[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PROCTOR JONES

 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Proctor 
Jones for his outstanding service and dedication to the U.S. Senate 
since 1960. While his Senate employment was interrupted for 2 years for 
service in the U.S. Marine Corps, I don't believe any staffer has 
served in the Senate longer than Proctor. Certainly, no one has served 
this institution more honorably or with greater dedication.
  During my tenure in the Senate, I have had the pleasure of working 
with Proctor on numerous occasions in his capacity as the staff 
director for the Democrats on the Energy and Water Subcommittee of 
Appropriations. Unfortunately, my State of North Dakota seems to be 
plagued with too little water or too much. Proctor was fully conversant 
with and sensitive to the unique needs of North Dakota and was always 
ready to assist us with our water problems. He was especially helpful 
to me over the past 3 years in finding additional funding to help the 
citizens of Devils Lake, N.D., who have been devastated by flooding for 
4 consecutive years.
  Proctor represents the finest there is in public service. He was 
dedicated to the institution he so honorably served under a succession 
of outstanding chairmen of the Appropriations Committee. He was ever 
the student of the budget and appropriation processes. He was the 
master of the art of politics--forging compromises. He was the 
protector of the purse--evaluating Federal programs under a microscope 
to ensure that they were necessary, effective, responsible, and 
responsive. He was the ultimate professional. And he was a true 
gentleman.
  During his more than 35 years in the Senate, Proctor earned the 
respect of Members and colleagues alike. His expertise, sound judgment, 
political skills and professional talents will be sorely missed in the 
Senate. But I want to join my colleagues in wishing Proctor good health 
and every success as he joins his former boss, Senator Bennett Johnston 
of Louisiana, in pursuing new challenges and opportunities in the 
private sector. 

                          ____________________