[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR WILLIAM COHEN

  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, Senator Bill Cohen is one of our 
colleagues who often comes to mind when considering the mainstream in 
this body. The presence of these individuals who defy labeling is 
indeed fortunate in the effort to achieve the compromise so essential 
in government. I have noted over the years that observers attempting to 
define these so called liberal Republicans, conservative Democrats, and 
``moderates'', often were describing colleagues like Bill Cohen who 
simply considered the issue at hand on the merits and decided, in his 
judgement, in the interest of the greater good. Party Line and dogma 
have never been decisive factors in his decisions, and as a result he 
was regularly numbered among those who brought about the compromise 
necessary for progress.
  First elected to the House in 1972, Bill Cohen immediately 
demonstrated his fortitude and independent thinking in dealing with 
perhaps the most traumatic issue to face the Congress in this century. 
As a member of the impeachment committee charged with the 
responsibility of considering the actions of the Nixon Administration, 
he spoke eloquently of the imperatives of accountability and 
responsibility in the conduct of public officials. True to the 
principles evidenced in that courageous beginning, he remains today a 
spokesman for and example of civility in government and public service.
  Bill came to the Senate in 1978 where he quickly established himself 
as a dedicated and studious member, mastering the intricacies of a 
diverse set of issues facing our Nation. He was a spokesman for 
military preparedness long before others in more recent times adopted 
the popular mantra of ``military readiness''. His service on the Armed 
Services Committee has clearly established Bill Cohen not only as a 
guardian of military preparedness but also as a protector of those who 
serve in the ranks of our Armed Forces. His exemplary service on the 
Intelligence Committee was of invaluable benefit to this Nation on 
issues of grave importance to our National Security. His evenhandedness 
in his service on the Judiciary Committee and his sensitivity and 
compassion demonstrated while on the Committee on Aging again stand as 
testimony to the quality of his service to the people of Maine and this 
Nation.
  Senator Bill Cohen departs our ranks with the respect and admiration 
of all of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We wish him and 
Janet the very best in the future.

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