[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12191-S12192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RETIRING SENATORS

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, there are 13 Senators who have chosen not 
to run for reelection. Each one I consider a friend. With each one, I 
have had extremely enjoyable experiences--whether it be traveling 
abroad, as with Howell Heflin; working on the centrist coalition, as 
with Hank Brown, Bill Cohen, Nancy Kassebaum, Sam Nunn, and Al Simpson; 
long hours spent together on the Finance Committee with Bill Bradley 
and David Pryor; friendly times in this Chamber with Bennett Johnston, 
Paul Simon, and Jim Exon; a long time friendship that goes back over 30 
years with Mark Hatfield; and working together for our State with 
Claiborne Pell.
  Claiborne Pell has been here the longest, 36 years. His splendid 
achievements on behalf of education will long be recognized for their 
benefits, not just to millions of young people, but also to our Nation.
  His years on the Foreign Relations Committee have been devoted to 
obtaining treaties to foster a long term peace.
  Our Nation's cultural life has been enhanced by his originating the 
National Endowment for the Arts. By any measure, his Senate career has 
been a splendid one.
  It is always risky to single out any individuals from a star studded 
group such as the 13 who are retiring, but I would like to make a few 
additional comments regarding six of those with whom I have worked 
especially close.
  The first five Senators I will mention were for the past 4 years in 
our bipartisan mainstream coalition and our bipartisan centrist 
coalition. We spent scores of hours together in room S-201 here in the 
Capitol working together to forge legislation first on health care and 
then on the budget.
  Ever since Bill Cohen came to the Senate, he and I have exchanged 
views on legislation. I've listened especially

[[Page S12192]]

careful to his thoughts on national defense and matters pertaining to 
the aging. It has been a joyful relationship and his penetrating 
appraisal of senatorial actions has been a continuous leavening to some 
tiring sessions that we have had. Above all, I will remember his 
willingness to take difficult votes in attempting to put our fiscal 
house in order.
  As do all Senators, I have tremendous respect and affection for Nancy 
Kassebaum. That quiet manner and lovely smile hides a spine of steel. 
She takes courageous positions and sticks by them. She was always there 
when challenging budget votes had to be taken.
  Al Simpson is noted for his humor, occasionally earthy and always 
pertinent. But, never should we forget the difficult subjects he has 
dealt with, forged into legislation, brought to the floor and achieved 
passage. Whether it be immigration, veterans affairs or Medicare 
matters, Al Simpson has the courage to tackle the tough issues.
  Likewise, Hank Brown has dealt with these budgetary matters that, if 
unrestrained, will bankrupt our country and leave no Medicare, and a 
Social Security System that is a shambles. His constant cheerfulness 
and quiet determination will be greatly missed.
  The final retiree from our centrist group is Sam Nunn. Everyone knows 
of Sam as a defense expert, whether it's ICBM's or troop numbers in 
NATO, he is the leading expert. But his courageous efforts to control 
the Federal budget should receive equal billing. Like the other members 
of the centrist group, he was willing to take the tough votes. He has 
been a giant in this Senate.
  Finally, to longtime friend, Mark Hatfield, a special farewell. Calm, 
determined, devoid of side or slickness, always courageous, willing to 
withstand tremendous pressure if his principles were under attack; he 
stands as a model Senator.
  All 13 of these Senators will be greatly missed and our Nation will 
be hard pressed to replace them with their equals.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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