[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S12754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR BILL BRADLEY

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, like each and every Member of this body, I 
was surprised--shocked is not too strong a word--when our colleague 
from New Jersey announced that he would not be running for a fourth 
term in the Senate. I could not help but feeling that with the loss of 
Senator Bradley, the Senate would be losing one of its most 
intellectual, thoughtful, and hard-working Members, perhaps one of its 
most unique ever.
  Bill Bradley is indisputably capable, an outstanding student of and 
original thinker on major economic and foreign policy issues, as well 
as a reflection of mainstream public opinion in this country. He is 
careful and deliberate in his judgments, and often provides a fresh and 
enlightening perspective on the many complex issues that come before 
the Senate.
  Our Nation's tax structure has been one of the focuses of Senator 
Bradley's distinguished career in public service. His 1982 fair tax 
proposal led directly to the landmark 1986 tax reform bill. The plan 
was to cut tax rates sharply and eliminate most preferences and tax 
shelters. He took a broad concept and, in characteristic fashion, 
filled in the details with exacting care.
  This was a major piece of legislation whose passage was remarkable, 
especially since Senator Bradley had relatively little seniority and 
was, at the time, serving in the minority. But as President Reagan, the 
Treasury Department, the Ways and Means chairman in the House, the 
Finance chairman in the Senate, and other key leaders embraced 
comprehensive tax reform, Senator Bradley was there every step of the 
way. He quietly encouraged others, avoiding the spotlight while 
offering advice and lobbying Members. He even played basketball with 
some Members. In spite of his unobtrusive manner and behind-the-scenes 
style, he emerged as the indispensable man in getting the bill through 
Congress.
  Senator Bradley's has been one our most eloquent voices on the issue 
of race relations in this country. He has long called for a national 
dialog on the issue, free of the ideological extremes that tend to make 
thoughtful and frank discussion of race relations rare, if not 
impossible. His well-thought-out and reasoned pronouncements have often 
had a cooling effect, and have raised the level of the arguments above 
the harsh rhetoric often associated with the issue. This is true on 
other issues as well, especially during foreign policy crises.
  I look forward to working with Senator Bradley during the time we 
have left together in the Senate, and wish him all the best for 
whatever his future might hold after he leaves. I am confident that he 
will, for many years to come, continue to influence the direction of 
our country and will continue to provide valuable leadership on the 
important issues that confront us.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona is recognized for 30 
minutes.
  Mr. McCAIN. I thank the Chair.
  (The remarks of Mr. McCain and Mr. Feingold pertaining to the 
introduction of legislation are located in today's Record under 
``Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

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