[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF REPRESENTATIVE LEE HAMILTON OF INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 28, 1998

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and much 
sadness that I join my colleagues in saying ``Aloha' and paying tribute 
to one of our most respected Members, Congressman Lee Hamilton. I met 
Lee over 30 years ago. We were both elected to Congress for the first 
time in the 1964 LBJ landslide election. Seventy-one Democrats were 
elected to the House that same year. We made history as the Class of 
65. This 89th Congress passed some of the most important legislation: 
Medicare, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the War Against 
Poverty, and numerous youth programs.
  When you leave, it will be just John Conyers and I to carry on the 
work of that famous freshman class of the 89th Congress.
  It is hard to imagine a Congress without the strong, steady force of 
Lee Hamilton. So many times he has been the voice of reason on the 
difficult and contentious issues in foreign policy. I have consistently 
relied on his advice and counsel on many issues, the Gulf War, Bosnia, 
Iran, Haiti, Russia, Kosova. His opinion and expertise is always 
respected even among those who did not agree with him. His knowledge 
about the subject matter and his thorough and conscientious review of 
all matters to assure the best policy for the good of the Nation are 
his special contribution to every debate.
  Over the years Lee has dealt with numerous world situations and 
issues that seem so far away from his constituents back home. But no 
matter if he was dealing with Iran-Contra, weapons proliferation, or 
the Gulf War, Lee knew how to connect these events to the lives of his 
constituents.
  Not many people think of Lee Hamilton as a Liberal. I don't know if 
he would even like that label. But the Lee Hamilton I know cared deeply 
about the needs of his people and he worked to make this a better world 
for our children. He fought to eradicate hunger and disease and worked 
to be sure education was always a high priority. He consistently proved 
to be a great supporter of programs to care for the most vulnerable.
  In foreign policy as well as in domestic policy he worked diligently 
for a caring and compassionate outcome.
  I know we will continue to see Lee leading this nation in some 
capacity, but Lee your daily presence here in the House will be missed. 
As an architect of our foreign policy your guidance for the past 30 
years has produced the peace and stability which we now celebrate.
  I wish you and Nancy all the best, as you enter this new phase in 
your life. As you spend time with your family please remember we still 
will need your advice and counsel. Best wishes and God speed.

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