[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 164 (Monday, October 23, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15501-S15502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RETIREMENT OF SENATOR SAM NUNN

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I want to take a few moments to 
reflect upon the recent announcement of our esteemed colleague from 
Georgia that he will not seek reelection at the conclusion of his 
current term. I must of course, accept his decision, but I am also 
personally saddened by it.
  Sam Nunn has given much to this body, and given even more to the 
people of Georgia. Early in his career, Sam Nunn quietly impressed his 
colleagues with his thoughtful and well-reasoned speeches on the future 
of our national defense. And as the former chairman of the Senate Armed 
Services Committee, he helped shape that future with strong leadership 
and keen intellect.
  Sam Nunn let one of this body's most important committees during a 
time of enormous, it not tumultuous, global change. His foresight about 
events in the Russian Republic led this body to create one of the 
world's most important mechanisms for ensuring the peaceful disposal of 
former Soviet weapons. To this day, the Nunn-Lugar initiative on 
security assistance leaves a legacy of peace in the post-cold-war era--
a peace that stands as a fitting tribute to the efforts of its author.
  But Sam Nunn's commitment to peace has been matched, if not 
surpassed, by his commitment to a strong defense. For nearly a decade, 
Sam Nunn has helped crystallize the standards by which we examine our 
national defense. It was Sam Nunn who pushed for the American research 
initiatives that have resulted in today's stealth technologies. 
Likewise, it was Sam Nunn who ensured those technologies were available 
to those serving in our Armed Forces, giving them the edge they needed 
to defend our country.
  Finally, it should be noted that Sam Nunn always put first the needs 
and the safety of America's service personnel. Over the past 23 years, 
Sam Nunn has consistently fought for our service members and their 
families. Whether it was funds for better housing, or expanded 
opportunities for better medical care, Sam Nunn has always been there 
guarding the interests of our dedicated troops. The dozens upon dozens 
of tokens of appreciation that adorn his office wall are proof of Sam 
Nunn's commitment to people.
  Sam Nunn is a gentleman and a scholar. He has graced these halls for 
more than two decades with his quick wit, commitment to public service, 
and personal passion for the affairs of our 

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Nation. I wish my friend well, and I shall miss his service in this 
body.

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