[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 207 (Friday, December 22, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S19180-S19181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MAJORITY LEADER--A NEW RECORD

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, if I may have the attention of the Senators, 
Dizzy Dean said, ``It is all right to brag if you have done it.''
  Bob Dole has done it! He began his service as leader of the 
Republican Party in the Senate on January 3, 1985, and the record, up 
until today, for having held the position of leadership on the 
Republican side of the aisle was held by the late Charles McNary of 
Oregon, who was leader 10 years, 11 months, 18 days. Now, Bob Dole has 
not been leader as long as Robinson Crusoe was marooned on that island. 
Crusoe was marooned 28 years, 2 months, and 19 days. But Bob Dole has 
been the leader of the Republican Party, as of today, 10 years, 11 
months, and 19 days!
  Mr. President, I served with Bob Dole when he was minority leader and 
I was majority leader. I served with him when he was majority leader 
and I was minority leader. I always found him to be a man of his word. 
We had some exchanges from time to time, as leaders will have, but I 
found him to be an honorable man. I shall always look back upon my 
service with him, when we were leaders together, with a great deal of 
pleasure.
  I have a fondness for Bob Dole, and I am glad today to salute him as 
a great leader of his party. I commend him on his service not only to 
his party but also to his country, and for his service to the Senate.

  May God's richest blessings follow him and his loved ones always.
  [Applause, Senators rising.]
  Mr. THURMOND addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from South Carolina [Mr. Thurmond] 
is recognized.

[[Page S19181]]


                          A SALUTE TO BOB DOLE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise to say that the Senate is well 
served with Bob Dole as majority leader. He has broken the record now 
for the all-time service. He is a man of integrity, ability, and 
dedication, and we are fortunate to have had him serve here.
  Back in his home State, he was a member of the legislature and a 
prosecuting attorney. He went into World War II, was seriously injured, 
almost killed, and one arm is still deficient.
  I say to you, I hope he will serve continuously until he becomes the 
next President of the United States.
  [Applause, Senators rising.]

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