[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12153-S12154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR NANCY KASSEBAUM

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Senator 
Nancy Landon Kassebaum, a leading lady of the Senate and one of the 
finest to ever represent the State of Kansas in the U.S. Congress.
  Senator Kassebaum learned politics the old fashioned way at the knee 
of her distinguished father, Alf Landon, Republican Presidential 
nominee and Kansas Governor. She eventually followed in his footsteps 
to serve the State of Kansas in an exemplary and excellent manner.
  In the early years she was a wife and mother, rearing four fine 
children, and then serving as a Senate staffer, before being elected to 
the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket in 1978.
  Senator Kassebaum brought to this body a keen interest in social 
issues, focusing on areas near and dear to her--the family, children, 
and education. Today, as chairman of the Committee on Labor and Human 
Resources,

[[Page S12154]]

she has been able to affect greatly legislation in connection with her 
agenda in these and other important arenas.
  On a broader scope, her work on the Committee on Foreign Affairs has 
been noteworthy and knowledgeable, especially her work on foreign aid 
and African issues.
  Not only is she an able legislator, but she is a person of character, 
intellect, and dedication. She is truly a lady in every sense of the 
word, and what I believe we would say today ``A Class Act.''
  Her sense and sensibility will be missed in the Senate, and her wit, 
grace, and style will long be remembered.
  On a personal note, we are proud to claim Nancy Kassebaum as an 
honorary citizen of South Carolina. Her outstanding son, John, an 
attorney, is a resident of Charleston, and he had the good fortune and 
good taste to marry a lovely South Carolinian, Elizabeth Williams 
Kassebaum. They have two handsome children. Now that Nancy is retiring, 
we hope she will spend even more time in our State, where she is 
greatly admired.
  The U.S. Senate is a better place because of Nancy Landon Kassebaum, 
and her shoes will be hard to fill. She spoke softly, but wielded a big 
stick when standing up for her beliefs and principles. Her character 
was sterling and she has left a rich heritage for the future worth its 
weight in gold.
  We shall miss her, and in the words of the Bard, ``We shall not see 
her likes again.''

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