[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 85 (Monday, May 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          TRIBUTE TO LES ASPIN

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I was saddened to learn of the 
passing of Les Aspin. He was a great public servant who worked all his 
life to make our country better and stronger.
  Les Aspin understood the defense budget better than just about 
anyone. He chaired the House Armed Services Committee during the height 
of the cold war and during the even more challenging years of the post 
cold war. He led the Department of Defense as it began to adjust to 
America's new role in the world. And he began the difficult process of 
expanding opportunities for women in the military. Most recently, he 
took on the challenge of reviewing and reinvigorating our Nation's 
intelligence programs.
  He didn't come to Washington for power and prestige--he came to 
serve. He came to represent the working families of Wisconsin's First 
Congressional District. He quickly became an expert on national 
defense. His goal was to strengthen our military while making sure that 
the U.S. taxpayer got the most out of every dollar spent on defense. He 
realized that national security was too important to become 
politicized. He believed that a strong defense is not a Republican 
position or a Democratic position--it is a necessity for the world's 
only superpower.
  Les Aspin served the people of Wisconsin and the people of this 
Nation with honor and distinction. He will be greatly missed.


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