[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR PAUL SIMON

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to pay 
tribute to my good friend from Illinois, Paul Simon. Senator Simon will 
leave the Senate very soon, and I must confess that I will miss him. He 
is an outstanding legislator, and skillful writer, and most important, 
a kind friend to me and my wife Harriet.
  Throughout his life, Senator Simon has found success as a writer and 
editor. He is a prolific writer, and the author of many books, 
including perhaps the most comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln 
as a young legislator. The connection between these two Illinois 
favorite sons past and present doesn't end there. Both Abraham Lincoln 
and Paul Simon began their political careers in the Illinois 
legislature, and both at about the same time in their lives. Both built 
a reputation of honesty and forthrightness. Both sported bow ties. 
Where the careers diverged is somewhat ironic. Senator Simon holds the 
very Senate seat unsuccessfully sought by Abraham Lincoln in his famous 
battle with Stephen Douglas in 1858. Yet, Abraham Lincoln of course won 
the presidency in 1860, an office Senator Simon unsuccessfully sought 
in 1988.
  Certainly, there's much more to Senator Simon's career than his 
similarities with our Nation's greatest President. Much more. Senator 
Simon has been his party's most outspoken crusader for a balanced 
budget amendment to the Constitution. I am proud to have been an 
original cosponsor of his balanced budget amendment. He worked very, 
very hard to get his amendment passed. We came so close last year--just 
one vote short. He can be very certain that we will work hard to resume 
the fight next year. I am confident that we will pass a balanced budget 
amendment. And when we do, and when the required number of States 
ratify the amendment, this Nation will owe a big thank you to our 
friend from Illinois.
  The fight for a balanced budget amendment symbolizes the kind of 
commitment and determination Senator Simon possesses as a legislator. I 
always enjoyed being on the same side of an issue with my friend from 
Illinois. I knew my chances of success were much improved if he was 
involved in any legislative effort I participated in. Conversely, I 
knew I had my work cut out for me when we were on opposite sides of an 
issue.
  Senator Simon was a champion of many causes--literacy, college 
student loans, limitations on television violence, just to name a few. 
We both served together as members of the Foreign Relations and 
Judiciary Committees. On Foreign Relations, he took a strong interest 
in the African continent. Indeed, in 1993, I sought his advice and 
perspectives before I made my trip to Africa to promote South Dakota 
agriculture.
  There are so many things that can be said about Senator Paul Simon. 
He is an extraordinary man who has led an extraordinary life. What I 
will miss most however is his warmth and his kindness. If the Senate 
had an unofficial ambassador of goodwill, it was the senior Senator 
from Illinois. Senator Simon regularly held open meetings in his office 
and had time for everyone who came to visit. That's the kind of 
Senator, the kind of man Paul Simon is. Senator Simon is an 
extraordinary individual, and a good friend. Harriet and I wish he and 
his lovely wife Jeanne nothing but the best.

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