[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONFIRMATION OF WILLIAM COHEN TO BE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, in my 8 years of service in the Senate, and 
in particular during my time on the Armed Services Committee and the 
Intelligence Committee, I have had the privilege and honor of working 
with Bill Cohen. His expertise and thoughtfulness, as well as his 
ability to put the national interests above partisan politics, have 
made him an invaluable asset to this body. Whether regarding arms 
controls, missile defense, or acquisition reform, Bill Cohen's 
independence and reasoned approach have resulted in passage of major 
pieces of legislation on highly complex and politicized matters. Those 
same qualities will enable our next Secretary of Defense to guide the 
Nation through an uncertain future, and to make the many difficult 
choices we face in reconciling protection of our vital interests 
overseas with ever increasing demands on our federal budget here at 
home.
  Bill Perry has proven himself as one of the most capable Defense 
Secretaries ever, and Bill Cohen will have a remarkable legacy to 
follow. But I am confident he shares the same kind of dispassionate, 
in-depth analytic qualities and measured, even-keeled leadership 
qualities that will keep America safe will into the 21st century. I 
wish him much success in his new position.
  Mr. DASCHLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minority leader is recognized.
  (Disturbance in the galleries.)
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sergeant at Arms will restore order in the 
galleries.

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