[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RETIREMENT OF SENATOR SAM NUNN

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, the news today is filled with the 
sad stories of foreign lands--war in Bosnia, tyranny in Iraq, terrorism 
in the Middle East. Here, in 1996, on the edge of the 21st century, we 
live in a world still plagued with fear and war.
  These are not, however, the stories of America. America instead is 
the place where foreign lands turn for hope. When war-torn nations 
plead for assistance, America answers. When war-like nations terrorize, 
America responds. And when war-weary nations seek peace, America 
mediates.
  In its 220th year, America stands strong in national security, 
military might, and world leadership. This is in large part due to one 
of the chief architects of American strength, Senator Sam Nunn of 
Georgia.
  As a longtime member and former Chairman of the Senate Armed Service 
Committee, Sam Nunn is internationally recognized as the preeminent 
American legislator in all aspects of defense policy. His expertise is 
expansive, from major weapons programs, to manpower, and from defense 
research, to military benefits. He has faced national crises such as 
United States citizens held as hostages in Iran, humanitarian relief in 
Somalia, and war in Kuwait. From disarmament talks, to the demise of 
the communist eastern bloc, and to the reduced threat of nuclear war, 
Sam Nunn has helped craft the defense policies that kept America secure 
during the Soviet years, and left America the sole superpower in the 
post-cold war era.
  In these times of tight budgets, Senator Nunn has also kept a 
watchful eye on the Pentagon, working to strike the right balance 
between defense spending and maintaining defense readiness. He has 
worked to increase fiscal responsibility in defense programs, 
streamline bureaucracy, and stop wasteful and excessive spending--
putting an end to such controversies as the infamous hundred-dollar 
hammers.
  Defense issues are not simple issues; they are divisive, and often, 
heated. Some decisions are not popular. I have always respected Senator 
Nunn for making these tough choices. Sam Nunn today is considered a 
model of American statesmanship and leadership. And that is because his 
record demonstrates the kind of excellence and thoroughness he brings 
to his legislative efforts.
  After announcing his retirement, one Georgia public official 
described Senator Nunn's career as ``a career that has a beginning and 
an end, no compromises, no ethical lapses. . .a monument to public 
service to young people for generations to come.'' I agree. His 
departure from the United States Senate leaves a great void of 
expertise--but in its place, leaves security for our citizens, and 
leadership for the world. As the longtime watch of Senator Nunn draws 
to a close, America remains strong.

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