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




                    TRIBUTE OF SENATOR MARK HATFIELD

  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, the dictionary defines a 
humanitarian as ``a person devoted to promoting the welfare of 
humanity, especially though the elimination of pain and suffering.'' 
The picture next to the definition of humanitarian ought to be a 
picture of Senator Hatfield.
  Over these last 4 years, I have had the honor of working with and 
learning from the Senior Senator from Oregon. His commitment to the 
well-being of all people, his historic work to eliminate nuclear 
proliferation, and his commitment to his State of Oregon have made him 
a role model in the Senate.
  Senator Hatfield and I agree on many issues. He is a man who truly 
believes that education is even more important to our national defense 
than a missile system. His contributions to math and science education 
will leave a lasting mark on our Nation's youth and future scholars. As 
the steward of the Appropriations Committee, his steadfast commitment 
to education funding has earned him numerous professional accolades, my 
enduring admiration, and the thanks of millions of American 
schoolchildren and parents.
  Where we don't agree, I have never ceased to respect his courage and 
integrity. We disagreed on the balanced budget amendment, but he earned 
my admiration as he voted against the amendment and against intense 
pressure from his party's leaders, because he believed it was the right 
thing to do. It was a mighty reminder of the strength of principle in 
men of character.
  Senator Hatfield's rational, bipartisan approach to issues, his 
respectful manner, and his quiet leadership will be sorely missed. The 
Senate is a body in which ideas are discussed, arguments made, and 
thoughtful votes cast. Senator Hatfield exemplified this ideal of the 
Senate.
  As a representative of the State of Illinois, I would also like to 
commend Senator Hatfield for his taste in historical figures. As a 
Presidential history scholar, he has had the good sense to focus much 
of his attention on Illinois' native son, Abraham Lincoln.
  President Lincoln could have been describing the character and 
approach of Mark Hatfield when he said in his second inaugural address, 
``* * * with malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness 
in the right as God gives us [or, in this case, him] to see the 
right.''
  The clearest praise for the work of Senator Hatfield comes from the 
people of his State of Oregon. He has never, in his 46 years in public 
service, lost an election. The people of Oregon have supported him from 
the State Legislature to the state house to the Senate.
  Mark Hatfield is the longest serving Senator in the history of 
Oregon. I do not need to tell the people of Oregon that they are losing 
a great voice, but I will tell them that the Senate is losing a great 
man. We will all miss Senator Hatfield, and I wish him well as he 
leaves the Senate after 30 years of dedicated work for the people of 
Oregon, and the people of the United States.

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