[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Moynihan, Mr. Santorum, Mr. 
        Specter, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Brownback, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Landrieu, and 
        Mr. Stevens):
  S. 2076. A bill to authorize the President to award a gold medal on 
behalf of the Congress to John Cardinal O'Connor, Archbishop of New 
York, in recognition of his accomplishments as a priest, a chaplain, 
and a humanitarian; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban 
Affairs.


 legislation to authorize a congressional gold medal for john cardinal 
                    o'connor, archbishop of new york

 Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, it is a pleasure for me to rise 
alongside my distinguished colleagues Senators Moynihan, Specter, 
Santorum, Bayh, Brownback, Durbin, Landrieu, and Stevens, to honor the 
enormous contributions made by John Cardinal O'Connor to religion, 
humanity, international relations, and service to America, by bestowing 
upon him the Congressional Gold Medal.
  I believe this simple gesture would be our opportunity, as members of 
Congress, as representatives of this nation, to thank his Eminence for 
the care, compassion, and spiritual guidance that he has provided to 
millions of people throughout his lifetime. The work he has done from 
the treasured St. Patrick's Cathedral has reinforced the traditional 
teaching and practices of the Roman Catholic church, and helped bring 
to life the spirit and mission of the Vatican.
  Since being ordained 54 years ago, John Cardinal O'Connor has 
dedicated his life to the noblest of deeds, that of service. He has 
been an advocate of the poor, the sick, the elderly, and America's 
young children. He has heeded his country's call to service, serving 
first as a military chaplain, and rising, with distinction, to become 
Navy Chief Chaplain. He has served as an international ambassador, 
traveling the world over, Israel, Jordan, Haiti, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 
and Russia, as a messenger of peace, humanity, and freedom. Wherever 
war, oppression, and poverty have threatened to weaken the human 
spirit, he has been there--a tireless servant of the Roman Catholic 
church and as an American citizen.
  With the recent celebration of his 80th birthday, and the prospects 
of his retirement growing, it is truly the proper time for America to 
pay tribute to John Cardinal O'Connor. Last week, the members of the 
House overwhelmingly supported similar legislation, introduced by 
Congressman Fossella, by a 413 to 1 vote. It is my hope that this 
legislation will receive similar support here in the Senate, and that 
all of our colleagues will join us in this effort.
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