[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BILL COHEN--A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to my dear friend 
and colleague, Senator William Cohen of Maine. Upon his retirement from 
this body, Senator Cohen will leave behind a legacy of camaraderie, 
hard work, and dedication to the people of Maine and the United States. 
His spirit of cooperation will be missed by his friends, constituents 
and colleagues.
  Mr. President, it is fitting that Senator Cohen announced his 
retirement in the chambers of the Bangor City Council--the place where 
he began his three decades of public service to the people of Maine. In 
1969, he proved to be a gifted leader during his tenure as Bangor City 
Councilor. In 1971, he was elected mayor. In his role as a local public 
official, Senator Cohen realized quickly the necessity for strong 
leadership and representation at the national level. In response, he 
walked over 600 miles across the State of Maine and knocked on 
thousands of doors in his campaign for the U.S. House of 
Representatives. In 1972, his grassroots effort paid off and he was 
elected to Congress.
  It was in the House that my colleague first made his mark as an 
advocate of a stalwart national defense, effective intelligence system, 
and the highest ethical standards for Members of Congress and 
intelligence agency employees. As a member of the Armed Services 
Committee, he consistently has sought to keep our national security a 
top priority. He fought to ensure that America's defense readiness did 
not fall by the wayside in the face of budgetary constraints. He has 
been a true guardian of our Nation's security. His efforts have earned 
the gratitude and respect of all Members of this body and the people of 
Maine and our Nation.
  A legislator, author, father, husband, and attorney, Bill Cohen often 
is referred to as a ``Renaissance Man.'' Over the years, he has shared 
his literary talents through books such as ``Of Sons and Seasons,'' 
``Murder in the Senate,'' and ``A Baker's Nickel.'' His poetry first 
impressed us 20 years ago during a congressional prayer breakfast when 
he read several of his poems aloud. He acquired many of his literary 
fans then and has kept us entertained and inspired ever since. Since 
then, his literary gift has provided us a fascinating glimpse into his 
thoughtful and insightful mind. He is a multi-talented leader whose 
knowledge and genius are certain to guide him through a fulfilling 
post-Senatorial career.
  My friend from Maine has said that writing takes solitude--a rare 
commodity in the busy life he now leads. As he moves on from this 
hurried lifestyle, I wish him years of solitude, peace, and happiness 
with his children and wife Janet. Godspeed to my dear friend from 
Maine.

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