[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11950-S11951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JAMES EXON

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments today to 
pay tribute to our departing colleague, Senator Jim Exon.
  Jim Exon's retirement brings to a close 26 years of distinguished 
public service to the people of Nebraska. In Nebraska's proud political 
tradition, Jim Exon may be its most celebrated figure having served 
that State for more than a quarter century--8 years as Governor and 18 
as Senator.
  Over the past 16 years of my Senate tenure, I've had the privilege to 
serve alongside Jim Exon, and I will sorely miss his spirit of 
fairness, his sense of humor and his fiery independent streak.
  Mr. President, one of the most stricken features of the U.S. Senate 
is the wonderful river of diversity that flows through this Chamber. 
Case in point; Jim Exon and Chris Dodd.
  Jim Exon and I come from far different backgrounds. We were born and 
raised in different parts of the country, he from South Dakota and 
Nebraska, I from Connecticut. My training is as lawyer, his as a small 
businessman. And of course we focus on many different issues here in 
the Senate, he on rural, agricultural and trade issues, me on 
children's, banking and foreign policy issues.
  But that level of diversity is what makes this body and this Nation 
such a wonderful place. Ultimately, our recognition and appreciation 
for those with different backgrounds and divergent views is what bring 
such greatness to America.
  It is in that spirit that while serving on the Budget Committee with 
Jim Exon I have come to truly cherish his

[[Page S11951]]

small-town, common sense, Midwestern values.
  If any trait best epitomizes Jim Exon, it is his overriding desire to 
make the Federal Government live within its means. Democrats are often 
unfairly stereotyped as politicians who never met a spending program 
they didn't like. While I find that characterization unfair, I can 
guarantee one thing, no one will ever say it about Jim Exon.
  Jim Exon is certainly no Johnny-come-lately to the issue of deficit 
reduction. His adherence to the notion of fiscal responsibility has 
characterized his career, from his days as a small businessman to the 
Nebraska Governor's Mansion and the U.S. Senate.
  And, while I may have disagreed with his long-standing support for 
the balanced budget amendment, I've always deeply respected and 
appreciated his tireless efforts to trim the Federal deficit.
  Because, Senator Exon always rallies behind ideas and beliefs and not 
partisan politics.
  He has always been a champion of a strong military force. When not 
fighting to keep our military preparedness at the highest level, he 
worked to lessen American military dependance on foreign suppliers and 
stop foreign takeovers that threaten national security.
  Yet, at the same time he advocated a strong military, he was working 
tirelessly to end U.S. nuclear testing. Jim Exon can take particular 
pride that due in part to his efforts, the United States signed on to a 
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty recently at the United Nations in 
New York. His unyielding pugnacity in bringing this issue to the fore 
deserves the appreciation of every American.
  But, for all his legislative accomplishments his most enduring legacy 
may be his willingness to stretch out his hand in the name of 
compromise and bipartisanship. As the National Journal noted, Jim 
Exon's instincts run toward conciliation.
  I fear that his intense dislike for conflict, partisan politics, and 
as he put it, the ever-increasing vicious polarization of the 
electorate, has hastened his departure from the Senate
  If anything, this is a body that must embody the spirit of men like 
Jim Exon and not turn them away from the legislative process.
  But, Senator Exon has made the decision to return to his beloved 
Nebraska with his wife of 53 years, Patricia, and I join all my 
colleagues in wishing him the best of luck in his retirement.
  Most of all, and I'm sure this is the way Jim would want it, I wish 
best of his luck to his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, champions of the 
National League Central division. I know he looks forward to the end of 
the 104th Congress so he can get out to the ballpark and cheer on the 
Cards.
  Mr. President, for almost two decades Jim Exon's dedication, 
sincerity, and commitment to public service have graced these Halls. I 
join all my colleagues in saying he will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________