[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SENATOR J. BENNETT JOHNSTON

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise to pay a tribute to Senator J. 
Bennett Johnston who is retiring at the end of the current year.
  As we all know, the South is a region that is rich in heritage and 
tradition, and one of its most time-honored practices is returning 
people to Congress year after year in order to build up power and 
seniority. For the past 24 years, J. Bennett Johnston has served his 
native State of Louisiana tirelessly and selflessly, and in the 
process, has gained great influence in the Senate, which he has 
masterfully used for the betterment of his constituents and his State.
  First elected to the Senate in 1972 Bennett Johnston set immediately 
to work in behalf of the people who had sent him to Washington. He 
secured positions on several important committees, including the 
Committees on Appropriations, and Energy and Natural Resources, that 
were especially beneficial to the economy and people of Louisiana. For 
the next twenty-four years, Senator Johnston dedicated himself to his 
efforts in this Chamber, accomplishing many significant things, 
including helping to create new jobs for Louisiana, spurring economic 
development in his State, helping to provide for the defense of the 
Nation, overseeing the creation of national parks and refuges in the 
Sportsman's Paradise, and having a significant role in the shaping of 
America's energy policies.
  Mr. President, as many of our colleagues are doing this year, Senator 
Johnston has decided to retire from this body. After more than two 
decades of commendable service, nobody can fault our friend for feeling 
his work here is done. As he heads back to Louisiana, Bennett can take 
pride in his many accomplishments and the exemplary manner in which he 
has worked to make Louisiana and the United States better and stronger. 
Unquestionably, he is a man of integrity, ability, and dedication and 
we all appreciate the great service he has rendered this Nation. I join 
my colleagues in wishing him good health and great happiness in the 
years ahead.
  I also wish to commend Bennett's wife, Mary, for the great service 
she has rendered to the U.S. Botanical Gardens here in Washington. 
Additionally, she is involved in many activities that benefit our 
Nation and her native State including being an advocate for 
immunization and historical preservation.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California is recognized.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I revise my unanimous-consent request of a 
while ago so that, before commencing my 15 minutes, the Senator from 
New Jersey be given 15 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Senator from New Jersey 
is recognized for 15 minutes to be followed by the Senator from 
California for up to 15 minutes.

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