[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RETIREMENT OF SENATOR HANK BROWN

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute and bid 
farewell to the distinguished Senator from Colorado, Senator Hank 
Brown.
  Senator Brown has committed many years to the people of Colorado, 
spending 10 years in the House of Representatives and 6 here in the 
Senate. Though he has much to offer this body, Senator Brown has chosen 
to limit his time in Washington. The Senate will certainly miss his 
leadership and commitment.
  Senator Brown and I share a common concern for getting this country's 
fiscal house in order, though, at times, that involves making difficult 
choices. I have had the great pleasure of working with Senator Brown as 
a member of the Centrist Coalition, a bipartisan group of Senators. 
This group worked diligently to agree to an alternative budget plan. 
This plan incorporated the suggestions of the National Governors' 
Association on welfare and Medicaid issues, while preserving a safety 
net for our Nation's most vulnerable populations. Though our plan was 
narrowly defeated, it was the only bipartisan budget effort to receive 
strong support during the 104th Congress. I was honored to work with 
Senator Brown on the effort.
  Prior to his time in Congress, Hank Brown served our country in 
Vietnam. A decorated veteran, he has maintained a commitment to 
ensuring that the United States dealings with Vietnam are appropriate 
and fair. His unique knowledge and perspective have made him an 
invaluable contributor to the debates on foreign policy and U.S. 
military involvement in the world community.
  Senator Brown has also exhibited leadership on behalf of ranchers; as 
a Senator from North Dakota, I fully appreciate his efforts in this 
area. During debate on the 1994 Interior appropriations bill, Hank 
Brown led the fight against an amendment to raise grazing fees. I was 
proud to join him in this successful fight, and the ranchers of my 
State are thankful for his leadership.
  Above all, it is Senator Brown's integrity, thoughtfulness, and 
commitment to principles that make him a valued Member of the Senate. 
He will be greatly missed in this body, and I wish him well as he 
embarks on the next stage of his life.

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