[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD LESHER, U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

  Mr. BURNS. I would like to pay tribute to a man who has given the 
American business community and millions of hard-working Americans over 
2 decades of dedicated service. Dr. Richard Lesher, president of the 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will be retiring in mid-August of this year. 
Dr. Lesher has successfully steered the world's largest business 
federation during this era of global competition.
  After nearly a quarter of a century with Dr. Lesher at the helm, the 
chamber's membership has grown to over 215,000 business members, 3,000 
State and local chambers of commerce and over 1,200 trade and 
professional associations. In addition to the national membership, the 
U.S. chamber works closely with international members from over 60 
countries.
  Dr. Lesher has worked tirelessly to improve the chamber and to 
continually champion the goals of the free enterprise system. In order 
to give his members a stronger voice in Congress, Dr. Lesher has 
established the Grassroots Action Information Network, or GAIN. He has 
overseen the creation of the National Chamber Litigation Center in 
1977, the only public policy law firm that represents American business 
interests before regulatory agencies and the courts.
  Dr. Lesher has been a constant source of inspiration and dedication 
in Washington, across the Nation, and throughout the world. His 
innovative ideas, superb leadership and knowledge of issues have made 
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce the Nation's leading business advocacy 
group. Dr. Lesher, thanks for your unfailing commitment to Americans 
and American business throughout your tenure. I wish you the very best 
in your retirement.

                          ____________________