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




                  TRIBUTE TO SENATOR WILLIAM S. COHEN

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Senator William 
S. Cohen, who is retiring at the end of the present year.
  When one thinks of New England, many images come to mind. Lighthouses 
on rocky points, lobster and clam bakes on beaches, and men and women 
of few words but great wisdom. Our colleague from Maine, William S. 
Cohen, is just one such person, a well-educated, well-read man with an 
impressive background in government who has done much to benefit our 
Nation.
  Senator Cohen began his life in public service as an assistant county 
attorney for Penobscot County, and later went on to serve on the staff 
of the Governor of Maine's State Credit Research Committee. This 
experience in the public sector sparked Bill's interest in a career in 
elected office, and it was not long before he held a succession of 
local positions beginning with city councilor for Bangor, followed by 
mayor of that same locale. Soon Bill turned his attention from the 
responsibilities of a local official to the challenges that a seat in 
the House of Representatives presents, and in 1972, he was elected to 
Congress. For three terms, Bill represented the people of his district 
faithfully, but in 1978, he felt that he could better serve his State 
and Nation by being a U.S. Senator, and he was elected to the first of 
what would be three terms.
  During his tenure in this body, Senator Cohen has served on both the 
Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Intelligence, working 
hard on a number of issues of great importance to the defense of the 
Nation. As the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, I can say 
without question that Bill approaches his responsibilities with great 
seriousness and purposefulness of mind. We have all benefited from the 
contributions he has made to the security of the United States and are 
grateful for his efforts.
  I hope that Bill leaves the Senate with fond memories of his time 
here and a sense of accomplishment for his efforts. Knowing Bill, upon 
his retirement, he is going to pursue endeavors that will be 
interesting and challenging, and no matter what he undertakes, I am 
sure that he will enjoy great success. I have been pleased to serve 
with my good friend from Maine, and I wish him all the best in the 
years ahead.

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