[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THANKS TO ERSKINE BOWLES

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, Erskine Bowles will soon leave his post 
as White House Chief of Staff. He will return to his beloved North 
Carolina. He returns to his family; his remarkable wife, Crandall, and 
his exceptional children, Sam, Annie and Bill. If you know Erskine 
Bowles, you know that his heart has never left them through all his 
time in Washington. His home and his family are the pride of his life.
  But as Erskine prepares to leave his post, he has a right to feel 
deeply proud of all he has accomplished here, as well. In so much of 
the progress made during President Clinton's Administration, you see 
the steady hand and clear vision of Erskine Bowles.
  He came to the Capital little known to most of us. He had no 
experience in the so-called ``ways'' of Washington. Yet before long, 
the President realized Erskine was the man for the toughest job in 
town.
  The President's confidence in this choice has been soundly ratified. 
Erskine leaves here a true friend to every one of us in the Democratic 
Caucus. He has earned the respect and admiration of Senators on both 
sides of the aisle. Most importantly, he has put the interests of the 
country ahead of the problems and politics of public life. By giving of 
himself--his time and his talents--millions of American families are 
better off today than they would have been had Erskine never come to 
Washington.
  Jobless men and women now support growing families. Those workers 
have higher wages. Those wages have helped fuel a roaring economy. 
Those families can afford to buy their own homes. Those parents can 
send their children to college. Those children can share in the 
promising future that Erskine Bowles helped build.
  Mr. President, earlier today, we passed a massive budget bill. Some 
have found fault with that bill in both substance and process. Some of 
that criticism is justified. But, I, for one, am relieved that during 
this unfortunate process, the country had Erskine Bowles negotiating 
the substance. Due in large part to Erskine Bowles, there will be 
100,000 new, qualified teachers helping our children get the education 
they deserve.
  There is another important provision in the bill worth noting. For 
tucked in that $500 billion package, there is funding for the 
operations of the White House. And from the money dedicated to the 
salaries of the White House staff, Erskine Bowles takes one dollar a 
year.
  So as we send that bill to the President for his signature, I will 
take pride in its support for 100,000 teachers; in its protections for 
our environment; and for the emergency relief it will bring to our farm 
families.
  I will also support it for what it represents: Erskine Bowles' 
salary--probably the smartest single dollar this government has ever 
spent.
  On behalf of all my colleagues, we honor the service of Erskine 
Bowles, and wish him and his family the very best in the good days that 
lie ahead.

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