[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO RICHARD LESHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, saying goodbye to colleagues and friends is 
rarely enjoyable and yet we must do it so often. I rise today to say 
goodbye to an icon of the business community, Dr. Richard Lesher.
  At age 63, Dr. Lesher has decided to retire to his boyhood home in 
Chambersburg, PA. Since taking the top spot at the U.S. Chamber of 
Commerce, 22 years ago, Dr. Lesher has directed and expanded this group 
into a powerful voice for American businesses in Washington and around 
the world. I can state today without reservation that the chamber's 
positions on issues are well respected in the eyes of Members of 
Congress and often play a part of the many decisions made in the 
Nation's Capitol.
  Some of the major achievements of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce during 
the tenure of Dr. Lesher include the implementation of a weekly 
communication network which includes television and print media. For 
example, the Voice of Business, a newspaper article, is distributed 
nationwide to over 600 newspapers. In addition, programs like First 
Business and It's Your Business reach the Nation's business men and 
women through cable and network television. With this strong 
communications network in place it is little wonder that the chamber's 
membership has swelled to 300,000 and its budget expanded from $40 
million to $70 million during the tenure of Dr. Lesher.
  Another program that Dr. Lesher designed, and one that I believe has 
profound impacts on policy and politicians in Washington, is How They 
Voted. This program earmarks votes that are critical to the chamber and 
rates Members of Congress based on those key votes. While I am a new 
member of Congress, I have learned quickly to pay special attention to 
the chamber's key votes because of this program.
  Finally, the National Chamber Litigation Center, a public policy 
legal arm, represents business interests in the Federal court system 
and provides services where there would otherwise be a void.
  In closing, I commend Dr. Richard Lesher for his long-term commitment 
to the chamber and for playing a critical part in the policies of this 
Nation. Saying goodbye is rarely enjoyable, but today we should 
celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Lesher.

                          ____________________