[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12270-S12271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR CLAIBORNE PELL

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, there are certain men and women who 
serve in the U.S. Senate who by their accomplishments or dedication to 
their constituents, have become stalwarts of this institution. Senator 
Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island is one such man.
  For the past 36 years, Claiborne Pell has served capably and 
selflessly in this body, working hard to represent the interests and 
concerns of his constituents. In the process, he has championed a 
number of issues and measures that have become a regular and important 
part of life in America for many of our citizens. Among the 
accomplishments our colleague is most proud of are the establishment of 
Pell Grants, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National 
Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Law Enforcement Officers 
Memorial. Perhaps more than anything else, though, Senator Pell will be 
remembered for his commitment to the Foreign Relations Committee.
  Given Claiborne's rich background in international affairs, it is not 
surprising that he should end up as one of this Body's and Nation's 
leading experts on foreign policy. Following his service as an officer 
in the Coast Guard during World War II, Claiborne became a member of 
the Foreign Service, representing American interests in Czechoslovakia 
and Italy. Undoubtedly this extensive background was most beneficial to 
Senator Pell as he carried out his duties on the Committee on Foreign 
Relations, especially when he became its chairman.
  A small State such as Rhode Island builds power and prestige through 
seniority, and during his almost four decades in the Senate Claiborne 
Pell has worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents. Without 
question, the ``Ocean State'' has benefitted greatly

[[Page S12271]]

from the dedicated service of its senior, and longest serving, Senator. 
Whoever replaces our friend in this Chamber will have a challenging 
task in attempting to match the commitment Claiborne Pell brought to 
this job.
  Mr. President, it has been a pleasure to have served with Senator 
Pell these many years. He is a man of integrity and ability who has 
done much to make our Nation a better and stronger place. I wish him 
great health and much happiness in the years to come.

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