[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5198-S5218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR STROM THURMOND


                      South Carolina's Marble Man

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I rise to participate in this 
opportunity to celebrate the service of Strom Thurmond.
  When Abraham Lincoln stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg to 
memorialize the outstanding service of those who had died there, he put 
it succinctly: ``The world will little note, nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what they did here.''
  I do not suggest by my own remarks here this morning that my remarks 
are long to be remembered. But the service of Strom Thurmond is 
unforgettable, and is indelibly marked, not only in the history of the 
Senate but in the States of this great Nation as a part of the 
development of the character of the United States of America.
  ``A nation reveals itself,'' said John Kennedy, ``not only by the men 
it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.'' And 
so it is fitting that we should honor the service of Strom Thurmond. 
For long after his time in the Senate has ended--and the new millennium 
has begun--Strom will be remembered; not just for the elections that he 
won, but for the principles upon which he stood, the State he helped to 
transform, the party he helped to build.
  For Strom, winning elections became a habit. From the time he ran his 
first campaign for Edgefield County superintendent to his most recent 
reelection, his record of electoral accomplishment is unparalleled in 
our time. The punditry and political operatives have been left to 
search for the secret to Strom's success. The answer is really quite 
simple. At its most basic, it is this: His word is his bond.
  Whether giving up his seat in 1956 to run for reelection without the 
benefit of incumbency, or switching parties in 1964 to support Barry 
Goldwater, Strom has been true to himself and to the people he 
represents. He embodies the very essence of what it means to be a 
leader, ``decid[ing] where he wants to go, figur[ing] out how to get 
there, and then do[ing] it.''
  But Strom has done more than just win the voters' hearts. He, along 
with Carroll Campbell, Governor Beasley, Bob Inglis, and others, have 
helped take a State of low-country planters and usher them into the 
information age. Today, South Carolina stands as one of America's great 
success stories, part of the booming South Atlantic seaboard; its 
factories, office buildings, and airports are at the forefront of the 
Nation's economic growth. And through it all, Strom has been there.
  Politically, this new South Carolina has also been moving--more than 
any other southern State--toward the Republican Party. And if ours is a 
movement of many mansions, then South Carolina is the house that Strom 
built. Under his watchful eye, the GOP has controlled the governorship 
since 1986 and wrested four of the State's six House seats from 
Democratic rule.
  Until Senator Thurmond, most would have scoffed at the suggestion 
that a Republican could win statewide office. But then Strom joined the 
GOP, and the impossible became the possible. And so today, there are 
elephants in the cottonfields, and we have Senator Thurmond to thank 
more than any other.
  Mr. President, in his lifetime Senator Thurmond has seen tragedy and 
triumph, known both midnight and high noon. At times, he has been a 
solitary figure seemingly at odds with the world. More often, however, 
he has stood for the national interest and the Nation has stood with 
him. And as South Carolina has flourished, so too,

[[Page S5199]]

has he grown, coming to see fully the diversity and richness of the 
American dream.
  His secret is not what he gets, not what he gives, not what he 
consumes, but how he serves. In the end, what Douglas Southall Freeman 
said of Robert Lee four decades ago might also be said of Senator 
Thurmond today. ``He [is] one of a small company of great men in whom 
there is no inconsistency to be explained, no enigma to be solved.'' 
What he appears, he is. Not merely a man of great faith, but a great 
and faithful friend.
  A final thought. I often hear the pundits and the national press 
bemoaning what they call an absence of leadership. Where, they ask, are 
the Thomas Hart Bentons, the Calhouns, and the Clays? Well, let me 
suggest that they look to the United States Senate; and there, just 
beyond the camera's eye, you will find them. They go by Helms, Gramm, 
Moynihan. And perhaps most of all, Strom Thurmond--the Palmetto State's 
marble man--a ``figure lost to flesh and blood and bones, frozen into a 
legend out of life.''
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. COCHRAN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.
  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, in 1950 when William Faulkner accepted 
the Nobel prize for literature, he said that man would not only endure, 
he would prevail.
  I recalled of those words this morning when I was coming to the 
Chamber to describe my impression of Senator Strom Thurmond. He has not 
only survived and set a record because of his endurance but he has 
prevailed and set an example that all of us can study with profit. His 
character, his integrity, his commitment, his energy, his enthusiasm 
for his work and for the Senate, his respect for our Government and our 
country and its people, and his devotion to duty all set him apart. So 
it is not just because of his tenure that I praise him this morning but 
it is more importantly for all of these other qualities that have made 
him so special and so much appreciated as a Senator.
  I have felt it to be a real honor to serve in the Senate with Strom 
Thurmond of South Carolina. He truly is one of the most outstanding 
Senators who has ever served. And he has been easy to get to know and 
easy to like, easy to work with because of his cordiality, his warmth, 
and his willingness to be helpful. He can also give you good advice and 
be persuasive in a way that makes you want to do what he wants you to 
do.
  I recall going to the well of the Senate to vote when he was chairman 
of the Judiciary Committee, and I had planned to vote against his 
position on an amendment. He grabbed me by the arm and began holding it 
with his famous firm grip, and he said, ``Now, you ought to do what's 
right on this'' and started talking to me. And in that little while I 
realized I was going to vote with him and not the way I had thought I 
was going to vote when I went to the well of the Senate. I later told 
somebody that I had been ``Thurmonized.'' That's when you are talked to 
in a fashion that is very persuasive, very courtly and charming, very 
distinctively like Strom Thurmond can talk to you.
  We have worked closely on agriculture matters. We have worked to 
ensure that the farmers of South Carolina and those involved in their 
specialty crops, such as the peach orchard owners, have the kind of 
investment in research that is necessary to maintain our technological 
edge, and our productivity, so that we can be competitive in the global 
markets. He is the farmer's friend. He has said on a number of 
occasions, and I have heard him say it, ``We have to be sure we do 
right by the farmers; they're very important to this country.''
  He has the same kind of attitude towards those who serve in the 
military, and as chairman of the Armed Services Committee he has done 
as much as anyone, more than most, to help ensure that we have a 
military which is well equipped, well trained, and is second to none in 
the world. By reason of his own personal experiences, he knows what it 
takes in a time of crisis to prevail. He has been a wonderful example 
in so many ways. He has been devoted to his family. I can recall his 
talking to the then majority leader, Senator Byrd, about getting out 
early one night so we could go trick or treating with our children. And 
he was, of course, in his seventies at that time. But he wanted to be 
sure that family time was made available, and we got out early that 
night, I recall, because of the insistence of Senator Thurmond that we 
have time to spend with our families on Halloween night.
  There are many other things that come to mind, personal 
recollections. I never will forget being invited by him when I was a 
brand new Senator, to come to Charleston, SC to address the annual 
dinner of the Hibernian Society. He told me all about what to expect. 
He said, ``The main thing to remember is don't talk long.'' He said, 
``They don't want a long speech.''
  Well, I took that to heart. I didn't talk long. And what I really 
came to realize when he was introducing me was that the people there 
were interested in his introduction a lot more than they would be in my 
speech. He brought the house down. They were there to hear vintage 
Strom Thurmond, and he was terrific. He started describing me as he 
introduced me. He said, ``He is the first person to ever win statewide 
office in the State of Mississippi on the Republican ticket.'' Well, 
they cheered. And he said, ``And he thinks just like we do. He believes 
in balancing the budget.'' And they cheered and hollered. And then he 
said, ``And he believes in a strong national defense.'' And they jumped 
up and hollered again. And after a while, I realized my speech 
following this was not going to be worth giving; they were being 
entertained, but they were also showing their respect, their love for 
their Senator, Strom Thurmond. I was delighted to be invited and 
honored to be the speaker, and I did not talk long. It was a very 
successful experience because of that.
  It was a great pleasure working with Senator Thurmond on the 
Judiciary Committee during my first 2 years in the Senate, which was a 
very interesting time of transition. Another part of the genius of 
Strom Thurmond is to manage transition. The President talks about 
making change our friend. Strom Thurmond has been doing that for so 
long it is second nature. And the fact is he has been able to not only 
manage transitions and help ease the pain of transition for this 
country in so many different areas that he has been a true leader of 
our country in that respect. He is a wonderful example and a wonderful 
man, and it is a great privilege for me to be able to speak today in 
his honor.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Kentucky.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I literally cannot remember life 
without Strom Thurmond. My first awareness of Strom Thurmond was one of 
the first things I remember in my entire life. I was 6 years old. I was 
in the first grade at Athens Elementary in Athens, AL. It was 1948. One 
weekend we were on the porch at my grandfather's house, and I was 
sitting there listening to my dad and to my grandfather talk about the 
Presidential election of 1948.
  Now, I must confess at age 6 that was not a big item in my life, but 
that was the first time I heard the name Strom Thurmond. My dad and my 
granddad talked about the election for a little while, and all I 
remember for sure is that they said Strom Thurmond was a fine man, they 
were going to vote for him for President of the United States.
  The second time I remember hearing of Strom Thurmond, my family had 
moved from Alabama to Augusta, GA. My dad was a civilian employee for 
the Army after having served in World War II in the European theater, 
as did our fellow Senator whom we honor today. My father was working at 
the Savannah River plant in Aiken, SC, in 1954.
  And again, at age 12, obviously politics was not something I was 
thinking about very often. It seems to me baseball was most in my 
interest at that time. But that was the year our colleague whom we 
honor today got elected to the United States Senate on a write-in in 
South Carolina. The only time that has been done in history, Mr. 
President--a remarkable accomplishment.
  The next time I remember thinking about Senator Thurmond's 
distinguished career I was 22, and it was 1964 and we had moved to 
Kentucky by that point. I had begun to think of myself as a Republican 
and taken an interest in

[[Page S5200]]

politics, and I remember the excitement, having been a son of the Deep 
South, when Senator Thurmond decided to become a Republican. In those 
days, as the occupant of the Chair certainly knows, too, there were not 
any Republicans in the Deep South.
  I remember the story my dad told me about his father, my grandfather, 
sitting him down at an early age and explaining to him politics. He 
said, ``Now, son, this won't take long, just a minute.'' He said, ``The 
Republican Party is the party of the North and the Democratic Party is 
the party of the South.'' And that was the end of it. So imagine my 
excitement as a 22-year-old college senior to see Senator Thurmond from 
the Deep South, as deep as it gets, South Carolina, saying, I'm going 
to be a Republican as a matter of conviction. Now, that was a pretty 
courageous thing to do in 1964 in South Carolina even if you were a 
pretty established figure, as Senator Thurmond obviously already 
was. He didn't have to do that. It would have been easy for him to 
continue to be a Democrat. That was certainly what everybody was in the 
South in those days. But, as a matter of conviction, Senator Thurmond 
said, ``I can't be a Democrat anymore. This party doesn't reflect my 
beliefs and I am going to change.'' That was the beginning, in every 
real sense, of the growth of the Republican Party in the South--which I 
want to say the occupant of the Chair and myself have been substantial 
beneficiaries of on down in subsequent years.

  The next time Strom Thurmond impacted my life was in 1969. I was a 
legislative assistant to a newly elected Senator from Kentucky who got 
assigned to the Judiciary Committee. And there was Senator Thurmond. I 
observed him as a staffer for the 2 years that I was here. He was 
invariably courteous to those who were beneath him in rank. I 
oftentimes think that the true test of people's worth is how they treat 
those people who are not on the same level of influence as they. 
Senator Thurmond was a favorite of the staff that worked at the 
Judiciary Committee because he was unfailingly courteous to all of us, 
and we respected him greatly.
  Obviously, the next time Senator Thurmond's life and mine intersected 
was in 1985 when I was sworn into the Senate and became a member of the 
Judiciary Committee myself and Senator Thurmond was our chairman.
  So, when I say I can't remember life without Strom Thurmond I do not 
exaggerate. He has been somebody I have heard about, observed and 
admired all of my life. And, as other speakers have said this morning, 
and I'm sure others will in the course of the morning, it is an honor 
for all of us to be associated with this great American. He is truly a 
legend in our time and a legend that goes beyond simply his longevity, 
his tenure. Certainly that is a remarkable record. I remember many of 
us were there at his 90th birthday, when Senator Thurmond looked out at 
the audience and said, ``Now, if you'll eat right and exercise and take 
care of yourself, you may be here for my 100th birthday party.'' 
Obviously, that kind of optimism, the looking forward, planning ahead, 
thinking about what you want to achieve, that kind of uplifting 
optimism has been an inspiration to all of us who have had the 
opportunity to know and to learn from the senior Senator from South 
Carolina.
  But, beyond the legend of tenure, there is also the question of 
accomplishment. There isn't anybody in the U.S. Senate who knows more 
about the issues that the Senate Judiciary Committee deals with than 
Strom Thurmond. And when it comes to national security matters, not 
only has Strom Thurmond been a hero on the battlefield himself, having 
ridden on one of those gliders in behind the lines at Normandy in 1944, 
not only was he a hero himself, but when it comes to the question of 
securing and standing up for the solid national defense of the United 
States, Strom Thurmond has no peer. He has been there for 40 years in 
the U.S. Senate seeing to it that America had a strong national defense 
in order to protect this country and our way of life and our interests 
around the world.
  So, Mr. President, let me say again, the life of Strom Thurmond--
which continues; he is just getting started--has been an inspiration to 
all of us who have had the opportunity to know him and to love him over 
the years.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Smith of Oregon). The clerk will call the 
roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, I wanted to stop on the Senate floor today 
on a mission to compliment my distinguished colleague and friend, 
Senator Strom Thurmond. He has achieved quite a remarkable record here 
in the U.S. Senate. I didn't know Senator Thurmond very well except by 
reputation before I came to the U.S. Senate. But, as I have come to 
know him and his service to our country, I wanted this morning to join 
all of my colleagues who will come this morning and tell him thank you 
for his service to our country.
  Senator Thurmond is serving in the U.S. Senate in 1997. He was born 
in the year 1902. That means that Senator Thurmond has spent a great 
deal of time in public service. He is a remarkable person by any 
measure.
  When I read a piece about Senator Strom Thurmond about 4 years ago, I 
went up to him on the floor of Senate, after I read the piece, and told 
him that I learned a great deal about him I did not know.
  One of the things that impressed me so much was to have read about 
his record in the Second World War. Senator Thurmond volunteered for 
service in the Second World War, I believe, when he was near 40 years 
of age. And when I read about what he did in the Second World War, I 
was really truly astounded. He received five battle stars and 18 
decorations: the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star 
for valor, the Purple Heart, the Cross of Order of Crown Belgium, and 
so on.
  But what I read about Senator Thurmond was that somewhere near the 
age of 40, he volunteered to go into service in the Second World War 
and then further volunteered on a mission, a dangerous mission, to go 
aloft in a glider and crash-land behind enemy lines at night during the 
D-day invasion.
  I asked Senator Thurmond on the floor, having read about that, 
``Weren't you terribly afraid that evening as you boarded a glider to 
be sent aloft?'' And we had a little visit about that. He said, no, he 
was not. He is a man of enormous courage. If you evaluate the record, 
not only his record during the Second World War, volunteering for 
dangerous missions and having received so many decorations for valor as 
a result of that, but also his record in public service following that, 
you cannot be anything but admiring of this remarkable and wonderful 
individual.
  We spend our time in the Senate here, and I suppose over the couple 
hundred years that the Senate has been in existence, debating each 
other and having the give-and-take of the competition of ideas, and 
sometimes I suppose there might be those who watch these proceedings 
who think that, gee, this is quite a vigorous debate and we do not have 
the greatest of respect for each other. I would say to those who watch 
and get that misimpression that, in almost all cases in this body, 
those of us who come here have enormous respect for others who have 
been here and who have come under other circumstances.
  Senator Thurmond came to the U.S. Senate, I believe, in 1954, and he 
has served here with great distinction and great honor. There might be 
times where he and I would disagree on an issue, but when we disagree 
we do that without being disagreeable. There have been other times when 
Senator Thurmond and I have worked together on amendments on the floor 
of the Senate, and I have been honored to do so.
  No matter the circumstance, I feel privileged to have been able to 
serve at a time in this Senate when someone with as distinguished a 
record as Senator Thurmond has compiled has been here. I have said on 
other occasions, for example, that same feeling exists with Senator 
Byrd of West Virginia, who, I am sure Senator Thurmond would agree, is 
one of the great Senators of all times.
  I, as a young boy, watching and listening and paying some attention 
to

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American politics, read about and heard about and studied the works of 
U.S. Senators. Most of those who I knew about when I was going to 
school I never had the opportunity to meet and certainly did not have 
the opportunity to serve with. But because of longevity and because of 
the length of public service given this country by the likes of Senator 
Byrd, and especially Senator Thurmond, I feel pleased that I have come 
to the Senate and had the opportunity to serve during my term with some 
really wonderful Senators who have contributed a great deal to this 
country and left this a richer place because of their public service.
  Today, I simply wanted to come and say to Senator Thurmond on behalf 
of the constituents I represent in North Dakota, thank you for your 
service to this country. This is a better country and a better place 
because you have served.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I am more than honored to come to the floor 
today to pay tribute to our senior Senator, Senator Thurmond, who has 
achieved such an outstanding milestone.
  Last September 6, I had the privilege of being at Oriole stadium in 
Baltimore to watch Cal Ripken break the consecutive game record held by 
Lou Gehrig. It was one of the most moving tributes in sports events 
that I have ever witnessed or ever heard about. And yet, when I watched 
a replay of that just the other day and understood the significance of 
an individual who had, through sickness and injury and personal 
concerns, established that probably never-to-be-broken record, I could 
not help but think of a similar individual who I have had the privilege 
of serving with in the U.S. Senate who has established his own record. 
And I think that the sacrifice and the commitment and the perseverance 
and the dedication of Senator Thurmond really can only be compared with 
that of Cal Ripken--two extraordinary individuals who have set their 
mind to a task and not allowed anything to come in the way of 
performing that task and achieving the goal that they have achieved.

  Of course, serving in the House of Representatives, all you really 
know about Senator Thurmond is the legend. You know he is a legendary 
figure who has provided extraordinary service to his country and serves 
as a distinguished Member of the U.S. Senate. So when you come to the 
Senate and have the opportunity to serve with Senator Thurmond, you 
bring with you a sense of awe, a sense of, how does this individual do 
this? But you also bring the perceptions that you read about in the 
press, ``Oh, Senator Thurmond's remarkable service, but you know he's 
getting older and he perhaps doesn't have the stamina and the energy 
that he once had.'' Well, it does not take you long here in the U.S. 
Senate to realize that that perception is wrong.
  The first thing you do is you meet Senator Thurmond and you have to 
shake his hand. And after you shake his hand, you have to take some 
aspirin because your hand is going to be sore for the next couple days, 
because Senator Thurmond has maintained a grip that few in the Senate 
half his age have. So my advice to any new, incoming freshmen or 
anybody who happens to run into Senator Thurmond in the hall or meet 
Senator Thurmond is, have a bottle of aspirin in your pocket because, 
after you shake his hand, your hand is going to be sore for a couple 
days.
  The second thing you find out about Senator Thurmond is that, as 
Senator Dole says, you watch very carefully what he eats because you 
want to eat whatever Strom Thurmond is eating if you want to stay 
healthy. And so we jockey to sit near him at lunch to see what is the 
secret of this man's success, his longevity, his contribution.
  And then, if you are like me and you are someone that enjoys going 
down to our small, little workout facility down in the Russell 
Building, you run into Senator Thurmond down there and you ask him, 
``Senator, how do you get to be the age you are and maintain such good 
physical health? How is it possible?'' And he looks at you and says, 
``Well, I get up every morning and I do my stretching, do 20 minutes of 
stretching, and then I do 20 minutes on the bicycle, and then I'll do 
some calisthenics, and then I swim every week half a mile at a time.''
  Then he looks at you and says, ``If you want to stay limber and you 
want to stay strong, you've got to pay the price.'' And I wonder how 
many of us have the will to pay the price at half his age that he pays 
at the age of 94.
  I could go on and on with these stories. I had the privilege of 
coaching youth basketball here in northern Virginia, and I had the 
privilege of having on my team young Paul Thurmond. And so here I am in 
my forties--my son is on the team along with Paul Thurmond--and Paul 
Thurmond's father is considerably older than I am, and yet there he is 
in the stands right behind where I am coaching, watching those games 
and cheering his son on, who is a remarkable athlete, now a nationally 
ranked tennis player, I think, at Vanderbilt.
  We won the championship of that league, and in no small part due to 
the terrific contributions of young Paul Thurmond, who is now quite a 
young man. But I think what is remarkable to me--it was not Paul's 
athletic prowess--is the fact that Paul's father, Senator Thurmond, was 
right there cheering him on and with the parents of the kids that won 
that championship.
  I have gotten to meet the rest of his family, and I have gotten to 
see how Senator Thurmond handles a very, very complex and difficult job 
and yet cares so deeply for his children and for his family.
  I know that Senator Thurmond went through probably the most difficult 
thing that any parent can go through, and that is the loss of a child. 
I know how much he grieved the loss of his daughter in that tragic 
accident that took place. And yet, lesser people would have been broken 
by that. Lesser people would not have been able to recover from that. 
Senator Thurmond, I think due in large part to his faith, due to his 
strength of will, and due to his belief that despite the tragedies in 
our lives, life must go on, and did go on, and did it in a spirit that 
is commendable to all of us, because we know how deeply that tragedy 
struck him.
  So there are so many aspects of this extraordinary man that have left 
such a deep imprint on the lives of all of us here in the Senate and 
clearly the lives of the people he represents in South Carolina and to 
many people throughout the world. The impressions I have, the stories I 
have, the admiration I have for the remarkable person that Strom 
Thurmond is is really difficult to put into words.
  Initially, I was going to sit down and write a speech, but I really 
wanted this to be from the heart. I really wanted to come over here and 
say to my colleagues and say to Senator Thurmond, in my lifetime, I do 
not know that I have ever met someone like you. I do not know if I ever 
met someone who showed the courage and showed the compassion and showed 
the loyalty and showed the commitment to the people that he knows and 
loves and to the people around him and to the people of this Nation.
  I bet you could go back 40 years and look up the pages that have 
served in the Senate, and I will bet you every one of them would say 
the person that went out of his way to speak to me, to make me feel 
welcome, was Senator Thurmond. I bet you could go back and talk to 
staffers from over the last 40 years, or interns, who have worked for 
Senator Thurmond and hear such remarkable praise from them about the 
privilege they had of serving and working for him in the Senate. You 
could talk to any of us who have served with him and we talk about 
Strom almost in awe. How does this man keep doing it? How are we 
possibly going to have the energy and passion for the job when we 
become the age, or we hope to become the age, that Senator Thurmond has 
become--a unique person, a remarkable record, something that I do not 
think will ever be broken.

  I just want to say to him today what a great privilege it has been 
for me to

[[Page S5202]]

serve with Strom Thurmond, what a great example he has provided to me 
and to my family, how much I admire him, and how much I want to 
congratulate him for his remarkable service.
  Now, the standing story here, and said with all seriousness, is when 
is Strom going to start preparing for the next election? We just had an 
election, but no one is about to say that Strom Thurmond is serving in 
his last term. This man of such a remarkable constitution continues to 
give fine representation to the people that he has represented for so 
long.
  Mr. President, I have another dozen stories illustrating the impact 
of this fine southern gentleman on this institution, but others will 
recount many of those. I just want him to know he has made a lasting 
and deep impression on me and it has been one of the highest honors and 
deepest privileges of my time in the Congress to be a friend and 
associated with and to work with the Senator from South Carolina, 
Senator Thurmond.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise this morning to be one of many to 
pay tribute to our distinguished senior Senator from South Carolina.
  Mr. President, I, like all of Senator Thurmond's colleagues, feel it 
is a privilege to serve with the distinguished Senator, the man whom 
the Almanac of American Politics calls ``the most enduring figure in 
American politics.''
  As you and I both know, Mr. President, because you and I are both new 
Members of this body, we are quickly learning what it means to serve in 
the U.S. Senate. So it is with genuine respect that I reflect upon 
Strom Thurmond's many, many, many years of service here in this body, 
the votes he has cast, the issues he has debated and the people he has 
known, and the history that Senator Thurmond has helped shape.
  Strom Thurmond was serving America for more than a decade before, 
you, Mr. President, were born, or before I was born. He landed at 
Normandy on D-Day. Many people do not know that Senator Thurmond was a 
legitimate hero of World War II. He was jumping out of planes not at 
the age of 21, but far beyond those tender young ages. He landed at 
Normandy on D-day. He was a State legislator, a Governor, and a 
candidate for President of the United States, all before he came to the 
U.S. Senate.
  However, it has been his service in the U.S. Senate that has made 
Strom Thurmond's boldest and most enduring mark, service that began 
when I was in grade school in the sand hills of Nebraska. Strom 
Thurmond came to this body when there were only 48 stars on the 
American flag. He has served with nine Presidents of both political 
parties, and his leadership has spanned five decades with tremendous 
change in American culture, society, and government. Strom Thurmond is 
part of American history.
  This freshman, 6-month-old, humble Senator from Nebraska, wishes to 
thank Senator Thurmond for the opportunity to learn from his 
experiences and his leadership. I wish to add my commendation to 
Senator Thurmond for his dedication, his commitment to our Nation. I 
admire the strong example he has set for all of us, especially our 
young people. Mr. President, in a day when we do not have enough strong 
role models in this country, Senator Thurmond is one. He is an example 
of a life well lived. He is a true American role model, an American 
hero.
  Senator Thurmond is the highest ranking 95-year-old in the Nation, as 
far as I know, Mr. President. My only request is that I hope that 
during my time in the Senate I may conduct myself in such a way that 
Senator Thurmond will remember me as his colleague and friend long 
after I have departed this body and Senator Thurmond is still 
presiding.
  Mr. President, I thank you for your time. I once again commend my 
colleague and my friend, the distinguished chairman of the Armed 
Services Committee and a most distinguished American.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Hagel). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I would not be surprised if 
Senator Thurmond did not even know my name, and there is no reason that 
he should. He had served in this body and had run for President before 
I was ever born, and I want him to know that I was uncomfortable in 
presiding here in seeing time pass by with too few people rising to pay 
tribute to his name and the heritage of political service he leads to 
this country.
  I, as a little boy, moved with my father and mother from Pendleton, 
OR, to Washington, DC. My dad worked for Dwight Eisenhower, and as a 
little boy I became interested in political affairs and public life, 
and for all of the memory of my life I remember hearing the name of 
Strom Thurmond. I remember him as a Democrat. I remember him as a 
Republican. I remember him always following the dictates of his 
conscience in pursuing issues as he saw them to be right.
  I, therefore, join with all who pay tribute to Strom Thurmond. I 
thank him for his service to our country. I thank him for his repeated 
reminders to us and the Republican conference of the first 
constitutional responsibility that we have--to provide for the common 
defense. As the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee he does 
that ably, and I, for one, hear his message and am anxious to support 
him in providing a strong national defense.
  I just had occasion to travel with the President of the United States 
to Europe where we witnessed the signing of the Russia-NATO agreement. 
I also participated in the ceremonies for the 50th anniversary of the 
Marshall plan. These are great contributions that America is making to 
world affairs and to peace. It occurs to me that none of this would 
have been possible absent a strong national defense. Indeed, providing 
for an American role in leadership, because we as Americans understand 
our international responsibility and understand that the world looks to 
us. Indeed, it looks to leaders like Strom Thurmond to support our 
military services in making sure that we are the leaders of 
peacefulness throughout this very hostile and difficult world.
  Senator Thurmond, I come to the Senate today to say thank you. I 
never served in the military and I suppose every man would like one day 
to have his grandson ask him, ``What did you do in the war, Grandpa,'' 
and I will not be able to say I served in battle like you did, but in a 
sense here in the U.S. Senate we go to war every day, but nobody dies, 
because we have found a way in this country, in this deliberative body, 
to fight without bloodshed. It will be my great pleasure that when my 
grandson sits on my knee and asks what did I do to contribute to the 
public life of this country, one of the things I will say is I served 
with Senator Strom Thurmond.
  Thank you, sir. I salute you and I commend you and I want to say 
publicly it is a high honor and a great privilege to serve as your 
colleague in this body of the U.S. Senate.
  Mr. President, I note the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I rise today to offer a few words of 
congratulations and tribute to a great man.
  When the history of American politics is written, somebody needs to 
put in a pretty good chapter just about Senator Strom Thurmond. This 
gentleman has seen and lived history as very few people have. He fought 
on the beaches of Normandy at the age of 41.

[[Page S5203]]

His grandfather fought in the Civil War. And his long and dedicated 
service in the U.S. Senate deserves our honor today. He is both the 
oldest living and the longest serving Senator in U.S. history.
  Like many of my colleagues, he has made a run for the Presidency. 
That is not so uncommon. But Senator Strom Thurmond ran against 
President Harry S Truman. That is a little bit different.
  Senator Thurmond's life has been spent in public service. He has 
known every President since Franklin Roosevelt. He has been a county 
superintendent of education, State senator, Governor, circuit judge. He 
has been a schoolteacher, a coach. He has worked on a farm, and has 
even been a motorcycle rider, like my friend Senator Campbell.
  Senator Thurmond is one of South Carolina's most successful exports, 
and clearly their favorite son.
  I think it is worth noting that as times have changed, so has Senator 
Thurmond. When you look back on his life, you see a pretty good 
reflection of the way he lives. The views of many Americans have 
changed in this century. I think it is a good thing to know Senator 
Thurmond, because his example shows us how someone who serves the 
public can adapt to the times while still living by his core 
principles.
  Strom is a fair man, a kind man, who steadfastly believes in what he 
says. He believes in the rights of the people he represents to conduct 
their lives as they see fit. He has fought for that for years, and I 
think that is extremely noteworthy. It is among the highest obligations 
that elected officials can uphold.
  But aside from all the history, I think what Senator Thurmond most 
wants to be noted for today is what he sought to do throughout his 
life; and that is, there is no denying that this man is unendingly 
thoughtful and is faithful to his friends and family and the people 
around him.
  There aren't too many folks in South Carolina who do not have a 
firsthand story of Senator Thurmond picking up the phone to offer 
congratulations or to offer condolences, and getting a note in the mail 
where he expresses his concern or his interest in something that has 
happened in the life of a family.
  I think that is the mark of the best kind of public service. You 
don't forget that at the end of the day what matters is the people you 
can count as friends. And people remember their friends. They respect a 
true leader who sticks by his guns. Regardless of your politics, that 
is the kind of respect any public servant strives for, and it is the 
mark of a true statesman and a true gentleman, and, in this case, a 
true Southern gentleman.
  I have read that my colleague wants to be remembered as a man who is 
honest, patriotic, and helpful. I am here to tell you that he is all 
three.
  I thank the Chair.
  Mr. President, I note the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Stevens). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, today it is a great honor for me to 
join in this tribute to a remarkable man who has established a 
remarkable career, Senator Strom Thurmond.
  Senator Thurmond has served America as a teacher, as an athletic 
coach, an attorney, a judge, an Army officer, a war hero, a State 
senator, a Governor, a Presidential candidate, a U.S. Senator, and, 
perhaps most importantly, a father and husband.
  What an honor it is to serve with Senator Thurmond in the U.S. 
Senate.
  I mentioned his role as father and husband. Mr. President, I am sure 
you have seen also, on those occasions when we are all together with 
our family members, the wonderful pride that you see in the eyes of 
Strom Thurmond when he introduces his children to us, when he talks 
about some of the great accomplishments of his children, and the 
twinkle in his eye when he talks about his family.
  While serving, Mr. President, in a variety of these capacities, it 
was as a circuit judge when war with Germany broke out. As a judge, Mr. 
President, he was exempt from military service. But Strom Thurmond, as 
soon as war was declared with Germany, traded in that robe for the 
uniform of the U.S. military.
  Recently, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of World War II. We 
think about all that that meant. And, for many of us, we had not even 
been born at that point--World War II. One of the key, key events of 
World War II was D-day, the invasion. And it was on that day that this 
former circuit court judge joined in the invasion of the occupied 
territory, and, in a glider, went behind enemy lines and fought for his 
country. Because of that, Senator Thurmond received 5 battle stars and 
18 decorations, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for 
valor. And we see that valor every day here in the U.S. Senate.
  Senator Thurmond set a record for longevity of service in the U.S. 
Senate. But it is his record of accomplishment, not just the length of 
service, that makes his career legendary.
  It is my distinct pleasure and honor to serve with Strom as my 
chairman on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
  As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Thurmond 
is a tireless advocate of a strong defense, a strong America, and the 
men and women who volunteer to wear the uniform of the United States, 
and with his distinguished, distinguished service in the military here 
is a man who every man and woman in uniform can look to with great 
pride knowing how much he cares for them and the duty that they are 
called upon to carry out.
  My colleagues know the strength of Senator Thurmond's convictions 
which can be measured directly by his grip on your arm as he discusses 
those issues with you. Senator Thurmond has never been afraid to stand 
up for his principles and what he believes in, no matter how the 
political winds may be blowing.
  In recognition of his career and his character, the people of South 
Carolina have elected Strom Thurmond seven times to represent them as 
their Senator, including the first time in 1954 as a write-in 
candidate.
  Mr. President, when we think about this remarkable life of Senator 
Strom Thurmond, who was born in the year 1902, think of all of the 
changes that have taken place in this country of ours, all of the 
advances in technology, all of the changes in the progress, the 
achievements of this Nation, of the world, here is a man who has seen 
it all. Here is a man, though, who has absolutely remained current. I 
hope that as I continue my life I can continue to be contemporary. When 
Strom Thurmond goes back to the wonderful State of South Carolina, it 
is the young people who identify with him as well. Here is someone they 
admire and look to. Here is a man who because of his inquisitive mind, 
because of his wonderful sense of humor, his energy for life, and his 
unending love for his country, people of all ages admire.
  We need the Strom Thurmonds of this country because it is the Strom 
Thurmonds of this country who are the role models for the rest of us. 
At some point when I conclude my career in the Senate, one of the 
things I will be able to look back on is that I had the great honor of 
serving with Senator Strom Thurmond.
  Senator Thurmond, as a citizen, I thank you for all that you mean to 
the United States of America and God bless you.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. In my capacity as a Senator from the State of 
Alaska, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The clerk will call the 
roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I thank you for presiding at this very 
important morning of celebration. We are here to talk about someone who 
is truly remarkable--our distinguished colleague, the President pro 
tempore of the Senate, the Senator from South Carolina, Strom Thurmond.
  Pablo Picasso once said it takes a long time to grow young. This is 
one

[[Page S5204]]

point on which Strom and Picasso would agree. Picasso was still a 
painter at the age of 92, and of course, we all know what Strom 
Thurmond is doing today. He is leading our Nation.
  Strom often reminds me that Col. William Barrett Travis, the 
commander at the Alamo, was from Strom's home county in South Carolina. 
Although Strom missed the Battle of the Alamo by a few years, he has 
displayed the spirit of the Alamo time and time again--the sense of 
duty and commitment to freedom that made Colonel Travis such a hero at 
the Alamo.
  He was commissioned in the Army in 1924, and though he didn't need 
to, he volunteered for service in World War II at the age of 40. He 
wanted to. He served in both the Pacific and the European theaters and 
landed in a glider on the beach at Normandy on D-day. He earned 18 
decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, and the 
Bronze Star for Valor. He remained in the Army Reserve. He retired at 
the rank of major general, following 36 years of active and reserve 
military service, nearly 40 years ago.
  I remember something that made such an impression on me in 1994 when 
I was a new Member of the Senate. We were celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of the landing at Normandy in 1944. I remember hearing--in 
absolute awe--that one current Member of Congress who landed at 
Normandy, Strom Thurmond, was to be honored. He missed the anniversary, 
and I remember thinking to myself how extraordinary his reason was. 
Strom Thurmond, who volunteered at the age of 40, and who landed on a 
glider at D-day, missed the 50th anniversary because he had a son 
graduating from high school. This is an extraordinary man. He has 
served as a State senator, a circuit court judge, a Governor, a soldier 
in time of war, a Presidential candidate, and now is the oldest and 
longest serving Senator in our Nation's history.
  It was my pleasure to serve with Strom Thurmond on the Armed Services 
Committee, and I can say as one who was there, he worked for only one 
purpose: To ensure our country's national defense remained strong. 
During his last campaign, Senator Thurmond asked the people of South 
Carolina one simple question: Who can do more to help steer the future 
of America toward the conservative principles we believe in? Who can 
best continue to diligently and effectively help all the people of 
South Carolina? The people of South Carolina spoke resoundingly that 
the person was Strom Thurmond and returned him to the U.S. Senate. We 
are here today to honor their choice and their confidence in this 
gentleman.
  Strom has announced that it is, after all, a man's prerogative to 
change his mind. He has announced that he will no longer support 
continual service without term limits. So, now that he has embraced 
term limits, in a magnanimous gesture he has announced that he will not 
run for reelection in 2002. We think that really is magnanimous because 
there are few South Carolina politicians who would have the energy to 
take on the man that we have affectionately dubbed ``The Thurmonater.''
  He began his career in public service as a coach in 1923, and 74 
years later he remains a coach and teacher to all of us.
  Senator Thurmond, it is a pleasure and an honor to work beside you, 
and I wish you continued success in a long and healthy life that I know 
you will have.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The 
Senator from Indiana is recognized.
  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, the celebration of the life and 
recordbreaking Senate career of Senator Strom Thurmond gives each of us 
an opportunity to underline strengths of our friend and our colleague 
which we should emulate. Senator Thurmond is the oldest of our 
colleagues, but my most vivid memories of him have often involved his 
interaction with young people.
  During a trip to military installations early in my Senate career, I 
learned much about successful constituent relationships from Strom. 
Even while on the road, Strom Thurmond was receiving the names of South 
Carolinians who had recently died, were married, or enjoyed personal 
honors such as graduation or academic recognition. With the assistance 
of his able staff, Strom obtained daily lists of names and placed 
telephone calls, through his Washington office, to at least 2 dozen of 
these persons, according to my observations, leaving appropriate 
messages when necessary. He displayed the greatest excitement over 
students and could often identify their parents and their grandparents 
as he shared pride in the accomplishments of the entire family.

  Upon arrival at one naval base that shall remain nameless, Strom 
demonstrated another attribute, which has been partly responsible for 
his longevity of Senatorial service. We were greeted by the naval 
captain who commanded the base and, after just a few words of 
conversation, Strom indicated that it was 4:30 in the afternoon, he had 
been traveling for hours, and he wanted to jog around the base. He 
invited the astonished commanding officer to join him for the run and 
strongly insisted that this would be an excellent opportunity. As 
negotiations on the running assignment proceeded, the captain 
successfully pled the press of urgent duties and encouraged a young 
ensign to suit up for running duty with Senator Thurmond. I saw this 
episode repeated on another occasion.
  I noticed a remarkable excitement which young people enjoyed when 
running with Strom Thurmond. This excitement is not restricted to 
miscellaneous strangers that Strom met across the country. Last summer, 
I found that Strom's son, Paul, was a member of my fraternity, Beta 
Theta Pi, and that several of his fraternity brothers were interns in 
Senator Thurmond's office. I invited them to lunch in the Senate dining 
room where, midway through our meal, Strom entered with constituents 
from South Carolina. I was deeply touched while watching Paul greet his 
dad and the constituents and indicate to all the importance of the 
reelection campaign in which the entire family was heavily involved. 
Paul critiqued Strom's early morning TV appearance and the current 
stress of various activities, giving his dad advice. Then Paul and his 
fraternity brothers shared with me great stories about their 
experiences with Strom, including his intense interest in their daily 
activities.
  All of us know from our daily visits with Strom Thurmond on the floor 
of the Senate that he greets each of us warmly. He is excited by these 
encounters, almost as if it were the first time in a long while that he 
has seen us. In visiting with these young men who were interns in his 
office, and later with my own son, David Lugar, who had a wonderful 
conversation with Strom at a fundraising reception, I found a common 
theme.
  Strom, obviously, is invigorated by his meetings with young people, 
and he has much to say to them about successful patterns of living. His 
political instruction is surely world class, and I suspect that all of 
us recognize the power of a truly disciplined life that has been lived 
with the setting of important goals and the sustained activity 
necessary to achieve them.
  Very fortunately, Strom has not only set a record for longevity of 
service in the Senate, he is still among us, giving encouragement each 
day and inspiring the best of our efforts. I am very grateful for the 
privilege of serving with him.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to join in honoring a legend, 
a legend not just in the Senate but also throughout the United States 
of America.
  I have been privileged to serve with Senator Thurmond for 21 of the 
last nearly 42 years that he has represented the State of South 
Carolina as one of the premier U.S. Senators in this body.

[[Page S5205]]

  When I first arrived in January 1977, Senator Thurmond was my special 
mentor. As my senior on the Senate Judiciary Committee, he gave me my 
first lessons of the committee's processes. Ever since then, he has 
been a personal and very special friend to me.
  I have admired Senator Thurmond's strong commitment to federalism and 
his steadfast support of the prerogatives of both State and local 
governments. I have admired his toughness in the matters of criminal 
justice. I have admired his objectivity and fairness when it comes to 
matters concerning the judiciary. There can be no question that Senator 
Thurmond has left his mark on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the 
laws created by it.
  Nearly 42 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Senate would be 
a lifetime accomplishment for anybody--certainly for most people. But 
Senator Thurmond was just warming up when he arrived here for the first 
time in 1955. Before that he was county superintendent of schools, 
county attorney, circuit judge, D-day hero with the 82d Airborne, 
Governor of South Carolina, and Presidential candidate in 1948.
  The problem with using the word ``legend'' is that many times the 
exploits ascribed to a legendary figure are exaggerated or apocryphal. 
But it is entirely safe to say that Senator Thurmond is a legend. His 
accomplishments and contributions both for his beloved home State and 
his country are very well documented. And a lot of us are very familiar 
with them.
  I will never forget his trip to Utah in 1991 to keynote my Utah 
Seniors Conference. About 1,000 seniors from all over the State of Utah 
and the intermountain West gathered in Salt Lake City for a day of 
workshops and speakers on everything from retirement finances to travel 
bargains. Senator Thurmond is quite a role model. His enthusiasm for 
his work, his family, for his country, and for life itself was genuine 
and infectious. Our people in Utah were so impressed, that he gave them 
so much to live for, so much to strive for, so much to try to be, that 
I will never forget that appearance out there in Utah.
  We have been together on so many occasions and we have done so many 
things together that I think I am in a special position to say how much 
I care for this wonderful human being and how proud I am that he has 
reached this milestone in the U.S. Senate. I am not sure that it will 
ever be broken.
  Senator Thurmond is one who will leave a legacy not only of 
achievement but of honor and integrity to the Senate and the people of 
South Carolina. But, of course, it is premature to think that the 
latest milestone is the last milestone. I do not believe Strom Thurmond 
is finished yet.
  I have a lot of friends in the Senate, and I care for all of them. 
This is a wonderful body. It is a collegial body. It is an important 
body, the most important legislative body in the world today. But I 
have no greater friend than my good friend from South Carolina, Strom 
Thurmond.
  He has been my mentor. He has been my friend. He has been my 
supporter. He has been a person who has taken time to help me to know 
the ropes here. And he is a human being who you cannot help but 
respect.
  I am proud that he has not lost a step. This man is as effective 
today as when I got here in 1977, in fact, in some ways maybe even more 
effective because of the additional 21 years of experience that he has 
been able to accumulate.
  Senator Thurmond has been good to his staff. He is good to the people 
around the Senate. I have seen him shake hands with almost everybody 
who comes his way. He takes time with young people, children, older 
people, whoever. He stops and says hello and always has a cheery 
salutation for people as he serves in the Senate.
  I also know that there is nobody in the Senate who knows more about 
his State and the people therein than Strom Thurmond. I have seen him 
make phone calls to his State. I have seen him worry about funerals, 
about deaths, about graduations, about education, about so many things 
that really have been important for people in his State. I think it is 
probably true that he has basically touched the lives and the hearts of 
virtually everybody in the State of South Carolina. But it is also true 
that he has touched the hearts of many of us throughout the rest of the 
country.
  And I for one am a better person because of my relationship and the 
friendship and brotherhood that I have with Strom Thurmond of South 
Carolina.
  He is a great man. He is a legend. And I believe that he is going to 
make these next number of years the most important years of his life. 
And if anybody can do it, it is my buddy, my friend, my mentor, Strom 
Thurmond.

  So I would have felt badly if I had not gotten over here and at least 
said a few of the things that are on my mind. I could go on for hours. 
But this is a great man, one of the greatest that has ever lived in 
this country. He is a great patriot, somebody who really loves this 
country and has given blood for it.
  I want you to know, Senator Thurmond, I appreciate you. And I know I 
am not supposed to refer to you in the first person on the floor, but I 
am going to today. I appreciate you and appreciate the kindness and the 
friendship you have shown me all these years. And we are going to be 
friends forevermore. So I am grateful to you and I am happy to see you 
achieve this honor. And I wish you many, many more years in the U.S. 
Senate. And I know that as long as you will be here, that you will give 
it everything you have.
  Thank you, Mr. President.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, in his thought-provoking book, ``The 
Faith We Have Not Kept,'' Senator Strom Thurmond writes:

       The nation that ceases to expand its consciousness begins 
     to die at that very moment. Once a nation loses its 
     conviction of truth, doubts, and self-doubts rob it of its 
     will and its strength.

  During his 41 years and 10 months in the U.S. Senate, Senator Strom 
Thurmond has certainly helped ensure that this great Nation continues 
to expand its consciousness and to ensure that we never lose the 
conviction of truth. In so doing, he has helped our Nation continue to 
thrive and prosper and build its will and its strength.
  For these reasons, we admire as well as honor the man who this past 
Sunday, on May 25, became the longest serving Senator in the history of 
the United States.
  From the start, I want to make it clear I have not always agreed with 
the senior Senator from South Carolina. In fact, we probably disagreed 
more than we have agreed.
  But I also want to make clear that my disagreements with him have 
never once diminished my admiration for him as a man, as a lawmaker, 
and as an American. Never once have our differences reduced my respect 
for his tenacious fights for the causes in which he believes and his 
adherence to what he has called the bedrock for all our expectations, 
the Constitution of the United States.
  This historic achievement is another important milestone in the life 
and career of a man who has become a political icon of the South--a 
life and a career that has included:
  Being the first and only person to be elected to the U.S. Senate on a 
write-in ballot;
  Delivering the longest speech in the history of the Senate, 24 hours, 
and 18 minutes; and,
  Being the oldest person to have ever served here in the Senate.
  One might be inclined to think that being a Federal lawmaker is all 
that Strom Thurmond has ever done. Actually, he has done a few other 
things. He has been a farmer, a lawyer, a teacher, a coach, an 
education administrator, a judge, a Governor, a State senator, and an 
author. He is a soldier--a distinguished veteran of World War II who 
participated in the D-day invasion and has been awarded 5 military 
stars and 18 decorations. He has been a Democrat, a Dixiecrat, and a 
Republican.
  What a life.
  What a career.
  In addition to the skill and intellect, the doggedness and drive, and 
the other

[[Page S5206]]

attributes that make for an outstanding senatorial career, Senator 
Thurmond's historic achievement marks the career of someone:
  Born before the birth of aviation--the year before the Wright 
brothers took off in their plane at Kitty Hawk;
  Elected to his first political office while Calvin Coolidge was 
President;
  Who began serving in the Senate before some of its current Members, 
including this one, were born; and
  Who has served with about one-fifth of the 1,843 men and women who 
have been Members of the U.S. Senate.
  For his long and distinguished career, the people of South Carolina 
are naming much of that State in Senator Thurmond's honor. Go to almost 
any town in his beautiful and beloved State and you will find Strom 
Thurmond Street or Bridge. You will similarly find named in his honor a 
high school in Edgefield County, a student center at Baptist College, a 
dormitory at Winthrop College, a criminal justice building at the 
Greenville Technical College, a Federal building in Columbia, the 
Center for Excellence in Government at Clemson, an auditorium at the 
University of South Carolina School of Law, a mall in Columbia, and a 
vocational rehabilitation center in Aiken. You will also find Strom 
Thurmond Lake, Dam, and Highway in Clarks Hill, the Strom Thurmond 
Educational Center in Union, the Strom Thurmond Biomedical Research 
Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, and the Strom 
Thurmond Defense Finance and Accounting Building in Charleston.
  His office walls are covered floor to ceiling with awards too 
numerous to mention. The people of South Carolina are obviously pleased 
and proud of their man in Washington just as we are pleased and proud 
to have him here with us.
  It is interesting to note that the oldest and longest serving Member 
in Senate history has announced his support for term limits. After six 
decades in political office and four decades in the Senate, this may be 
the only way that he will ever leave the Senate.
  One of his staffers aptly pointed out that ``graveyards in South 
Carolina are filled with people waiting for Strom Thurmond to die so 
they could run for the Senate.''
  Mr. President, I congratulate Senator Strom Thurmond for his 
remarkable career and his historic feat, becoming the longest serving 
Senator in U.S. history. I thank him for his contributions to the U.S. 
Senate, for his contributions in making this a better country, and for 
being a friend and a colleague. Finally, I thank him for expanding the 
consciousness of this great Nation and ensuring that we never lose our 
conviction of truth.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sessions). The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I have served in the Senate for 25 
years. Obviously, when compared with Senator Strom Thurmond, I do not 
even have any bragging rights yet.
  I thought I would come down here to remark, for the Senate record and 
for the distinguished Senator Thurmond, on a few of my thoughts about 
my 25 years here, and what I remember most about Senator Thurmond. 
Rather than talk about legislation, I will talk about some of his 
qualities and characteristics that stand out most in my mind.
  I guess the most immediate thought that comes to mind is that he is a 
real gentleman. I think when you have been such an acclaimed, esteemed 
political leader for as long as he has, it is a rare quality and rare 
compliment that you can say he has never stopped being a gentleman. By 
that, I mean he is considerate of everyone. He visits more people and 
attends more events to honor other people, than anyone I know, and he 
does it with great enthusiasm. He attends events, whether for the 
chairman of the Appropriations Committee or a brandnew Senator--he puts 
it on his list and he spends an hour to an hour and a half, 3 or 4 
nights a week, attending events to honor or help other people. It is 
absolutely beyond belief how much energy and time he spends on other 
people.
  Second--and I hope this characteristic is never passe, I hope it is 
always important--I believe he is about as loyal an American citizen as 
I have ever worked with, as I have ever exchanged views with, and that 
I have ever been privileged to call friend. By being a loyal American, 
what I mean is he is constantly asking what is good for America. When 
he speaks about our national defense, you just know he loves this 
country. That is what I mean when I say he is a true, loyal American. 
He is a patriot. He has served America and his constituents in his 
State in more capacities than anyone in this institution will ever be 
privileged to serve. Yet, he is always optimistic and he is always sure 
and certain that this country--that he loves so much--is one of the 
great achievements of all humankind. He speaks of it as something that 
we ought to be proud of, that we ought to preserve.
  Mr. President, my last observation about Strom Thurmond is that he 
knows how to be a team player.
  You know, it is entirely possible that a man of his exquisite 
accomplishments and seniority wouldn't have to be a team player. But I 
can tell you, as one who has had to manage a large number of very, very 
tough measures on the floor of the Senate, Strom Thurmond is one of the 
best team players when he believes you are trying to do is something 
good for the country.
  There are many other characteristics that other Senators will speak 
of. They are all well deserved. I am here to speak of my own 
evaluation: a gentleman, a true and loyal American, and a team player. 
That is how view him. That is how I think many will view him they look 
at his great accomplishments and marvelous life.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. FAIRCLOTH addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.
  Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate my good friend, 
colleague, and neighbor, Strom Thurmond.
  Mr. President, I cannot say much that has not already been said about 
Senator Thurmond. When I think about the life of Strom Thurmond, his 
life is literally a chapter of American history.
  Strom was born in 1902. This was the year before the Wright brothers 
did their first flight. He has lived through four wars, and was a war 
hero in one of them--World War II. He was at Normandy in June of 1944 
when we liberated Europe.
  A funny and personal note, quickly: After I came to the Senate, Strom 
said to me on the floor one day, ``What year were you born?'' I told 
him I was born in 1928, which made me pretty old. He looked at me and 
said, ``That was a good year. That was the year I was county 
superintendent of education.'' So I felt young again.
  I congratulate him as the longest serving Senator in the history of 
the United States. I can think of no one more fitting than Strom 
Thurmond to hold this honor. He has devoted his entire adult life to 
serving the people of the United States and the people of South 
Carolina.
  He first became a State senator in 1933, which was a pretty long time 
ago. And he served as Governor from 1947 until 1951. He ran for 
President, and was a lot closer to being elected than most people 
realized. But, more appropriately, they elected him to the Senate in 
1954 as a write-in candidate--so far as I know, the only write-in 
candidate ever elected to the Senate. And they have reelected him ever 
since, as both Democrat and Republican.
  As his neighbor from North Carolina, I say to all South Carolinians 
that they should be proud, and I know they are proud of Senator 
Thurmond.
  Senator Thurmond is a man of deep faith, and he truly has the courage 
of his convictions. In his long career, I have never heard anybody 
question his integrity or his dedication to public service. In this day 
and age of attack politics, Strom Thurmond is forever the gentleman. 
His manner should be a role model for aspiring politicians and 
Senators.
  Further, I can think of no one in the Senate who I would rather have 
as chairman of the Armed Services Committee. He is a veteran, he is a 
war

[[Page S5207]]

hero, and he is a man of unwavering integrity and commitment to the 
causes he believes in. And one of those principal causes is a strong 
national defense. He is a man of principles, and one of those 
principles, I again repeat, is a strong national defense. It is the one 
identifying characteristic, if no other, of Strom Thurmond.
  I know that he will not let anyone ever weaken the national defense 
system as long as he is chairman. And I hope he remains chairman for a 
long time to come.
  Mr. President, I thank Strom Thurmond for his service, and as a 
nation we thank Strom Thurmond for his service. Our veterans and men in 
uniform throughout the country are aware of what he has done, what he 
represents, and he still has the strong support of them.
  I look forward to continuing to serve with Senator Thurmond far into 
the future.
  I thank you, Mr. President.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I have been an occupant of the Chair and 
listened to many statements now concerning my good friend from South 
Carolina. So I am not going to repeat some of the matters concerning 
Senator Thurmond's personal background. I would like to just discuss 
some of the memories I have of this great Senator.
  It is a matter of coincidence, I guess, but Senator Thurmond came to 
the Senate by appointment on December 24, 1954. I came to the Senate by 
appointment on December 24, 1968. I thank the Parliamentarian for 
assisting me in finding those dates. When I came to the Senate, Senator 
Thurmond was 22d in seniority. It is an interesting thing that he is 
now the first in line, and, on our side, I am now the second.
  A great many people have come to the Senate, and left, since the 
first day that I came to the Senate and joined Senator Thurmond. But it 
was with great interest that I met him because I read a great deal 
about the Senator from South Carolina prior to coming to the Senate.

  As a matter of history, I was trained to fly gliders in World War II 
and firmly expected to be deployed to the European theater, when I was 
reassigned into the China theater, and did not ever get to tow gliders 
into combat. But I did train to tow them. And I was very interested to 
find out that Senator Thurmond was one of those who led part of our 
forces flying a glider into the invasion in June 1944.
  You know, the whole concept of using gliders was to insert troops far 
beyond the shore defenses out in front. And that is, I think, what I 
would say about Senator Thurmond: He has always been out in front.
  He has also been a leader by example. There is one thing that young 
Senators coming into the Senate, whether in the group that I came in 
1968 or every new term that brings more Senators, soon learn. If you 
want to see what a Senator should act like, should be like, you should 
emulate the Senator from South Carolina. As a matter of fact, my 
brother, Bob, lives in South Carolina. When he speaks of ``my 
Senator,'' he is talking about Senator Thurmond--not me--because 
Senator Thurmond is a real champion of the people of his State. They 
know him personally.
  It was my privilege in one election to accompany Senator Thurmond to 
South Carolina and to go to campaign events with him. I want the Senate 
to know, if they want to learn how to campaign, that they ought to try 
that. Because when Senator Thurmond goes into an event--and we went to 
several on that trip that I made with him to South Carolina--he does 
not need someone standing beside him to remind him who people are. He 
loves campaigning. You can tell that he knows his people, and they love 
him because it is a reunion. Each one of his campaign events are 
reunions. They are not just something to go to, to try to listen to; 
they are supporters coming to meet their Senator. There is a great 
difference, Mr. President. I think we all know that.
  But time passes very quickly in the Senate. It passes quickly for 
those who are busy. Some people come and leave very quickly because 
they never really become part of the Senate family. Senator Thurmond 
has been a leader not only in the Senate, but here on the floor and in 
the Senate family.
  My daughter, Lily--this is Uncle Strom to her. I think for almost 
every one of us who have had young children here in the Senate, they 
have had that same relationship to Senator Thurmond. She literally 
lights up when she sees Strom because she is meeting a friend. He 
really vibrates with young people. And I like that as a father. But I 
also admire it greatly in terms of his qualities and the way he 
approaches life.
  I was thinking, as I sat there in the chair, about what I would say 
about Senator Thurmond. My message to the Senate is, here is a man who 
loves life. There is a real joy to his life. He has had some sadness. 
But he has had the strength to overcome that. But he really enjoys 
life.
  I remember when he used to tell me that I ought to work out more, 
that I ought to get more exercise. I thought I was getting a lot of 
exercise. But I soon found out that I needed that exercise because 
every time he grabbed me by the arm, I went away with a bruise. And I 
had to get a little bit more muscle there so I could be close enough to 
him so he could talk to me. You watch. He will do that when I finish. 
He is going to grab me by the arm and let me know there is still 
strength in that arm. And it is the strength of a strong heart, a heart 
that really loves our country, and loves the Senate, and that really 
has dignified the Senate in his years here.
  He has been in some battles. He has been in some battles with me. But 
I will tell the Senate that no one in the Senate could have a better 
friend than Strom Thurmond. I am proud to be here today to call him my 
friend and to acknowledge his great leadership.
  Thank you, Mr. President.
  Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise to join my 
colleagues in paying tribute to the distinguished President pro tempore 
of the Senate, the senior Senator from South Carolina, Senator Strom 
Thurmond.
  Senator Thurmond was born at the dawn of the 20th century, on 
December 5, 1902, at Edgefield, SC. He has lived nearly every day of 
this tumultuous century.
  Mr. President, I take particular interest and pride in Senator 
Thurmond's early career. After graduating from Clemson University in 
1923, Senator Thurmond embarked on 6 years of service as a public 
school teacher and athletic coach. Mr. President, that is how I began 
my own career after my own graduation from college.
  Senator Thurmond subsequently served as his home county's 
superintendent of education from 1929 to 1933.
  Having studied law at night under the tutelage of his father, Senator 
Thurmond became a member of the South Carolina Bar in 1930. He was a 
city attorney and county attorney from 1930 to 1938.
  In 1933, Strom Thurmond was elected State senator, an office that he 
held until 1938. He next served as a South Carolina circuit judge from 
1938 to 1946.
  It has been my honor, Mr. President, to have served on the Armed 
Services Committee with Senator Thurmond since I was elected to the 
Senate in 1990 and, for the past more than two years, under his able 
leadership as chairman. Given that connection, I want to call special 
attention to Senator Thurmond's heroic service in World War II.
  Mr. President, in June, 1944, Strom Thurmond volunteered to 
participate in D-day by parachuting into France, but was told that he 
was too old. Instead, then-Judge Thurmond, age 41, participated in the 
Normandy Invasion by landing with members of the 325th Glider Infantry 
Regiment, 82d Airborne Division.
  Ultimately, Strom Thurmond was awarded 5 battle stars and 18 
decorations, medals, and awards, including the Legion of Merit with oak 
leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with ``V,'' the Purple Heart, the 
Belgian Order of the Crown, and the French Croix de Guerre.
  After World War II, Mr. President, Strom Thurmond served as the 
Governor of South Carolina from 1947 to 1951. He was the States' rights 
Democratic nominee for President in 1948. He carried 4 States, 
receiving 39 electoral votes.
  Following his service as Governor of his beloved state, Strom 
Thurmond

[[Page S5208]]

practiced law in Aiken, SC, from 1951 to 1955.
  Mr. President, Strom Thurmond was elected to the U.S. Senate as a 
write-in candidate in 1954. He resigned in 1956, in the words of his 
official biography, in order ``to place the office in a primary, 
pursuant to a promise to the people during the 1954 campaign.''
  Subsequently, of course, Mr. President, Strom Thurmond was elected to 
the Senate in 1956, and reelected in 1960, 1966, 1972, 1978, 1984, 
1990, and 1996. He has spoken of retirement after his current term, 
which will end after Senator Thurmond's 100th birthday on December 2, 
2002. I am sure that I am not alone when I say that I hope that he will 
reconsider.
  Mr. President, it has been my honor and privilege to serve in the 
U.S. Senate with Senator Strom Thurmond for the past more than 6 years. 
I respect him, I admire him, and I value his friendship. I look forward 
to continuing to serve with him, under his leadership as President pro 
tempore of the Senate and as the Chairman of the Armed Services 
Committee, for many years to come.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  Mr. GRAMM. Mr. President, last week, Senator Strom Thurmond became 
the longest-serving U.S. Senator in American history. That, in itself, 
is an amazing feat--42 years tirelessly representing his home State of 
South Carolina and our Nation. While this milestone rightly garnered 
much attention, it is because of Senator Thurmond's many 
accomplishments in and out of this Chamber, not simply the length of 
his tenure, that he will always be remembered as one of the true giants 
of this institution and why he will go down in history as one of the 
most important figures in 20th century American politics. I am proud to 
serve in the Senate with Strom Thurmond and glad to have this 
opportunity to honor him and his continuing record of achievement.
  We all know of Strom Thurmond's legacy. Teacher, State senator, 
judge, soldier at Normandy, Governor, Presidential candidate, and U.S. 
Senator. Always guided by principle and a strong devotion to service, 
Strom Thurmond's life and career are an example to each and every one 
of us and are a poignant realization of the American dream.
  Strom Thurmond grew up on a farm in Edgefield, SC, not far from where 
William Barret Travis, the heroic commander of the Alamo, was born. He 
began his career as a teacher and athletic coach and his strong love of 
education soon led him to be the youngest person ever to become 
superintendent of education for Edgefield County. In the ensuing years 
he would further serve the people of South Carolina as a State senator 
and a circuit court judge. When World War II came, Strom Thurmond chose 
to leave the State he so loved to defend democracy overseas. As a 
judge, he was exempt from military service, but Senator Thurmond 
relinquished his robe and volunteered for active duty in the military. 
His war record is the stuff of legend: he fought in five battles, 
landed by glider at Normandy on D-day and was ultimately awarded 5 
battle stars and 18 decorations for his service.
  After the war, Strom Thurmond came home and was elected Governor, and 
in 1948, he ran for President. Soon after, he was elected as a write-in 
candidate to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first person ever elected to 
the Senate by this method.
  Newly-elected Senator Thurmond, drawing upon his firsthand experience 
in the armed services, quickly became an expert on military and defense 
issues, beginning a lifelong dedication to our fighting men and women 
and an unwavering stand in favor of a strong national defense.
  Senator Thurmond began his political career as a Democrat. But when 
he concluded that the national Republican Party better embodied the 
principles and values he held and cherished, he made a bold decision to 
become a Republican in 1964. I know from experience that there are many 
pressures and difficulties you face in leaving the party you grew up 
in, but I know that Strom has never regretted his decision.
  Throughout his historic tenure in the Senate, as chairman of the 
Judiciary Committee, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and as 
President pro tempore, Senator Strom Thurmond has served the people of 
South Carolina--and America--with uncommon distinction and honor. I 
congratulate Senator Thurmond today. It is an honor to call him a 
friend and colleague, and I look forward to his continued strong 
leadership in the U.S. Senate.
  (At the request of Mr. Daschle, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)
 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, in 1981, the Senate Judiciary 
Committee had a new chairman, and a new ranking member, and there were 
more than a few folks who were eagerly looking forward to the 
fireworks. With the election of a new, conservative Republican 
administration and a new Republican majority in the Senate, The 
Judiciary Committee seemed destined to be a battleground for many of 
the great philosophical questions which divided us then, and which 
divide us now. And to many ``Washington Insiders,'' there was little 
prospect that Strom Thurmond--the veteran conservative Republican 
chairman from South Carolina who first made his mark on national 
politics as a principal advocate of States rights--and Joe Biden--a 
northeastern democrat still in his thirties whose interest in politics 
was sparked in large part by the civil rights movement--could ever find 
common ground as we grappled with many of those fundamental questions.
  I never shared those doubts, because by that time, Senator Thurmond 
and I had served together for 8 years. I knew that Strom Thurmond's 
personal strengths, which I admired greatly regardless of our political 
differences, would guide the committee toward responsible consensus 
rather than divisive gridlock, and establish an atmosphere of civil and 
constructive debate rather than divisive and meaningless partisan 
rhetoric.
  In his 6 years as chairman, and for several years after we switched 
roles in 1987, Senator Thurmond exceeded my expectations in every way. 
While the Judiciary Committee did indeed go through some heated debates 
and contentious hearings--weathering the kind of controversy which I 
have seen poison the well for other committees for years afterward--
Senator Thurmond and I worked together to ensure that the committee's 
business, the Nation's business, would go forward once the day was 
done. That would not have happened had it not been for the strength of 
character of our chairman.
  First and foremost, Strom Thurmond is an absolute gentleman, 
unfailingly courteous and respectful of each individual's dignity. 
Throughout a lifetime spent in the political arena, he has never 
forgotten that those who disagree with us are nonetheless entitled to 
being heard out and treated with dignity. Indeed, that is an important 
reason that his lifetime in politics has been such a long and 
productive one.
  Here in the Senate, and--as I have seen firsthand--back home in South 
Carolina, Strom Thurmond's honesty and integrity are the hallmark of 
his public and private reputation. His word is his bond, and each of 
us--even the most partisan of political opponents--knows that through 
the heat of political debate, regardless of the intense pressure that 
may be upon him, Strom Thurmond can be trusted to keep that word; not 
when it's politically possible or expedient, but always.
  Here in the Senate, our integrity is, ultimately, our most valued 
possession, and Senator Thurmond is a living example of the value of 
personal integrity.
  Throughout our service on the Judiciary Committee, ``The Chairman'', 
has distinguished himself by his commitment to absolute fairness; to 
Republican and Democrat, political ally and philosophical opponent, 
alike. During the years when I held the gavel--and Strom will always be 
``The Chairman'' to me--I tried to match the example of fairness that 
he set. Indeed, it is a legacy which I hope every committee chairman--
and every senator--now and in the future, can strive to follow.
  Long before he was a committee chairman; indeed long before he came 
to the Senate so many years ago, Strom Thurmond was the consummate 
public servant, dedicated to the proposition that the political system 
is not an end in itself, but an arena for doing the public good. To 
that end, he has been committed to getting things done; to meeting the 
challenges facing our

[[Page S5209]]

Nation and our people; and to accomplish those goals regardless of 
partisan politics. Though he holds the record for the Senate's longest 
filibuster, Strom Thurmond is a doer rather than a talker, and his long 
list of accomplishments here in the Senate is a testament to his 
determination to serve the people of South Carolina and this Nation.
  ``Patriotism'' is a word that is used often in the course of 
political debate, sometimes by those seeking to further nothing more 
than their own personal or political agendas. But patriotism has always 
been at the core of Strom Thurmond's being, whether in the fields of 
Normandy or in the Halls of the United States Senate. Senator Thurmond 
has epitomized the notion that patriotism is neither an outdated value 
nor a term for scoring political points; but a living principle that 
challenges us daily and refuses to let us rest on our laurels when it 
comes to doing the public good.
  Today, we commemorate Senator Thurmond's record-setting tenure here 
in this body. In recent weeks, because I am his friend in spite of our 
ages and differing political philosophies, I have been asked numerous 
times to explain the secret to his long tenure. The truth of the matter 
is that--in addition to the fact that he is a testament to healthy 
living--the secret to Strom Thurmond's political longevity lies, not 
with his considerable political skills or with any local anomaly in 
South Carolina, but deep within Strom Thurmond himself.
  It lies in his strength of character, his absolute honesty and 
integrity, his strong sense of fairness, and his commitment to public 
service. None of those things are skills which you learn; they are 
qualities deep within you which, when people know you well, they can 
sense. That is the secret to Strom Thurmond's success.
  Strom Thurmond's ongoing legacy is not the number of years, months, 
and days he has served in the U.S. Senate. Rather it is his many 
accomplishments and the good that he has done during those years.
  I have been honored and privileged to serve with and work with 
Senator Thurmond for many of those years. I am proud of the work we 
have done together on the Senate Judiciary Committee. And I am proud to 
call him my friend.
  Mr. President, I join my colleagues in honoring this important 
benchmark in Senator Thurmond's long career in public service, knowing 
that he still has much to give and looking forward to working with him 
as we confront the challenges of the 21st century.
  Mr. FRIST, Mr. President, on May 25, this Congress made history. On 
that day, we became the Congress to have the longest sitting Senator in 
the history of the United States. Our distinguished colleague and 
friend, the senior Senator from South Carolina--Strom Thurmond--set the 
Senate longevity record, serving his State and Nation for 41 years and 
10 months. And like that little bunny, he just keeps going and going 
and going.
  However, as impressive as Senator Thurmond's legacy of service are 
his record of successes and the example of leadership he has achieved 
during his tenure. Today he serves as President pro tempore--a 
constitutional office that places him fourth in line to the Presidency. 
He has served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the senior 
member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and he now serves as 
chairman of our powerful Armed Services Committee.
  Senator Thurmond has been elected to eight consecutive terms since 
winning his seat as a write-in candidate back in 1954.
  We know of his breadth of experience: teacher, soldier, lawyer, 
judge, administrator, Governor, and even Presidential candidate; and we 
have been inspired by his example.
  We see in his life the values and possibilities that still 
distinguish our great Nation. Small town virtues, selfless service, a 
sense of duty--roots buried deep in lifelong membership in the local 
Mason Lodge, the Lion's and Rotary service organizations, the community 
church and hometown businesses. These all give Strom an authentic 
quality--a richness of character--an accessibility that's felt even by 
those who don't know him as well as we do.
  I cherish Strom's friendship. I count myself fortunate to have served 
the many years I have served with this great Senator, and I can say 
that I know of no one in this Chamber who doesn't look to him as I do--
as a friend. And when you think about it, Mr. President, that's quite a 
remarkable thing to say about a man who started his political career 
when Calvin Coolidge was in the White House.
  During this special time--as Senator Thurmond continues to bring 
distinction to himself and to the U.S. Senate through his historic 
service--I want to be counted among those who recognize and appreciate 
all that he has offered to South Carolina and to the United States of 
America.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to join in these 
tributes to our distinguished colleague, Senator Thurmond and his 
extraordinary record of service to the people of South Carolina and the 
Nation.
  In a very real sense, Senator Thurmond is the Cal Ripken of the 
Senate. He has set a record of longevity in the Senate that few if any 
of us ever thought would be broken. His service to the Senate extends 
over four decades, and we honor him today for that remarkable record of 
success in public service and his enduring commitment to the Nation's 
highest ideals.
  Senator Thurmond and I have served together for many of these years 
on both the Judiciary Committee and the Armed Services Committee. He 
was chairman of the Judiciary Committee for 6 years in the 1980's and 
the ranking Republican on the committee for many other years, and he 
was always impressive and fair in dealing with all aspects of the 
committee's work.
  Although we have often disagreed on the issues, we have also worked 
closely together on many important challenges. I think particularly of 
our decade-long effort together on the Judiciary Committee to achieve 
Federal criminal law reform, especially with respect to laws on bail 
and sentencing. Our success in that important effort is an excellent 
example of the ability of Democrats and Republicans to achieve common 
ground and deal effectively with major problems facing the Nation.
  In recent years, when South Carolina bore the brunt of the tragic 
epidemic of church arsons, Congress enacted bipartisan legislation to 
deal with these shocking crimes, and Senator Thurmond played a vital 
role in obtaining the resources needed for an effective response.
  We have also worked closely on a wide range of immigration and 
refugee issues on the Judiciary Committee. His leadership was 
indispensable for the enactment of the landmark Refugee Act of 1980--
the Nation's first comprehensive refugee law. its passage would not 
have been possible without him.
  Senator Thurmond has also dedicated his life, both in and out of the 
Senate, to protecting our national security, and I welcome this 
opportunity to pay tribute to his personal courage, heroism, and 
patriotism. Even though he was a sitting circuit court judge in South 
Carolina, he did not hesitate to enlist in the Army on the very day 
that the United States declared war against Germany in 1941. He served 
in Europe with great distinction, parachuting into Normandy with the 
82d Airborne Division during the D-day invasion. He earned five battle 
stars and numerous other medals and awards, including the Legion of 
Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
  Like President Kennedy, he is a member of the generation that went to 
distant lands to preserve America's freedom in World War II, and his 
public service here at home has been dedicated to preserving that 
freedom ever since.
  As a member and now chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, 
he continues to demonstrate his strong commitment to providing our 
Armed Forces with the equipment, training, leadership, and quality of 
life that they need to make the Nation's military the world's finest.
  On this auspicious occasion, I commend Senator Thurmond for his 
leadership and statesmanship and unparalleled record of public service, 
and I extend my warmest congratulations to the Senator and his family. 
I value his friendship, and I look forward to continuing to work 
closely with him in the years to come.

[[Page S5210]]

  Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am delighted to join in congratulating 
Senator Thurmond on attaining the distinction of being the Nation's 
longest serving U.S. Senator.
  Since coming to the Senate a little over 20 years ago, I have 
respected Senator Thurmond's abilities, admired his tenacity, valued 
his judgment, and treasured his friendship. He is an inspiration to all 
of us, not only because of the length of his service, but because of 
the quality of his work and the depth of his commitment.
  All of us marvel at the sheer duration of Strom Thurmond's tenure in 
the Senate--42 years. But we congratulate him today not only for his 
longevity, but for dedicating most of his adult life to public service. 
As a school teacher and a coach, as an attorney, as a soldier who 
participated in the D-day landing at Normandy, as a State senator, as a 
circuit court judge, as Governor of South Carolina, and as U.S. 
Senator, Strom Thurmond has repeatedly sought out opportunities to 
serve his community, State, and Nation.
  And, due to his reputation for hard work and effective leadership, 
the people of South Carolina have repeatedly demonstrated their 
confidence in him--a degree of confidence among the voters that all of 
us aspire to but few achieve.
  Senator Thurmond's unflagging vigor is evident to anyone who shakes 
his hand--his handshake is firm and formidable. All of us hope and 
expect that he will stay in the Senate until he reaches the age of 100 
and beyond.
  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, it is both an honor and a personal 
privilege for me to join my colleagues and rise today to pay tribute to 
a great Senator, a great patriot, and now the longest-serving Senator 
in our Nation's history, the most distinguished Senator from South 
Carolina, Strom Thurmond.
  Mr. President, the challenge for one trying to capsule this great 
American's service to South Carolina and our Nation is considerable. 
All Americans, however, should be encouraged--and I certainly encourage 
them to do this--to access Senator Thurmond's home page and discover 
the truly remarkable and unprecedented achievements of this man.
  Mr. President, it has become very commonplace in public service 
today, especially in this city, to refer to individuals of 
accomplishment as ``great Americans.'' And in some respects it is so 
commonplace that the term has even been overused, and sometimes even in 
humorous fashion. But that is not the case with Senator Thurmond who 
has been and is truly a great American in every sense of the word.
  This man has 27 honorary degrees to go with his BS degree from his 
beloved Clemson University. He has been a superintendent of education, 
a judge, a decorated veteran and hero of World War II, and he earned 18 
decorations, medals, and awards. He has been a Governor of the Palmetto 
State. He has been a candidate for President, the first person ever to 
be elected to a major office on a write-in, a leader within three--not 
two--three political parties. And, obviously, he is our President pro 
tem of this body, and continues to serve as chairman of the Armed 
Services Committee providing continued leadership in behalf of our 
military and national security and the individual freedoms we all enjoy 
and also take for granted.
  If you think about this man's career, and as many of our colleagues 
across the aisle have said, regardless of issue or politics, it is 
unequaled, it is basically unparalleled.
  Mr. President, the other challenge in paying tribute to Senator 
Thurmond is what to say that has not already been said by his many 
friends, his constituents, his family, and his colleagues.
  But having said that, I do have a rather unique relationship with the 
Senator. I am sure that my colleagues have all heard of fathers-in-law 
and mothers-in-law and brothers-in-law. Well, I am proud to say that I 
am a Thurmond staff-in-law.
  The number of South Carolinians and others who have worked for the 
Senator in various capacities number in the thousands. We could 
accurately call them ``storm troops for Strom.'' And one of those 
former staff members is my wife, Franki, who worked for the Senator 
back when I first came to Washington as a new administrative assistant 
to then-Senator Frank Carlson of Kansas. As a matter of fact, it was 
Strom Thurmond who told me about all of the South Carolina magnolia 
blossoms who came north and whose charms attracted future husbands, 
always to return to South Carolina. Put another way, Senator Thurmond 
said, ``You can take the girl out of the South, but not the South out 
of the girl.'' And that is what happened to me, a Capitol Hill romance 
if you will, a South Carolina wedding, and in our family a Kansas-South 
Carolina compromise, always to South Carolina.
  So while many in this body have thanked the Senator for many 
deserving contributions and accomplishments, mine is somewhat unique.
  Thank you, Strom, for introducing me to my future wife and the mother 
of my three children, David, Ashleigh, and Anne-Wesley. All three, by 
the way, are Strom Thurmond fans, having met the Senator many times and 
sharing occasions with his family. In that regard, my wife Franki 
counts Mrs. Thurmond, Nancy, as a very good and a close friend as well.
  As a matter of fact, Mr. President, while I was really jotting down 
my remarks that I am making today, I noted with nostalgia that my 
Senate office overlooks the Methodist building that has served as home 
for many young women when they first work on Capitol Hill when they 
first come to Washington. When my wife, Franki, looked out that window, 
we both noted in some respects our family had come full circle. Her 
desk in my office looks out on her first home in Washington.
  Again, thank you, Senator Strom Thurmond.
  I might add, Mr. President, with the privilege of serving in this 
body I have finally achieved status in the Thurmond universe. I am now 
Senator Roberts instead of that Congressman who married Franki.
  And now, Mr. President, what with all of the Senator's friends having 
paid tribute to him, what they really said in their many deserving 
tributes to Senator Thurmond is that the Strom Thurmond family has come 
first. Every time I see the Senator he comes up to me with that smile 
and that twinkle in his eye and, yes, that firm grip that many of my 
colleagues have described on my arm--and it is a firm grip--and he 
asks, ``How's your family, your lovely wife and your family?'' And he 
means it. He cares.
  One of our treasured scrapbook pictures captured Strom all dressed up 
as Santa Claus some years back with his staff and his and their 
families. And there we sit in the front row with all of the kids and 
the proud parents. To me, that picture is Strom Thurmond, and enlarged 
it could just as well be a picture of his beloved South Carolina, or 
this great Nation, for South Carolina and America are his family as 
well, and he has served them well.
  Senator Thurmond, a colleague, friend, patriot, and, yes, a great 
American, thank you for your continued service. It is a privilege to 
serve with you.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, as one of the newly elected freshmen it is a 
great honor and a privilege to have this chance to extend my 
congratulations and best wishes to the president of the senior class--
Strom Thurmond. A term of service that began on December 24, 1954, now 
enters the record books as the longest, and one of the most 
distinguished terms of service, by any Senator.
  Over the years, we have all witnessed Strom Thurmond's great 
successes in the Senate and back home in his beloved South Carolina. I 
think I have found the secret to his success, and I would like to share 
it with my colleagues. Simply put, Strom Thurmond listens to his 
constituents--otherwise known as voters--and he hears what they have to 
say. Then he brings that South Carolina brand of common sense back to 
the Senate as we tackle those thorny issues that come to our attention 
in committee and on the floor. Strom Thurmond has been doing that for 
over 40 years now, and it is clear that the people of South Carolina 
like his style.
  Anyone who has any doubts about Strom Thurmond's popularity back home 
need only check the record. There is no greater gauge of the strength 
of anyone's support in his or her home State than to see how you

[[Page S5211]]

fare at election time. Again, Strom Thurmond has sole possession of the 
record for he is the only one who has ever been elected to the Senate 
on a write-in vote. Simply put, the people of South Carolina love him 
as much as he loves them. That is why they keep sending him back.
  Still, Strom Thurmond is not being celebrated and toasted by all of 
our colleagues because of his longevity alone. We take notice of his 
many years of service in the Senate, but we also make mention of our 
great appreciation of the wisdom, insight, and determined effort Strom 
Thurmond brings to the work of the Senate every day.
  Oliver Wendell Holmes once wrote a letter to Julia Ward Howe on the 
occasion of her 70th birthday. In it he said, ``To be seventy years 
young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years 
old.''
  As we mark Strom Thurmond's legacy of service in the Senate, I think 
it is clear that no one is younger in spirit, more cheerful in 
attitude, and more hopeful for a better future for our children and 
grandchildren than Strom Thurmond.
  It is an honor and a pleasure, as the Senator who sits on the 100th 
rung on the current seniority ladder, to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the Senator on the top rung, Strom Thurmond, as he hits 
No. 1 one on the all time seniority list.
  From this day forth Strom Thurmond will set a new record every day he 
comes to the Senate. He has been a powerful and effective voice for his 
constituents. May he continue to do so for many years to come.
  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, today I rise to honor a great American and 
Senator, Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. The occasion for this 
tribute is Strom Thurmond's remarkable achievement of becoming the 
longest serving Member of Congress in history, surpassing the record 
held by Carl Hayden of Arizona.
  This historical milestone gives each of us an opportunity to publicly 
applaud Senator Thurmond, but it is not the reason for our praise 
today. The reason I am pleased and honored to pay tribute to Senator 
Thurmond is that he is a great man and patriot who has served his State 
and his country faithfully in times of war and in times of peace.
  Senator Thurmond has had a remarkable life. When I reflect on some of 
the positions he has held in his career, including: attorney, 
superintendent of education, State senator, judge, Governor, Army 
officer, Presidential candidate, and U.S. Senator, I marvel at the 
skill, determination and dedication that was required to achieve each 
of these goals. Most men would be satisfied with just one of these many 
careers. Not Strom Thurmond. He was on a mission to serve the American 
people. That mission kept pushing him to strive higher and farther in 
his lifetime of public service.
  I came to know Strom Thurmond through my work on the defense 
committee in the House of Representatives. I know Senator Thurmond is a 
very capable legislator in many issue areas. I now serve with him on 
the Judiciary Committee, for example, and can attest that he is a most 
capable attorney. I also know that the people of South Carolina are 
enormously proud of him for all the good work he has done for their 
fine State. From my perspective, there is one area in which I believe 
Senator Thurmond has stood out and has made the greatest contribution-- 
as an active member of the Armed Services Committee.
  Strom Thurmond deeply loves his country. This is apparent in even 
little things such as the American flag lapel pin he often wears. Or in 
vivid examples like volunteering for service in World War II when he 
was in his forties. Today, Senator Thurmond demonstrates his strong 
affection for America and the men and women in uniform by having the 
courage to take unpopular positions to protect the defense budget and 
to ensure adequate training and equipment for the Armed Forces. As 
chairman of the Armed Services Committee he has presided over 
tumultuous times in the military. The end of the cold war and the 
social reengineering of the military have made it a challenge to 
preserve military readiness. But, Senator Thurmond has tried. He 
deserves much of the credit for preventing our Armed Forces from 
becoming a hollow Army. As Adlai Stevenson once said, he did this ``Not 
[through] a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but with the 
tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.''
  Upon his retirement, Carl Hayden said ``I have always dreamed of 
power and the good I could do.'' Strom Thurmond, I believe, has the 
same motivation. He has not wanted material things or glory, but has 
simply done the best he could to help those who needed help. Carl 
Hayden could not lose his longevity record to a finer man.
  I remember a recent visit to Senator Thurmond's office where I was 
greeted by an impressive gallery of presidential pictures, beginning 
with Franklin Roosevelt. He told me that these pictures are of 
Presidents with whom he has served. It was then that I absorbed the 
magnitude of the impact of the Thurmond legacy on history. Strom 
Thurmond has been involved in every significant event that touched 
Congress or the Presidency in the second half of the 20th century. Very 
few people can say that, Mr President.
  Strom Thurmond was a good soldier and good citizen. His high standard 
of allegiance has enriched our national consciousness and has sustained 
a sense of purpose and patriotism all across America. I believe history 
will remember him not for his age or longevity in the Senate, but for 
his contributions to improve the well-being of his beloved America.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, it is not often during the course of 
our busy days here in the Senate that we take time to recognize one of 
our colleagues for their individual accomplishments. Today, however, we 
are doing so on the occasion of Strom Thurmond's history making event 
of having served longer in the U.S. Senate than anyone since the 
founding of our country. I join with my colleagues in paying special 
tribute to Senator Thurmond, the Senior Senator from South Carolina, on 
this noteworthy day.
  On May 25, Senator Thurmond became the longest serving Member ever in 
the Senate's 208-year history by serving more than the 41 years and 10 
months Senator Carl Hayden served between 1927 and 1969. Senator 
Thurmond's longevity in Senate service is truly remarkable because, in 
addition to length of service, he has been deeply commited to providing 
leadership in the Armed Services Committee and as the President pro 
tempore.
  Senator Thurmond has worn many hats during his distinguished career 
in public service, which began well before he was first elected to the 
Senate in 1954. As a school teacher, State senator, judge, World War II 
veteran, D-day fighter, and Governor, Senator Thurmond's service to our 
country is very likely unparalleled. In the Senate, Strom has been an 
indefatigable fighter on behalf of his State of South Carolina and has 
demonstrated enormous tenacity in championing our national defense and 
veterans causes. His enthusiasm in all that he does is truly unmatched.
  Mr. President, although Senator Thurmond and I may not always see eye 
to eye, I respect his integrity, his consideration of others, his love 
of country, and his deep sense of responsibility to public service. His 
service will have a lasting impact on this institution's history 
because of the policies he promoted, the high standards he set for us, 
and the lessons he taught so many of us about the will to carry on no 
matter the obstacle. He fought against the most painful of tragedies by 
trying to make sure others were spared the grief he endured. I look 
forward to continuing working alongside him for many years to come and 
hope to witness his service at his personal century mark.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I am privileged to honor my friend 
and colleague, the distinguished Senator from South Carolina, Strom 
Thurmond. Today we salute Senator Thurmond, who becomes the Senate's 
longest serving Member.
  It only seems fitting that I should be allowed to speak in his honor 
today. Several years ago our roles were reversed, and the distinguished 
Senator was thanking me. Now I would like to return the honor and thank 
him for his years of leadership. When Senator Thurmond was jostled in 
the subway 2 years ago, I used my years of police

[[Page S5212]]

training to come to his aid and help the police to handcuff his 
assailant. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The incident led to a 
friendship between the Senator and me that I very much enjoy.
  Now we are all here to recognize the achievements of Senator Thurmond 
and commend his years of dedicated leadership and service. The senior 
Senator from South Carolina has used his skill and knowledge to serve 
the Senate and provide direction for over 43 years.
  Senator Thurmond has provided strong leadership in this institution, 
both on the floor and in committee. He has drawn from his own personal 
knowledge from his decorated service in World War II to contribute to 
and lead the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee.
  In 1942, Senator Thurmond joined the U.S. Army, and was among those 
brave young men of the 82d Airborne Division who landed in Normandy on 
D-day. For this service, he was awarded 5 Battle Stars. After earning 
18 decorations for outstanding service in World War II, Senator 
Thurmond has maintained his dedication to war veterans throughout his 
years in the Senate. Senator Thurmond represents a wealth of 
institutional knowledge and history.
  Senator Thurmond's tenure has spanned a number of tumultuous decades, 
from the end of World War II, through the turmoil of the Vietnam war, 
to the end of the cold war, to this year, when the Congress finally 
agreed to a balanced budget. Through it all he provided the strong 
leadership which we are here to honor today.
  It gives me great pleasure to recognize our esteemed colleague as he 
becomes our longest serving U.S. Senator. Congratulations, Strom 
Thurmond, on making history as well as being a major part of our 
Nation's history.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Faircloth). The Chair recognizes the 
Senator from North Carolina.
  Mr. HELMS. Parliamentary inquiry. I understand there is a unanimous 
consent that these proceedings paying our respect to the distinguished 
Senator from South Carolina are to continue until 12:30. Is that 
correct?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.
  Mr. HELMS. I want to defer to the Senator from Florida. But before I 
do, I ask unanimous consent that, notwithstanding the previous 
unanimous consent, when these proceedings are completed and before we 
recess for the policy meetings of the two parties, that I be given 10 
or 12 minutes to speak on a joint resolution that I am introducing.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. HELMS. I thank the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from Florida.
  Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I thank the Chair for the recognition.
  I, like my colleagues, have come to the floor of the Senate today to 
express my fond feelings for Senator Thurmond, the Senator from South 
Carolina. As he is fond of saying about so many of us that he campaigns 
for, he is a man of character. He is a man of capacity. And I would add 
that he truly is a man who cares about his fellow man.

  Senator Stevens said a moment ago that Senator Thurmond is someone we 
can all learn from. I can tell you as a fellow who was running, 
campaigning for the Senate in 1988, Senator Thurmond volunteered to 
come to Florida to campaign for me. One of the things he said prior to 
making that commitment was that ``if I come, I want to be busy. I do 
not want to come down there for just one or two events. I want to come 
down there, I want to be busy.'' We picked him up at about 5:30 in the 
morning and we finished that day about 10 o'clock at night. We traveled 
from Jacksonville, FL, down through the center part of the State, to 
Lakeland and Tampa, and then an event close to Winter Haven that 
evening, never missing a beat.
  And again, I say I learned not just about campaigning but I truly 
learned about the heart of the man because about halfway through the 
day there was a press conference set up. He asked me if he could make a 
phone call before we did that press conference. And, of course, I said 
sure. And as I stood by him I realized what he was doing. He was 
calling a family in South Carolina that experienced the loss of a 
family member. Here is this man who has been elected and reelected and 
reelected and reelected, and loved in South Carolina in the middle of a 
tough day campaigning taking a moment out of that busy schedule to 
reach out to that family in South Carolina to say we understand your 
concern, the pain that you are feeling, we are concerned about you; I 
am concerned about you. Your family member was a great, great person; 
he meant so much to me.
  Can you imagine the sense of love the family felt that day. If 
anybody ever questions why Senator Thurmond has been elected and 
reelected and reelected and reelected, it is because he is a man who 
truly cares about others, whose heart is filled with love.
  I came to the Senate 9 years ago, and in a sense Senator Thurmond 
acts as a bridge between one generation of my family and myself. My 
step-grandfather retired from the Senate in December 1952, and Senator 
Thurmond, if I have that correct, was sworn in to the Senate in the 
next Congress, and so he served in that interim period of time between 
the time that my step-grandfather retired from the Senate and I came to 
the Senate.
  What an inspiration he has been to me. Frankly, Senator Thurmond, you 
have created a new dimension of what service to this country is all 
about. You have created a new dimension about service to the Senate. A 
moment ago I heard Senator Stevens talk about a strong heart, and it 
triggered in my mind that in essence, Senator Thurmond, you are a 
modern day brave heart, and it is has been a true honor to serve with 
you in the Senate.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I am honored to be in this great body 
and particularly honored today to be able to say a few words from my 
heart about the Senator from South Carolina. I have no doubt really 
that I would not be here today if it were not for Senator Thurmond. I 
first met him--and this is typical of his leadership and commitment to 
this country--when I was a U.S. attorney in the early 1980's. I had 
just been appointed. There was a reception the Attorney General of the 
United States had. He came to that reception and stayed 30 to 40 
minutes. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, he stayed and he met 
every U.S. attorney in attendance that night before he left. That 
demonstrated to me his commitment to law and order.
  Many people have talked about his leadership with regard to military 
matters, and they are certainly legendary and unsurpassed in this body. 
But in terms of law enforcement, he has been an absolutely key figure 
in the reform of the Federal criminal justice system in America, that 
makes our Federal criminal justice system today, in my opinion, 
superior to any State criminal justice system. He did that in many 
bills, but in the 1984 act he was chairman of the Judiciary Committee 
that eliminated parole and made every person who is sentenced in 
America serve the full time they are sentenced, that reformed the bail 
law so that people could not be out on bail for years before they were 
ever tried, and many other reforms--the most historic criminal justice 
reform bill, I am certain, in my lifetime. He was a key player and a 
leader.
  In 1986, I had the pleasure to be a nominee for U.S. district judge. 
That was not an experience which worked out good for me, but Senator 
Thurmond believed in me. He fought for me. He stood by me day after 
day. He refuted the charges that were made that were not true, and he 
stood by me.

  A number of years later, he came to Mobile as a Patriot of the Year. 
There were 600 people from the city of Mobile there, and he recognized 
me in the audience. He said good things about me. His support, his 
friendship, his steadfast commitment to me and to this body was 
important in my career and I want to say personally how much I 
appreciate that, Senator Thurmond. It is amazing to me that I have the 
honor and the privilege to be in this body and to be able to say to you 
how much I appreciate your support and friendship, to say how much I 
appreciate your service to your country, as a military

[[Page S5213]]

leader and as a Member of this body. I know some may think it not 
politically correct, but I will say this. Senator Thurmond has 
represented his State with great fidelity and character. He has 
represented his region as a southerner with the highest of standards as 
a southern gentleman. He has reflected the qualities of courage and 
integrity, bravery and commitment to truth that have reflected great 
credit on his community, his State, his region, his Nation, and this 
body. I am honored to have the opportunity to say how much I appreciate 
that.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. LEVIN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from 
Michigan.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is a pleasure to join with so many of 
our colleagues today to honor the President pro tempore of the U.S. 
Senate and the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Strom Thurmond 
achieved another of many historic milestones when he became the longest 
serving Senator in the history of this institution.
  Strom Thurmond had already served on the Armed Services Committee for 
20 years when I came to the Senate and joined the committee in January 
1979. I knew of him as a passionate and effective advocate for a strong 
national defense even before I joined the committee. In the 18 years I 
have served on that committee, I have come to appreciate even more his 
commitment to the welfare of the men and women who serve and who have 
served in our Nation's Armed Forces, as well as their families.
  It is my privilege now to serve as the ranking member of the Armed 
Services Committee under the chairmanship of Strom Thurmond. Over the 
years, one of the hallmarks of the Armed Services Committee has been 
that we conduct our business with a minimum of partisanship. Our former 
colleague and chairman, Sam Nunn, was right when he said that there was 
not a single national security issue facing this country that has been 
or could be solved by one political party. That legacy of 
bipartisanship on the Armed Services Committee continues under Strom 
Thurmond's leadership.
  Mr. President, one of the reasons Senator Thurmond has been such an 
effective leader on national security issues is that all of his 
colleagues know--and the American people know--that he speaks from the 
heart and he speaks from personal experience. He served his country in 
uniform for 36 years. He was commissioned in the Army Reserve even 
before he began his career in politics. He served 36 years in the 
Reserves and on active duty before retiring as a major general in the 
Army Reserve.
  In June 1944, Lt. Col. Strom Thurmond landed behind German lines with 
the rest of the 82d Airborne Division as part of the D-day invasion. As 
I and so many others watched the 50th anniversary of the Normandy 
invasion 3 years ago, we gained an even greater appreciation for the 
lifetime of service to this Nation by someone all of us are proud to 
call a friend and a colleague.
  More than a half century after landing behind enemy lines on D-day, 
Senator Thurmond continues to carry out his responsibilities as a 
legislator with a skill and perseverance that are the envy of his 
colleagues. I recall a time several years ago when Strom Thurmond and I 
offered an amendment to reform lobbying fees. Our amendment prohibited 
lobbyists who were lobbying for contracts for their clients from 
getting a contingent fee. We felt it was wrong for lobbyists to be paid 
that way and we offered an amendment together. The manager of the bill 
objected to our amendment. What Senator Thurmond did was to hold back 
for a couple hours while he talked to all of our colleagues personally. 
He got 51 supporters for his amendment, and then came back to offer it. 
That kind of perseverance which we know in Senator Thurmond has paid 
off in many, many ways for this institution and for this Nation. We are 
proud to call him a friend and to recognize that kind of capability.
  The Democratic Party lost a Senator of great ability when Strom 
Thurmond joined the Republican Party in 1964. I just want him to know 
that we would welcome him back on this side of the aisle at any time, 
this century or next.
  Senator Thurmond cares about us as people. I cannot say how many 
times he has given me advice--and I know this is true of our 
colleagues--on exercise, on diet, and on other human conditions. I wish 
I had followed his advice more often.
  I will never forget the time early in my Senate career when Strom and 
I and a few of our Armed Services Committee colleagues were out 
visiting at a California air base. At about 6 o'clock in the morning I 
was awakened by people running below. They were talking to each other 
as they were running. I heard this happen on a few turns of the track 
and woke up and then would go back to sleep. A couple of hours later 
when I was at breakfast I said, ``Who was that out here running at 6 
o'clock in the morning?'' I should have known the answer. It was Strom 
Thurmond.

  He has given us advice on how to try to achieve this kind of 
longevity. He gives us that advice because he cares about us. And I 
just want him to know that we care about him. We wish him well. It has 
been a real privilege to serve with him for 18 years, particularly as 
the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to 
call him a friend.
  Mr. HELMS addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Sessions). The Senator from North 
Carolina.
  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I thank the Chair.
  Our distinguished friend and colleague from South Carolina has long 
been, as the saying goes, a legend in his own time. And because of his 
hale and hearty good health and his amazing longevity, Senator Thurmond 
is a legend in the time of everybody else in the Senate. I doubt that 
there is any one of us whose life has not been touched by the 
distinguished Senator from South Carolina. He has certainly touched 
mine time and time again, beginning with that day back in early 1972 
when a very brief, speculative item appeared on page umpteen of 
newspapers around the country saying that a fellow named Helms might 
seek the Republican nomination for the Senate from North Carolina.
  Early that morning, Senator Strom Thurmond, to my utter delight, was 
on the telephone calling from Washington urging that I do run and 
assuring me that if I did and if I wanted him to, he would come to 
North Carolina and campaign for me. Mr. President, I did and Strom did. 
As a matter of fact, he did it time and time again. If I count 
correctly, he flew with me that year, in a very small plane, six times 
back and forth across North Carolina, telling the people of my State, 
Democrats and Republicans alike, that they ought to send Jesse Helms to 
Washington. I will never forget it.

  I remember one episode in particular, since we are all remembering 
nice things about Senator Thurmond. We were at a farm rally outside of 
Hickory, NC, after a grueling day of eight stops with that small plane, 
and he made a stemwinder speech at every one of them. I was getting 
more and more tired. We ended up at this farm, and there were about 400 
people at that rally because they were giving away free barbecue and 
because Strom Thurmond was there. The barbecue caterer was late. He got 
lost trying to find the place. So they decided to let Senator Thurmond 
speak and they asked me to introduce my guest. I was a weary guy when I 
got up, and I introduced Senator Thurmond with such eloquence as I 
could muster at that time of night after such a day. Well, there came 
another stemwinder and the last 10 minutes of the stemwinder, we saw 
the barbecue truck roll in. Everybody had barbecue and then we went 
home.
  In the car going to the motel I heard the most awful sound I ever 
heard in my life. He said, ``Jesse, when we get to the motel, I want to 
call my wife. She's in a family way, you know, and I want to be sure 
she's all right. And, after that, I understand it's about a mile to 
downtown, would you want to run downtown and back with me?''
  I said, ``Senator, if I could crawl to the bed, that's the best I'm 
going to be able to do.'' But he did. He ran downtown and he ran back 
and he was up at 6 o'clock next morning.
  Thanks to my dear friend, the people did send me to Washington, and I 
have been here for almost a quarter of a century now, watching that 
great man from South Carolina serve in the Senate and break record 
after record. I

[[Page S5214]]

have been enormously proud of a lot of things. I guess one of the most 
profound things was when the Senator and Mrs. Thurmond invited me to 
become the godfather of that beautiful young lady, Juliana Thurmond.
  So I am proud to have served with Senator Thurmond. He is a 
remarkable American because he has always been a hard-working, honest, 
and reliable Senator. His friends back home--as a matter of fact his 
friends all over the country--know that they can always count on Strom 
Thurmond to do what he says he will do. Let me tell you something, Mr. 
President, South Carolina is far the better off today because Strom 
Thurmond has been in the Senate representing the State of South 
Carolina. Moreover, and just as important, the U.S. Senate is better 
because Strom Thurmond has been here. And so is the country, better 
off.
  Congratulations, my dear friend and Senator, you have been a good and 
faithful servant, and all of us are proud of you.
  Several Senators addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Connecticut.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I see my other colleagues here on the floor. 
I, too, wish to rise this afternoon and pay tribute to my friend and 
colleague from South Carolina. This past Memorial Day, we recognized 
the significant achievements and accomplishments of many Americans who 
sacrificed their lives for this country. In a matter of days, we will 
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the famous speech that Gen. George 
Marshall gave at Harvard University announcing the Marshall Plan on 
June 7, 1947. But this past Memorial Day, we also recognized a 
milestone achieved by our colleague from South Carolina, who became the 
longest serving Member in the history of the U.S. Senate.
  I was recalling the words of another famous American given in a 
Memorial Day address in 1884. Chief Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, 
another great American known for his longevity, said on that day, 
``Life is action and passion. It is required of a man that he should 
share the passion and action of his time at peril of being judged not 
to have lived.''
  Mr. President, whatever else may be said about our friend and 
colleague, Strom Thurmond, he is a man of action and passion. That has 
been the history of his public life. It is a distinguished career that 
has covered so many milestones, many of which have been mentioned here 
this morning.
  One of his accomplishments which impressed me the most was the fact 
that at age 41, when a lot of people are preparing to play a round of 
golf, Strom Thurmond got into a glider and flew behind enemy lines on 
D-day as a volunteer. It was not required of him. He was not ordered to 
do it. But at that age he decided this is something he ought to do, to 
be a part of a major effort to retard one of the greatest threats in 
history, certainly in the history of this country, to democracy and 
freedom. A remarkable statement about an individual.
  I am also deeply impressed by the fact that he was elected to the 
Senate under four different banners: as a Democrat, as a Republican, as 
a Dixiecrat, and, the most impressive of all, as a write-in. The fact 
that citizens of the State had to go and write his name in, that they 
had to make the conscious decision to write his name on a ballot--it 
wasn't just a question of going in and supporting a political party--
but for people to consciously go in and write his name on the ballot 
was truly a remarkable achievement. It is something that I think 
clearly demonstrates the significance of the affection with which he is 
held.
  Senator Thurmond has had to tolerate many things during his Senate 
career, not least of which, he has had to put up with two generations 
of my family. One of the dearest friends my father had when he served 
in the U.S. Senate was the Senator from South Carolina. In fact, among 
the dozens of pictures I have hanging in my office's conference room, I 
have just two pictures with colleagues of mine. One of them happens to 
be a photograph which I cherish of myself standing with the senior 
Senator from South Carolina, which he very generously inscribed to me, 
and he made special mention of my father and their relationship. I am 
deeply appreciative of the loyalty and friendship which Strom Thurmond 
shared with my father, who has been gone these many years now, some 27 
years. He passed away that long ago. But theirs was a wonderful 
friendship. They didn't always agree on issues, but they did agree on 
some matters. They agreed about the great threat that communism and 
Marxism posed to this country and stood shoulder to shoulder in that 
regard. While they disagreed on other issues, there was still a great 
affection. So today I stand here, not just as a colleague from 
Connecticut, but on behalf of a family that deeply appreciates the 
loyalty and friendship that Strom Thurmond has demonstrated over these 
many, many years.

  Let me just conclude because so many other things have already been 
said which I would endorse and second. Strom Thurmond and I don't 
always agree on the issues. We agree on some, but not many. But what I 
love about Strom Thurmond, and what I think America and what the people 
of his State love about him, is not his particular views on issues that 
come and go, that pass with the time; these issues that are temporal. 
What people love about Strom Thurmond, what his colleagues love about 
him, Democrat and Republican, is that he is a man who, as Oliver 
Wendell Holmes described, is a man of passion, action and conviction. 
Whether or not we agree with Strom Thurmond is really not the point. It 
is so refreshing, at a time when everyone seems to end up sort of 
muddled, that you have an individual who has deep, deep convictions and 
is willing to stand alone and defend them even when he is the only 
person in the room doing so. Even to people who disagreed with him over 
the years, he ought to stand, as I know he does to our colleagues, as a 
monument to principle, to individuality, to conviction and to that 
passion and action that Oliver Wendell Holmes talked about more than a 
century ago.
  Mr. President, I am deeply honored to be able to stand here today. 
When Strom completes this term, he will be 100. I look forward to 
standing on the floor of the Senate with him sitting here, celebrating 
that milestone with him, I hope, as his colleague. The fact that he has 
been sent back here by the people of South Carolina eight times through 
all sorts of changes in the political climate in this country is a 
great tribute to the people of South Carolina. But I think all of them 
would agree with me when I say it is a greater tribute and higher 
tribute to the man who represents that State and represents America in 
so many different ways. I am deeply honored to stand with my colleagues 
to pay tribute to truly an American original, Strom Thurmond of South 
Carolina.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am privileged to join my colleagues. 
First, I ask unanimous consent a statement by the distinguished senior 
Senator from Maine [Ms. Snowe] be printed in the Record along with 
these proceedings on behalf of our distinguished senior colleague.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (At the request of Mr. Warner, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)
 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize one of the 
extraordinary public figures of our time: Senator Strom Thurmond.
  As we know, Senator Thurmond recently became the longest serving 
Senator in the history of this august institution. His record of 
service--over 41 years and counting--is unparalleled, and his devotion 
to South Carolina and the United States is unquestioned. His has been a 
life committed to this Nation, and a life as rich and varied as the 
years that have passed since his birth in the fledgling days of this 
century.
  Indeed, the breadth and scope of Senator Thurmond's life is truly 
remarkable. Born just before the dawn of flight, Senator Thurmond is 
now chairman of a committee that oversees the world's most 
sophisticated air force. He has borne witness to an explosion of 
scientific knowledge, fundamental changes in economics and labor, and 
tremendous sociological transformations. Most remarkable of all, 
Senator Thurmond can even remember

[[Page S5215]]

the last time the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 1918.
  Senator Thurmond has been a full participant in this century of 
monumental events, and in no way is this more profoundly demonstrated 
than with his service in World War II. As a member of the 82d Airborne 
Division, Strom Thurmond was part of the invasion force that stormed 
the beach at Normandy, France on D-day, and he will forever be a heroic 
part of these events that changed the course of history. For his 
courage and valor, he was awarded 18 decorations, medals, and awards--
as well as the undying gratitude of America and free nations 
everywhere.
  Before World War II broke out, as a State senator, Strom Thurmond had 
already begun what would become a lifelong dedication to public 
service. That commitment came to the national stage for the first time 
with his run for the Presidency in 1948--almost 50 years ago--when as 
an independent candidate he garnered the third largest independent 
electoral vote in U.S. history. Six years later, he became the first 
person ever elected as a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate.
  The rest, as they say, is history--history that is still being 
written every day by this remarkable and enduring man. The true iron 
man of the U.S. Senate, his energy, enthusiasm, and love for this 
institution is as inspirational to me as I know it has been for 
countless Members of this body--past and present. Here is a legislator 
whose labor of love is performed against a backdrop of institutional 
knowledge and historical perspectives unequaled among his 534 
colleagues in Congress. One cannot place a value on such service. One 
can only express their respect and profound appreciation.
  That is why I feel privileged to be able to join with my colleagues 
in recognizing the extraordinary story that continues to unfold. And 
why I am especially honored to serve with Senator Thurmond on the Armed 
Services Committee. As a new member of the committee, Senator Thurmond 
has made me feel most welcomed and valued, and for his wise guidance I 
am most grateful. After all, he has been an integral part of the 
committee through change and crisis, cold war and detente, conflict and 
peace.
  The defense of this Nation and our responsibility in the world have 
always been of paramount importance to Senator Thurmond. He understands 
that we must remain vigilant even as the demise of the Soviet Union has 
left America as the world's last remaining superpower. Senator Thurmond 
has seen enough of the world to know that it remains, in many ways, a 
dangerous place--and that we are uniquely capable and indeed obligated 
to stand guard against the potential threats which still exist. And 
most of all, he knows first hand the importance of providing to our 
service men and women--people willing to put their lives at risk for 
this Nation--the best possible personnel, equipment, and resources so 
that their risk is as low as we can humanly make it.
  As a member of the Judiciary Committee, he has brought his breadth of 
experience and his reasoned voice to bear on such issues as immigration 
and crime. And when it comes to the matter of ethics, Senator Thurmond 
has always stood strong and tall for the forces of integrity, 
supporting limits on how much Senators can earn outside the Senate, and 
bans on lobbying for foreign countries by former Federal officials to 
name but a few of his initiatives in this regard. His commitment to the 
honor of the Senate and the confidence of the American people has been 
unflagging for over four decades, and that is a record of which he can 
be proudest of all.
  It is no wonder then that his Republican colleagues would elect him 
to be President pro tempore of the Senate. As one of only three 
constitutionally established officers in Congress, it is a position of 
tremendous respect and trust accorded only to those who have 
demonstrated an unwavering adherence to the finest ideals of public 
service and the U.S. Senate. I can think of no finer or more 
appropriate choice than Senator Strom Thurmond, and I am proud that he 
has come to embody this institution.
  Throughout this storied career--whether as a superintendent of 
education, circuit judge, State senator, Governor, or U.S. Senator--
Senator Thurmond has never forgotten the people of South Carolina. It 
is where his heart is, the place from which he draws his strength. And 
he is in turn beloved by South Carolinians--just ask the folks at the 
Strom Thurmond Soldier Service Center in Fort Jackson; the Strom 
Thurmond Educational Center in Union; the Strom Thurmond Federal 
Building in Columbia; or, most telling, the Strom Thurmond Center for 
Excellence in Government and Public Service at Clemson University. They 
know that the senior Senator from South Carolina has been a strong, 
steady, consistent voice for them. And they know he will always be so.
  Senator Strom Thurmond exemplifies a life worth living: courage, 
enthusiasm, service to others, a willingness to learn and grow, and a 
deep appreciation of the opportunities this life--this country--offers. 
The mark that he is leaving on the U.S. Senate is a positive and 
enduring one, and I am proud to serve with Senator Thurmond as he 
continues to make history.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, much has been said, and I have listened 
with great interest, as have others. I could summarize my brief remarks 
in two words: Thank you. Thank you, Senator Thurmond, for your service 
to this country, for your service to South Carolina, for your service 
to the Senate, and for the privilege, I thank you, Mr. Thurmond, of 
being a colleague who has served with you these 18 years.
  Senator Thurmond was the first U.S. Senator to greet me when I came 
to the U.S. Senate. We had known each other because I had the privilege 
to serve for 5 years as Under Secretary and Secretary of the Navy and 
testified before the great Senator on many, many occasions and received 
his counsel and wisdom during those really tragic and difficult times 
of the Vietnam war, from 1969 through 1974. He encouraged me in that 
period of time to someday seek elective office. I counseled with him, 
and, indeed, I am here today in part because of his wisdom and 
foresight to encourage young persons like myself, men and women, to 
come and serve in the Congress of the United States.
  Thank you, Senator. Thank you for the opportunities that you have 
given me, and I would like to say, and maybe selfishly, thank you for a 
great deal of personal attention. When I joined the Armed Services 
Committee in my first year in the Senate, there were four individuals 
on that committee referred to as the Four Horsemen. There was John 
Stennis, there was Scoop Jackson, there was John Tower, and there was 
Strom Thurmond. Those four individuals together, in many respects with 
others--I do not mean to slight anyone not mentioned--but those Four 
Horsemen struck the maximum possible bipartisan relationship because of 
their sincere belief that the interests, the security interests, of the 
Nation always came first and such partisanship as we indulge in from 
time to time has to be relegated to second.
  It was his leadership on our side--in the committee, seniority, of 
course, prevailed. When it came time for the opportunity for Senator 
Tower to take the leadership role of the Republicans, Strom Thurmond 
once again yielded the seniority so that Senator Tower could have that 
very proper recognition and give the strong leadership that he did--
followed by Senator Goldwater. Likewise, Senator Thurmond yielded the 
seniority that was rightfully his so that Senator Goldwater, one of his 
closest and best friends, could have that opportunity. Then I say quite 
humbly, he yielded again so the Senator from Virginia, for 6 years, 
could be the ranking member.
  But it was always made clear to every member of that committee that, 
at some point in time, Strom Thurmond would cap his distinguished 
career by serving as chairman of the Armed Services Committee of the 
Senate of the United States. That he has done for these many years and 
given that committee the forceful leadership that it deserves.

  Indeed, the last bill last year, he set a record in terms of the time 
to complete the committee work and to bring the bill to the floor. How 
well I know because it was late into the night we had the markup 
sessions. But he was always there, always present, and giving us his 
leadership.
  If I may say, with the deepest of respect, I look upon him as a 
brother, the

[[Page S5216]]

big brother that I never had, but he fulfilled that role in my life, 
not only here in the Senate, but in many ways outside of the Senate.
  Today, Senators have shared personal recollections of times spent 
with Strom Thurmond that they remember with great fondness and respect. 
Mine was the 40th anniversary of the landing of our forces on Normandy 
Beach. Senator Thurmond was asked by President Ronald Reagan to lead a 
delegation from the Senate. I was privileged to be with that 
delegation.
  I remember as if it were yesterday when we arrived in Normandy, 
President Reagan had helo No. 1, Senator Thurmond had helo No. 2. He 
sat right up there with the pilots. For 3 days we toured the entire 
area. I remember one afternoon the helos landed in the vicinity of Sant 
Mera'anglis where they reenacted that famous drop by our courageous 
parachutists in the history of recounting the tragedy that befell those 
airmen that parachuted.
  But we sat there with three of the senior officers that participated 
in that battle. I remember one very vividly. His name was ``Lightning'' 
Joe Collins. We sat on old ammo boxes propped up and watched the drop. 
Senator Thurmond recalled his own recollections throughout our trip of 
that historic chapter in the march for freedom of the allied forces to 
fend off Adolph Hitler.
  Senator Thurmond's helicopter, when we went back, malfunctioned and 
we could not take off to go to the next spot. So the President went on, 
and they sent in another helo. Senator Weicker, who was with us, knew a 
great deal about that part of the country of France because his father 
had been chief of the Army Air Corps intelligence. Senator Weicker said 
to me, ``Let's not stand here and wait for this other helicopter to 
come in. Let's walk off into the countryside, and perhaps we can knock 
on the door of a French farmer and get a little cheese and a little 
wine.'' We did just that. We found in abundance the provisions among 
the Frenchmen. All of a sudden the Senator's helicopter arrived, and 
two of his party were missing. He sent out the gendarmerie to find us, 
and indeed they did, and they hauled us back. What a scolding he gave 
us for delaying his departure by some 20 minutes. But, boy, we 
emboldened ourselves with the finest from a French cellar of their wine 
and their cheese.
  Those are just moments that we have shared together. And now I look 
forward to serving with him throughout his career here in the U.S. 
Senate and particularly sharing with him, as do all members of our 
committee, the responsibilities to keep America strong.
  I close with one other recollection. That is his great fondness for 
children, not only his own, but he never fails to ask me about mine. As 
I watch him go through the Halls of Congress, there is one Senator who 
will stop and take whatever time is required to greet every child. His 
parting words are, ``Someday you can be a U.S. Senator.''
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
  Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I have listened to some of my senior 
colleagues reminisce on their relationships with our good and dear 
friend, Senator Thurmond from South Carolina.
  As a new Senator coming into this body in 1981, I recall my first 
meeting with Senator Thurmond. It was in the elevator. I felt a very 
firm, strong grip on my upper arm. As I turned around, he said, ``How 
you doing, Son?'' I think, without exception, every time I have been in 
the elevator with Senator Thurmond I have had that tight squeeze--``How 
you doing, Son?''
  So it gives me great pleasure to join my colleagues in honoring our 
dear friend.
  May 25, 1997--the longest serving U.S. Senator in our Nation's 
history, a remarkable individual who has unselfishly dedicated his 
entire life to the service of others.
  Being from Alaska, the newest State in the Union, a State that has 
only been around for about 39 years, I have found Senator Thurmond to 
be most understanding of our issues with regard to development. He 
comes from the school that suggests that those who are elected from 
their State ought to have a pretty good handle on what is in the best 
interest of their State. I think his logic follows that, if the folks 
back home think otherwise, well, they are going to get new 
representation. I have respected him for his support these 17 years 
that I have been in the Senate.
  Perhaps one of the most memorable and lasting recollections I have of 
Senator Thurmond is during the years when I was chairman of the Senate 
Veterans Committee. You know Senator Thurmond, as it has been stated, 
landed behind enemy lines in a glider. He was a volunteer. That was the 
Normandy D-day invasion of the 82d Airborne Division. But he went on to 
earn 5 battle stars during World War II, 18 military decorations during 
his distinguished military career. He was made a major general of the 
U.S. Army Reserves. In working with him during the years on the Senate 
Veterans' Committee, I found him to be the most significant contributor 
toward the recognition that we can never do enough to meet our 
obligation to our veterans, those who did so much and gave so much.

  But his balance was that while we can never do enough, we have to do 
a better job with what we have to keep up with the changing needs of 
the veterans and do more and get more input from the veterans' 
organizations and accepting the responsibilities associated with our 
obligation to meet our veterans' needs. He has been honored many times 
by various veterans groups for his contribution.
  But I particularly look back to the days when we worked together in 
meeting our Nation's obligations to our veterans and his contribution 
in that regard.
  I think one of the interesting things, in recognizing the 
contributions Senator Thurmond has made and continues to make, is his 
humble beginning as a teacher. He has taught us all, but he began his 
teaching career back in South Carolina in 1923. He wrote the South 
Carolina school attendance law. He worked hard to increase pay for 
teachers and longer school terms. I think it is noteworthy that even 
today he sends congratulatory certificates to every graduating South 
Carolina high school student.
  Senator Thurmond continues to teach us today, and he will again in 
the next century. He has really taught us all in this institution.
  I am honored to call him a friend. I am pleased to rise today in 
tribute to this great man, this great American, who has become 
synonymous with this great institution.
  Senator Thurmond, we honor you, and we are particularly appreciative 
of your leadership and teaching which has served us all. Thank you, my 
friend. I look forward to our continued relationship.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. ABRAHAM addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.
  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak briefly, 
prior to Senator Helms speaking, with regard to Senator Thurmond.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, thank you very much.
  I am happy to be here today. My plane arrived on time, which I was a 
little nervous about because I was afraid I would miss the opportunity 
to join our colleagues in talking about the great Senator from the 
State of South Carolina to whom we pay tribute today and whose recent 
accomplishment of becoming the longest serving Member of this Chamber 
is one we all, I think, celebrated from a distance a couple of days 
ago.
  When I was elected to the Senate in 1994, I found myself, after the 
election was over, given the first chance really to reflect on what it 
meant to serve here and the people that I would have the chance to 
serve with. I think during an election campaign you only focus on the 
issues and the opposition and the campaign. But when it was finished, I 
was able to think about the remarkable chance I was going to have to 
come to this Chamber and be a part of a Chamber filled with so much 
history and have the opportunity to serve with such a distinguished 
Member as is the Senator from South Carolina and the Senator from North 
Carolina and others who have been here and who have made their marks.

  No sooner did I arrive--I was listening to the Senator from Alaska 
describe his first meeting with Senator

[[Page S5217]]

Thurmond. In my first meeting with him, I was amused because he came up 
and said he was stunned that anybody like me could get elected from the 
State of Michigan. I remember when he said that, I was thinking that he 
was taking note of the fact that I was the first member of my party to 
win in that State since 1972, and his recollection of how long it had 
been since a Michigan Senator from my party had been elected made me 
feel pretty pleased that I had become known to him and that he had 
taken note of my success.
  I was then delighted when, as a consequence of the committee 
selection process, I was able to secure a seat on the Judiciary 
Committee, which gave me an opportunity to serve directly with the 
former chairman of that committee, who had distinguished himself in 
that role. Indeed, some of the former staffers of that committee now 
live in my State, and we have had the chance to reminisce about some of 
the various accomplishments that took place when Senator Thurmond 
chaired the Judiciary Committee.
  Then, indeed, as all the Members who have already spoken have 
acknowledged, his leadership both in his State prior to his election to 
the Senate and since coming here in a variety of areas, ranging from 
the defense of this Nation to the role he has played in the judiciary 
process and in fighting to combat crime and lawlessness are all signs, 
of course, of somebody who has made this country stronger because of 
his presence in this Chamber.
  I want to single out, though, one particular incident that I remember 
very vividly, and it showed me the other side of Senator Thurmond.
  Shortly after my arrival here in 1995, we had, as many of the Members 
will remember, a very busy first 6 months in that year. We were here 
night after night after night very late, often in situations where we 
could not share with our families important occasions. One such 
occasion was coming up--in fact, it is going to be repeated again in a 
few weeks--which was the birthday of my twin daughters. They were born 
on June 22, 1993. So our family planned to have a birthday party for 
those twins on June 22, 1995. We had plans to take them to a restaurant 
and have a birthday cake. At the last minute it turned out we had votes 
that night. That was back when we were keeping the Senate dining room 
open for Members and their families on Thursday nights. And, happily, 
therefore, we were able to still have dinner together, although not as 
we had planned.
  We were down in the dining room, and it was just my wife, myself, and 
our two kids. The folks who worked there were nice enough to prepare a 
birthday cake at the last minute. So we had two candles on that cake. 
Our little daughters, after eating a little bit of their dinner, 
immediately turned to the birthday cake and plowed into it with their 
fingers and began eating, as 2-year-olds do, in any fashion they could 
without using utensils. About that time Senator Thurmond appeared in 
the dining room and wondered what all the hubbub was over at Senator 
Abraham's table. He came over and asked what the occasion was and we 
told him it was our birthday party for twin daughters. He took a lot of 
time and gave each of the girls a birthday hug, and as he walked away I 
noticed a couple of fingerprints may have adhered to the back of his 
coat that night from one of our little girls.

  The degree to which he cares about all of us here and the affection 
he has for us and our families which shows a side beyond the leadership 
side that makes him such a special person. I just want to say, Senator, 
I am very proud to have been given the chance to come to the Senate, 
and especially proud to have had the chance to serve with you. I want 
to thank you on behalf of my constituents for your contributions to our 
Nation.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The President pro tempore, the senior Senator 
from the great State of South Carolina.
  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, it hardly seems that almost 43 years 
have passed since December 24, 1954, when I first became a U.S. Senator 
by raising my right hand and taking the oath of office from then Vice 
President Richard Nixon. Though it is only 527 miles, this is certainly 
a long way from where I began my career in public service in 1923 as a 
teacher in a high school in rural McCormick, SC. I am pleased to say 
that it has been a rewarding and gratifying journey.
  When I graduated from Clemson College and took my first job, my only 
ambition in life was to be able to help people. As I worked to educate 
my students in McCormick--and later in Ridge Spring and in Edgefield--I 
quickly realized that I could have a greater impact in providing for 
the learning needs of the children of South Carolina by shaping policy. 
I ran for, and was elected Edgefield County Superintendent of Education 
in 1928, and during my tenure in that post, I implemented many measures 
which raised the standards of education in that county. I also got my 
first taste of how much impact a person can have through elected 
office.
  At that time, South Carolina was an economically challenged place 
well before the great crash of the stock market which sent the Nation 
plummeting into the Great Depression. Without trying to sound 
melodramatic, life was hard back then, the banks were failing, 
businesses were closing, and people were very concerned about the 
future. As someone who was eager to try and improve conditions in my 
home county, as well as throughout the Palmetto State, I declared for 
State Senator in 1932 and was elected to office. For 5 years, I helped 
shape policy that guided South Carolina out of the depths of the 
Depression by, among other things, strengthening education; 
establishing a rural electrification program; helping our farmers; and 
by establishing the South Carolina Public Service Authority known as 
Santee-Cooper.
  In subsequent years I became involved in a number of different public 
service endeavors, some of which have been mentioned by others here 
today in their flattering floor statements about me. One position after 
another, and though I did not deliberately set out on this path, each 
job I had--State senator, State circuit court judge, Army officer, 
attorney, and Governor--seemed to be leading toward the U.S. Senate.
  To those who want to dedicate a part of their lives to serving the 
Nation, I can think of no better place to do so than in the U.S. 
Senate, and my time in this institution has truly been the happiest and 
most rewarding in my life. Over the past four decades, I have been 
pleased to have been a part of hundreds, if not thousands, of 
worthwhile endeavors through my duties as a Senator, and my service on 
the Committees on the Judiciary and Armed Services and Veterans' 
Affairs.
  I knew when I moved up here with my first wife, the late Jean Crouch 
Thurmond, that I would never earn wealth from my tenure in the Senate, 
but financial gain was never a consideration for me when I ran for this 
office. In fact, financial compensation is not why I or anyone else 
becomes involved in public service. We do it for the opportunity to 
help others and to give back to the Nation which has provided us with 
so many opportunities.
  There is no other job in the world that allows us to have a more 
direct impact in rendering service than that of a Senator. The work we 
do here benefits millions of Americans, and how can one not help but 
take great satisfaction and pride in such important service. Through 
oversight, legislation, and old fashioned constituent service, each of 
us is able to help the citizens of our respective States, as well as 
build a Nation which is stronger and better for all who live here. I am 
very proud of the fact that over the past four decades, I have had a 
role in building the finest military force that history has seen. I am 
proud of the work we have done on the Judiciary Committee which has 
helped to safeguard the Constitution, keep the judicial branch 
independent, and provided sound policies to help make our streets safe. 
Most importantly, I am pleased that I have been able to use my Senate 
office to help hundreds of thousands of South Carolinians interact with 
a government bureaucracy that can sometimes be confusing, unyielding, 
and intimidating.

  It has been a special pleasure for me to help the veterans who serve 
this Nation in times of war, as well as the families of those who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice.
  As I stand here and reflect upon my career, I have nothing but 
positive

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memories. During the course of my tenure, I have had the privilege of 
serving with some of the truly great figures in the history of this 
Body. I have been fortunate to make many good friends through my 
service in the Senate. I am often asked how I want to be remembered, 
and my answer today is the same as it was in 1954, or would have been 
in 1923--for being an honest, patriotic, and helpful person. I would 
like to be remembered as one who cares; cares for his family, his 
friends, and cares for his Nation.
  Though I look forward to completing this term, when I finally retire 
in 2002, I hope that if I leave any legacy, it is that answering the 
call of public service is an honorable and worthy vocation. It is only 
through the efforts of men and women, regardless of their political 
ideology, who believe in working for the greater good that we will be 
able to assure that the United States remains a bastion of freedom, 
justice, and hope.
  In closing, I wish to thank my colleagues for their beautiful words 
concerning my public service. It has been a privilege to serve with 
such able dedicated, and wonderful people. I thank them for their many 
courtesies. God bless this magnificent body and the United States of 
America.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.
  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I thank the Chair.
  (The remarks of Mr. Helms pertaining to the introduction of Senate 
Joint Resolution 31 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on 
Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')

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