[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RETIREMENT OF SENATOR PAUL SIMON

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, perhaps one of the greatest hallmarks of 
the U.S. Senate is the civility of the institution. Though the 100 
Members of this body have views on the issues that are often far apart, 
we debate our differences politely and completely, and more often than 
not, are able to arrive at a compromise that benefits the majority of 
Americans. One Senator in particular has repeatedly demonstrated 
himself to be an individual of great decency and courtesy. This Senator 
is my good friend from Illinois, Paul Simon.
  Senator Simon has dedicated his adult life to public service. 
Beginning with a stint in the U.S. Army in the early fifties, and soon 
after his return to civilian life, he was elected to the Illinois house 
in 1954, and then to the Illinois senate in 1962. After his service in 
the legislature, Paul Simon was elected to the U.S. House of 
Representatives, where he served for 10 years, and played an important 
role in legislation concerning education, job training, and was 
instrumental in the establishment of the National Center for Missing 
and Exploited Children.
  Since Paul came to the Senate in 1984, we have worked together on 
many legislative initiatives, especially as we both had seats on the 
Judiciary and Labor and Human Resources Committees.
  I commend Senator Simon for his willingness to listen to debate with 
an open mind, and for having the resolve to reach an agreement that is 
in the best interest of our Nation. I have enjoyed working with my 
friend from Illinois through the years, and the Senate will not be the 
same without him. Unquestionably, Paul has capably served his 
constituents throughout his tenure, and I wish him and his family much 
success and happiness in the future.

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