[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RETIREMENT OF FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSIONERS JOAN D. AIKENS AND JOHN 
                             WARREN McGARRY

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, as Chairman of the Committee on Rules and 
Administration, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Election 
Commission, I seek recognition to join with my colleague, Senator Ford, 
our distinguished Ranking Member, to acknowledge the dedicated service 
of two public servants who will be leaving the Commission upon 
confirmation of their replacements.
  These two individuals, Joan D. Aikens and John Warren McGarry, have 
served as Commissioners of the Federal Election Commission for a total 
of 43 years. Senator Ford and I believe that their departure from the 
agency, after such distinguished service, should not go unnoticed. I 
have come to know and respect Commissioner Aikens and Commissioner 
McGarry first as a member of the Committee and now in my capacity as 
Chairman, and I can honestly report that these two individuals have 
served this agency, and their country, well.
  Commissioner Aikens is a native of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. She 
was appointed to her first term by President Ford and has served 23 
years at the Commission. Mrs. Aikens is an ardent believer in the First 
Amendment and its importance in interpreting federal election law. Her 
qualities of fairness and impartiality will be missed by her colleagues 
in the election law community.
  Commissioner McGarry is a native of Massachusetts. He was appointed 
to this first term by President Carter. During his 20-year tenure at 
the FEC, he worked tirelessly for full public disclosure and uniform 
enforcement of campaign finance laws. Mr. McGarry believes that agency 
deliberations and decisions should take into consideration not only 
fundamental First Amendment interests, but also the government's 
interests in ensuring elections free from real or apparent corruption.
  Mr. President, I salute Commissioners Aikens and McGarry for their 
service to our nation and wish them the best of luck as they begin a 
new chapter in their lives.
  Mr. FORD. I wish to associate myself with the remarks of my 
distinguished colleague and Chairman, Senator Warner. I, too, would 
like to express my appreciation to Commissioners Aikens and McGarry for 
their many years of service at the Federal Election Commission. I have 
enjoyed working with them and especially admired their commitment to 
the fair and impartial enforcement of election law. To both of them and 
their families I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes for 
many happy, healthy, and fulfilling future years.

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