[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 184 (Saturday, November 18, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S17459-S17460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TED STEVENS: A HEARTFELT BIRTHDAY WISH

  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today is an especially happy day for 
Alaskans, as we join in wishing our senior Senator Ted Stevens a happy 
72d birthday, (November 18.) Ted, in his 27th year in the Senate, has 
set an example for how all of us should fight tirelessly for our home 
States, while still maintaining the wisdom to put the good of the 
Nation first.
  While Ted currently ranks eighth in the Senate in overall seniority, 
third among Republicans, and is just one of 109 Senators who have 
served in the body for 24 or more years--out of 1,815 members since 
1789, he still can be found meeting every Alaskan Close-Up student 
group or talking with residents about health concerns.
  His encyclopedic knowledge of Federal-Alaska State relations is 
legendary in Washington. In the Senate, which has lost much of its 
institutional memory, Ted is able to offer insights on everything from 
passage of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Act, to the Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act, from passage of the Magnuson Fisheries Conservation Act 
to the Alaska Lands Act.
  His recollection of events is so extraordinary not only because he 
helped draft the Alaska Statehood Act while serving at the Department 
of Interior during the Eisenhower administration, but because he has 
had a hand in virtually every Federal issue affecting Alaska over the 
past three decades.
  While Ted served 8 years as assistant Republican leader, whip, 
handling key national issues, especially defense matters, he is 
respected as a fierce defender of Alaska interests. He especially has 
been willing to put aside personal ambition for the good of his State.
  Many forget that Ted sacrificed his seniority on the Commerce 
Committee to move to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee during 
the key fight over the Alaska Land Act. He then moved back to Commerce 
to represent Alaska fisherman--prove positive that Ted always puts 
Alaska first. It is only justice that he is today chairman of the 
Committee on Governmental Affairs--the panel upon which he has labored 
for years to the great benefit of Alaskans.
  Certainly no Alaskan has done more during his career then Ted 
Stevens. A Harvard Law School graduate, an Air Force veteran who saw 
service in China during WW II, the chief counsel to the U.S. Department 
of Interior, a member of the Alaska House of Representatives who served 
as speaker tempore and majority leader, and U.S. Senator. Ted Stevens 
is a model of public service to his State and Nation and an inspiration 
for all of us.
  I, join with all Alaskans, to thank him for his skill, drive, and 
dedication during his years in Washington and offer him a heartfelt 
good wish for many, many more years of service to the State and Nation. 
Nancy joins me 

[[Page S 17460]]
in congratulations to both Ted, Catherine, and daughter Lilly. It's 
been great fun and a true privilege working with you my friend.

                          ____________________