gratitude that is both professional and 
personal. Seeing his patient and humble years presiding as chairman and 
as President pro tempore brought me peace of mind as I struggled 
through the difficult periods of my own service. And what would Senator 
Stennis' response to this tribute be? Well, about 7 years ago, upon his 
retirement, he remarked that he ``* * * was just trying to do what 
looked like to be the duty and keep it up the best he could.'' He 
certainly did, and much, much more.
  In the Book of Ezekiel, the third chapter, God declares the Prophet 
to be a watchman over the house of Israel. Ezekiel is commanded to warn 
the rebellious Israelities of God's impending judgment. Well, for the 
past several decades, John Cornelius Stennis has been our watchman. He 
has always cared for, and often admonished, a dignified yet sometimes 
unruly body of U.S. Senators. He has and will continue to represent the 
history of this body, to represent the integrity of this body and to 
represent the stature of this body. For his years of service, 
leadership, and friendship, I am eternally grateful.


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