[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN GLENN

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a friend 
and colleague; one who has both orbited the Earth and walked the Halls 
of Congress. Performing either responsibility on its own has been the 
dream of many. Achieving both has been realized by very few. Senator 
John Glenn is a truly remarkable man.
  So it was with sadness that I received the news of his plans to 
retire at the end of this Congress. His early announcement will give us 
some time to try to get used to the idea of a Senate without his calm 
leadership, his uncommon commitment and dedication, and his tremendous 
decency and civility.
  Senator Glenn has helped make our Space Agency, NASA, what it is 
today. Senator Glenn's Mercury space mission 34 years ago sparked a 
national interest in space exploration that continues to this day. John 
Glenn is a national hero who is the personification of astronaut. Since 
his daring and heroic mission, children all over the country have 
dreamt of becoming astronauts.
  The environment of Washington is as foreign to many as the Moon. 
Senator Glenn left the Moon in orbit, while trying to bring Washington 
more down to Earth--closer and more responsive to the needs of the 
American people. John Glenn has played a vital role in helping to pass 
several measures important to reinventing our Government.
  Senator Glenn and I share a strong respect for the environment. I was 
a proud cosponsor of Senator Glenn's Department of the Environment Act, 
which would have elevated the Environmental Protection Agency to 
Cabinet-level status. In introducing this important bill, Senator Glenn 
noted that, having had the rare privilege to view the Earth in all of 
its beauty and grandeur from space, he was struck by how thin and 
fragile the environment is that sustains life on our planet. I 
absolutely agree with him and appreciate what he has done for the 
environment. Our environment has had a strong ally in the Senate, and 
we will miss his leadership on these issues.
  When this Congress is over, and Senator Glenn touches down in his 
home State of Ohio, we will remember him as a friend and hero whose 
achievements have displayed a strong respect for the Earth and its 
inhabitants.

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