[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 1, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR HANK BROWN

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I thank the leadership for 
submitting this statement for the Record on my behalf during my absence 
from the Senate due to an accident. Were I able to be on the Senate 
floor today, I would make a few brief comments about the distinguished 
senior Senator from Colorado, my colleague and friend, Senator Hank 
Brown. As he departs this Chamber after the adjournment of the 104th 
Congress, his service and contributions to this body, both as a person 
and a legislator, will leave an indelible impression upon us all.
  I believe that anyone who knows Senator Hank Brown shares my belief 
that he possesses a great passion for public service and has committed 
a good part of his professional career to providing the people of 
Colorado with distinguished and honorable service.
  As we reflect on his career, it is apparent that Hank Brown's' 
leadership abilities were evident at a very early age, and he has built 
on each successive milestone to achieve great acclaim for himself and 
for the people of Colorado.
  Hank was born in Denver, CO, on February 12, 1940. He received his 
bachelors degree and law degree from the University of Colorado in 1960 
and 1969, respectively. His leadership skills were exemplified as he 
served as student body president while completing his undergraduate 
studies. Adding to his collegiate achievements was his ability to also 
compete and earn a letter as a member of the University of Colorado 
wrestling team.
  Hank served our country as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the 
Vietnam war. His leadership abilities earned him several decorations--
an Air Medal with two gold stars, a Vietnam Service medal, a National 
defense medal, and a Naval Unit Citation. He also served in the 
Colorado State Senate from 1972 to 1976, where he was the assistant 
majority leader for 2 years. In 1973, he was named ``Outstanding Young 
Man of Colorado.''
  Hank came to Washington in 1980 where he served five terms in the 
House of Representatives. Following his achievements while representing 
the people of Colorado's Fourth Congressional District, Hank Brown was 
elected to the U.S. Senate in 1990.

  His service in the Congress has had many memorable highlights--from 
creating a wild and scenic designation for the Cache LaPoudre River and 
working to expand the Rocky Mountain National Park, to playing a 
pivotal role in pushing through a monumental Colorado wilderness bill. 
In addition, he has been a vocal advocate in the private property 
rights movement and has been instrumental in efforts to find innovative 
legislative solutions while working to achieve a balanced budget.
  Hank has also been an outstanding leader on military, foreign policy 
and trade issues. His efforts to resolve the dispute with Pakistan over 
certain weapons transfers is certainly a notable highlight. His efforts 
to forge a compromise between Congress and the administration will 
greatly serve our national interests as well as those of India and 
Pakistan.
  As the 104th Congress adjourns for the year, we will remember the 
contribution and leadership that Hank has exhibited throughout his 
career. I believe each of my colleagues shares my sentiments that we 
will miss Hank.
  As the junior Senator from Colorado, I believe Hank has been a true 
friend to the people of Colorado and an outstanding legislator who 
consistently strived to do what was best for our Nation. My friendship 
with Hank has always transcended political affiliation. He and I were 
friends when I was a member of the Democratic Party, and that 
friendship has grown since I've been a Republican. Such an enduring 
friendship is a rare gift, one I value deeply. Hank and I also have 
shared many experiences. Both of our wives are teachers. We both raised 
families in Colorado while serving in Congress.
  Let me offer one example of the depth of my friendship with Hank 
Brown. He and his wife Nan, once let me keep my horse in their yard at 
their home in Colorado while I was attending the Greeley Independence 
Stampede celebration.
  Mr. President, I won't give you the graphic details, but suffice it 
to say, there were a few less flowers and a more fertile environment in 
that back yard the following morning.
  Anybody who has seen the Senators' vehicles parked outside of the 
Capitol can see that Hank has remained fiscally conservative. Hank's 
old red pickup is just as famous or should I say infamous, among the 
Colorado delegation. On days that I'm forced to drive four wheels, both 
Hank's and my staff debate who drives the worst vehicle between Hank 
and his old red pickup and me and my old white coupe. With all due 
respect to my departing colleague, I think you win that contest hands 
down Hank.
  Mr. President, let me close on a serious note. Hank Brown's presence 
and wisdom will be sorely missed in this body when the next Congress 
convenes early next year. I join my colleagues in congratulating and 
commending him for his public service and wish him and his family well 
as he moves on.

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