[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 141 (Thursday, October 3, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JIM EXON

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to wish my friend, Jim Exon, an 
enjoyable retirement from this body. It's been a pleasure to serve him 
for the past 13 years, especially on the Budget Committee; together, 
we've fought for issues which were important to the average American. 
When I think of Jim's many accomplishments, I will especially remember 
his commitment to the Medicare program and his opposition to cutting 
Medicare to pay for tax breaks for the wealthy.
  For the past 2 years, Jim has served as ranking minority member of 
the Budget Committee. It's been a tumultuous time. But as a businessman 
who founded a successful company, he brought to the Senate significant 
business skills and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. That was 
also evident in Jim's work on the Armed Services Committee, where he 
was a persistent and effective voice to reduce waste in the Defense 
Department.
  Recognized in the Senate as an authority on agriculture, rural 
America, commerce, national defense and transportation, Jim was, above 
all, a voice for Nebraska's interests. Whether fighting for fair 
international trade agreements for mid-west agriculture, or 
cosponsoring legislation that made Medicare reimburse rural and urban 
hospitals at the same rate, or having Nebraska's Niobrara River 
declared a National Scenic River, Jim always championed the State he 
had served as Governor.
  It's no wonder that the book ``Politics in America'' notes that Jim 
Exon, ``makes a real contribution to the Senate as a mirror of public 
opinion in America's heartland. It is hard to think of anyone else in 
the chamber who so seems attuned to the questions and concerns of the 
typical middle-American.''
  Jim, your presence in the Senate will be sorely missed. Others may 
fill your seat, but few will be able to fill your shoes. As you begin 
the next stage of your career and your life, I wish you all the best.

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