[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 10 (Thursday, January 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S843-S844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PAUL TSONGAS

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, last week, America lost a public servant 
and a leader of unusual intelligence and vision. It is with great 
sadness that I rise to pay tribute to my former colleague and friend, 
Paul Tsongas, whose untimely passing has deeply affected both those who 
knew him well and the millions of Americans who respected and admired 
his exemplary life.

[[Page S844]]

  His frank and fearless commitment to a better America challenged us 
all. As remembered by the Hellenic Chronicle, a Massachusetts 
publication, Senator Tsongas ``changed the face of politics in the 
1990's and reminded us that honesty and the power of ideas can still 
count for something in American politics.'' He was unwavering in his 
ideals because he truly believed them. At his funeral, Bishop Methodios 
of Boston spoke of Senator Tsongas' insight, integrity and 
intelligence; fitting qualities for a person who, as the Bishop said, 
``looked deep within his heart and soul and there discovered his vision 
for a better America.''
  The son of a Greek immigrant, Senator Tsongas went from working in 
his father's drycleaning store to Dartmouth College, Yale Law School, 
and the Peace Corps. He won his first bid for public office in 1969, 
when he was elected to the Lowell City Council, the beginning of an 
esteemed career that included service as Middlesex County Commissioner 
in 1973, fifth congressional district representative to the U.S. House 
in 1974 --the first Democrat to win in his district in a century, and 
United States Senator from Massachusetts in 1979, an office never 
before held by a Peace Corps veteran.
  In the Senate, I was privileged to serve with Senator Tsongas on the 
Banking and Foreign Relations Committees, where he fulfilled his duties 
with great capability and distinction. His understanding of the world 
beyond our borders, gained during his service in the Peace Corps, 
equipped him to make a significant contribution to a more effective 
American foreign policy. Senator Tsongas never took the privilege of 
being a U.S. Senator for granted. He was serious about his work and had 
high hopes and even higher standards for this country.
  ``Patriotism is like charity,'' wrote Henry James. ``It begins at 
home.'' For Senator Tsongas, everything began at home. Whether it was 
Lowell, the town in which he made his life, or the family that was his 
life, Senator Tsongas never lost sight of what was most important. He 
often questioned the legacy he would leave behind for the people and 
places he cared for most. He should not have been concerned. Due to his 
efforts both in and out of office, the town of Lowell now claims a 
national historic park, thousands of jobs, a minor league baseball 
team, 14 new schools, and a real sense of pride. As the local paper 
noted, ``We in Lowell need only walk through our city to celebrate--
every day--what Paul Tsongas did for his hometown.''
  I will always remember Paul Tsongas, as will his fellow Americans, as 
a highly principled public servant who, unafraid of any challenge, was 
exceedingly able to affect the issues of his time. I will also remember 
him as the individual who inspired us all by confronting his own 
mortality with extraordinary grace and heroism. His faith in his own 
instincts not only gave him the courage to step down from office when 
the time was right, it was also the source of his strength during his 
distinguished service in the Congress of the United States.
  Senator Tsongas left an indelible mark on our hearts, which now go 
out to his wife Niki, his daughters Ashley, Katina and Molly, and his 
sisters Thaleia and Vicki. They have so much to mourn, but they also 
have so much of which to be proud.
  There is a requiem hymn sung in the Greek Orthodox Church which, 
here, seems apropos: ``Eonia e mneeme.'' It means, ``may he live in our 
memories forever.'' In the last years of his life, Senator Tsongas 
struggled with the question of history, with what he would leave us. 
The answer is, clearly, much. Paul Tsongas will live in the memories 
and records of his country, his town, and his family, forever.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from California.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I know that Senator Kennedy wanted to 
be recognized, but because he is not here I ask unanimous consent that 
I be permitted to speak in morning business for such time as I may 
consume.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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