[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11967-S11968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE RETIREMENT OF SENATOR BILL BRADLEY

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, I am honored, but also saddened, to 
be here speaking about one of our finest retiring colleagues, Senator 
Bill Bradley of New Jersey.
  As one of the newest members of the Senate Finance Committee, I have 
had the privilege and the pleasure to work with Senator Bradley for 
only a brief period; however, I have had the opportunity to see what an 
enormous impact he has had, and I have had the benefit of his counsel 
and advice--something I will surely miss.
  I am sure that all of my Colleagues share my sentiment regarding the 
outstanding leadership demonstrated by Senator Bradley in the Senate. 
Not only has he been an asset in his position as a Senator, but also in 
the various positions that he has held over his career. Mr. Bradley 
served this Nation in a number of ways during his lifetime. He 
represented this country as a member of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Team and 
from 1967 through 1978 he served this country in the Air Force 
Reserves. He was a very popular pro basketball player for the New York 
Knicks during the 1967 through 1977 seasons. Bill Bradley has truly 
been a public servant throughout his life, and it is my hope that after 
retiring from the Senate, he will go on to serve in another position of 
national leadership.
  In the Senate, Bill Bradley has been a central figure in the national 
fiscal debate, on family issues and helping to strengthen the 
traditional Democratic values that define our Nation.
  Senator Bradley is the author of many bills and resolutions here in 
the Senate but has distinguished himself as an author of a book that 
had a huge impact on tax policy in the United States, entitled, ``The 
Fair Tax,'' published in 1982. ``The Fair Tax'' led directly to the 
most significant tax legislation of our generation, the 1986 Tax Reform 
Act. This Act ended the abusive tax shelter regime and closed huge 
loopholes in many areas of the tax law. Consequently, billions of 
dollars in revenue were saved. Although many in this body deserve 
credit, it was Senator Bradley's undying persistence and intellectual 
integrity that were largely responsible for that major tax reform.
  Demonstrating a keen understanding and willingness to work on fiscal 
legislation has not hindered the Senator's efforts to advocate on 
behalf of families. He has used the bully pulpit of the Senate to 
hammer home the need for, among other things, more innovative methods 
of dealing with issues that affect the impoverished of our Nation.
  The Senator has worked to prevent cuts in the earned income tax 
credit, which is legislation that truly helps families go from welfare 
to work. This measure has proved viable in rewarding work and providing 
tax relief to those who need it most.
  Senator Bradley's hallmark, the Urban Community-Building Initiative, 
has served to revitalize national domestic policy. Three of the main 
features of this legislation: Community Policing, Community Schools, 
and Community Banking are essential to revitalizing our communities and 
restoring its economy, education, and safety. The Senator's Self-
Reliance Loans will pave the way for every student to have an 
opportunity to go on to seek a higher education. Countless future 
generations will reap the benefits of his education vision and it will 
prove a long-term benefit for America's economy as a whole.
  As a Senator who is noted for having conviction in the face of 
compromise and faith above cynicism, Senator Bradley has shown himself 
to be a model for statesmanship and as a model for real leadership and 
real heroism---the kind that is the backbone of democracy. I believe 
that it was this conviction that has compelled him to speak out on the 
divisive issue of race. Senator Bradley has pushed all Americans on 
toward a higher calling---to look beyond race, religion, and creed but 
to relate on personal human levels. In doing so, he has been a true 
defender of American values, a true Senator for the people of the State 
of New Jersey, and the United States of America.

  I, like many of my colleagues, hope that Senator Bradley will 
continue to serve the public on a national level. His is a voice that 
bridges community and generation gaps that is needed in the 21st 
century. As the Senator himself eloquently stated, ``there are other 
ways to serve the country.''
  In short, Senator Bradley has been a model of senatorial excellence. 
His passion, commitment, and zealous representation will all be greatly 
missed,

[[Page S11968]]

yet it is Senator Bill Bradley, the personal man, whom we shall miss 
most.
  I know I will miss him greatly. He has always been willing to take 
the tough stand, to defend American principles and American values, and 
he has always worked to make sure that the opportunity to achieve the 
American Dream was available to every American, he has always 
demonstrated the kind of modesty, good judgment, and good humor that is 
the hallmark of real leadership.
  Senator Bill Bradley has lived a life filled with accomplishment. I 
know that although he is leaving the Senate, his work on behalf of the 
American people is far from over. I look forward to seeing him continue 
his record of achievement in whatever new role he chooses.

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