[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 157 (Wednesday, October 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S14957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NEEDLESS DIVISIONS IN OUR COUNTRY

  Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, I just came from the ceremony held in the 
House Chamber. It was a marvelous ceremony, and I want to thank Senator 
Thurmond and Congressman Spence for putting it together.
  Our colleague from Hawaii, Senator Inouye, said something that I 
think is significant for this body and for the other. He said, ``You do 
not need to look to Los Angeles to see needless divisions in our 
country.'' He said, ``You can look right here at the House and the 
Senate.''
  I think that is true. Each of us is partisan. I am proud to be a 
Democrat. Other colleagues are proud to be Republicans. But when we 
come here, sure, let us have differing opinions, but the excessive 
partisanship that is here, I think, discourages this country about our 
process. I think it harms both parties, and I think there is nothing 
finer that we could do at this point than to listen to our colleague, 
Senator Inouye--in both political parties; I am not suggesting either 
one is better on this. We can work together more.
  As I leave this body at the end of next year, my greatest regret is 
that I have seen this body deteriorate gradually over the years and 
become more and more partisan. That has not helped the American public. 
That has not helped the two-party system.
  I see my colleague from Wyoming. He is going to seek the floor.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. THOMAS addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming is recognized.

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