[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12137-S12138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING DAN COATS

  Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity 
before the 105th Congress adjourns to honor our distinguished colleague 
and my friend, Dan Coats, who will be returning to private life at the 
end of this Congress.

[[Page S12138]]

  For the past 10 years it has been my privilege to join with Senator 
Coats in serving the people of Indiana. During that time, he has 
epitomized strong character and devotion to public service.
  Senator Coats has been a determined advocate for his point of view, 
but also a good listener who has often forged compromises that 
benefited our Nation. He has been a work horse able to shoulder the 
daily burdens of a thousand details, but also a thoughtful observer who 
sees beyond the politics of the moment to provide perspective on the 
direction of our country. And he has been an effective defender of the 
interests of Indiana, while always upholding his national 
responsibilities.
  Dan Coats has applied his expertise and commitment to many of the 
most critical areas of public policy. He has become one of our foremost 
advocates for protecting America's children and strengthening American 
families. His knowledge of military issues and his leadership on the 
Armed Forces Committee will be difficult to replace.
  Of particular note is his Project for American Renewal, because it 
speaks to both Dan's personal convictions and his legislative 
innovation. With this project--a set of 19 legislative proposals--he 
has succeeded in articulating a coherent philosophy of compassionate 
conservatism.
  Senator Coats understands that the limits of government do not limit 
our responsibilities to each other as citizens of a great nation. His 
project promotes volunteerism, charitable giving, personal 
responsibility, and the cohesiveness of communities. His proposal 
embodies both Senator Coat's insightful reading of modern American 
social conditions and his optimism for our future. I know that Senator 
Coats will continue to be an eloquent spokesman for the Project for 
American Renewal as he returns to private life.
  I am especially sad to see Senator Coats leave because he has been an 
outstanding partner. Ever since he arrived in the Senate in 1989, he 
and I have operated a unique joint office arrangement in Indiana 
designed to maximize our efforts on behalf of Hoosiers. By combining 
our resources, we have been able to provide better service at less 
expense to the citizens of Indiana.
  Many Senate colleagues over the years have been surprised when they 
learn that we share office space and staffs in Indiana. They understand 
the daunting challenges of combining the staffs of two independent-
minded Senators with distinct responsibilities and committee 
assignments. But our Hoosier partnership has been strong and 
supportive, for which I am deeply appreciative.
  Senator Coats leaves the Senate after 10 years having established a 
legion of friendships and a legacy of achievement and integrity. The 
Senate will miss his expertise, his hard work, his thoughtful 
reflection, and his talent for innovation. I am confident that Dan will 
continue to serve the public in the many challenges that lie ahead of 
him. I wish Dan and Marcia Coats all the best as they move on to these 
new adventures.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I wish to compliment the distinguished 
senior Senator from Indiana for his parting words about our colleague. 
I agree with him. It will come as no surprise that there are those on 
this side of the aisle, like myself, who also will miss Dan Coats and 
who are most impressed by the way that he and his distinguished 
colleague work together.

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