[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 151 (Wednesday, October 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          SENATOR DALE BUMPERS

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I understand that in his last campaign 
Senator Bumpers used the slogan: ``What a Senator Should Be.'' I 
couldn't have summed it up better myself.
  Throughout his 24 years in this body, Dale Bumpers has set new 
standards for the office of Senator. He is sincere and compassionate. 
He speaks with eloquence and clarity. He is an idealist and a realist. 
He is courageous and principled. He can stimulate a debate and broker a 
deal. He has a deep understanding of the issues and a quick wit that 
amuses us all. He is a true populist whose dedication to improving the 
lives of Arkansans has benefited our nation as a whole.
  I am deeply honored to have served with Senator Bumpers for six 
years. I have learned a great deal from him. Because of him I have been 
fortunate to witness some of the Senate's most animated debates, on 
such issues as mining law reform, electric utility restructuring, 
protecting small business, preserving our public lands, arms control 
and fighting the now infamous space station.
  He has been a voice for our precious environment, champion of 
consumer rights, and he has always been willing to stand up for the 
``little guy'', for the interests of regular folks.
  Senator Bumpers' illustrious career began long before he was elected 
to the United States Senate. As a young lawyer in Charleston, Arkansas, 
Dale Bumpers played a key role in the first integration of a public 
school after the Brown vs. Board of Education decision.
  He went on to serve as Governor of Arkansas for four years, and was 
recently voted the ``Greatest Governor'' in the history of Arkansas by 
the Arkansas Times.
  Fortunately, it was not often that Senator Bumpers and I were on 
opposite sides of an issue. However, one of my most memorable moments 
in the Senate was one such occasion. We were debating an important 
agriculture issue and to emphasize my point, I brought a frozen chicken 
on the Senate floor and slammed in on a desk. Senator Bumpers and 
Senator Pryor immediately raised a point of order and I had to remove 
that chicken from the Senate floor.
  Anyone who has had to face off against Senator Bumpers knows of the 
passion he feels for the issues he discusses and the people he 
represents. Even those who may oppose his views can't help but admire 
his lively speeches and personal stories. I will miss hearing his 
familiar sayings about pigs squealing under gates and fights with 
Betty. I will miss his pointer flying as he paces up and down the 
aisles of the floor. I will miss the passion in his voice. And most of 
all, I will miss my friend.
  Senator Bumpers is someone on whom I have grown to depend, a man who 
has always given a kind word, and a person who has been a true role 
model for us all.
  I thank the senior Senator from Arkansas for all that he has shared 
with us and all that he has taught us. No doubt there will be Senators 
who will continue to promote the causes he cared for so deeply. But I 
assure you, the debates will never have the same enthusiasm, the same 
passion or the same flare, that Senator Bumpers brought to this August 
body.
  It is with reverence, awe and deep affection that I pay tribute to 
the truly distinguished gentleman from Arkansas, Senator Dale Bumpers. 
I will miss him dearly.

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