[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 126 (Wednesday, October 11, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10261-S10264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CONGRESSMAN HERB BATEMAN

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise on the Senate floor today to pay 
tribute and to really eulogize one of our colleagues from the House of 
Representatives and a personal friend. I am speaking of Herb Bateman, 
the late Congressman from America's First District, the First District 
of Virginia.
  As most of my colleagues know, Herb passed away last month following 
a rich life of public service, family commitment, and 18 years of 
distinguished service in the House of Representatives. Herb had 
announced his retirement last January, and in doing so, he had received 
well-deserved accolades and awards and letters of appreciation. They 
were from virtually everyone whose life he touched--and he touched many 
from all walks of life. I might add, the letters of appreciation and 
thanks are still being sent to newspapers in his district.
  From September 12 through 14, Members of the House paid a very 
deserved tribute to Herb, and in doing so, really captured the essence 
of the man. The essence, simply put, is that Herb epitomized integrity 
in public service. I commend these moving and very accurate portrayals 
of Herb Bateman to the attention of my Senate colleagues.
  Let me also say that the comments by our colleagues in the House also 
represented a most appropriate segue to the services that were held for 
Herb in his hometown of Newport News. I am compelled to say that I have 
never attended services more appropriate, more moving, and more fitting 
in celebrating the life of someone so respected and so loved. I was 
privileged to join many of Herb's colleagues and my former colleagues 
in the House; Senator Bunning; the distinguished senior Senators from 
Virginia, Senator Warner and Senator Robb; and hundreds of friends and 
relatives who were in attendance.
  There simply wasn't enough room in Our Lady of Carmel Catholic Church 
in Newport News last September 15 to hold all of Herb Bateman's friends 
and constituents who joined his wife Laura and their family, yes, to 
mourn his loss, but also to pay tribute and celebrate his life.
  The remarks by Monsignor Michael D. McCarron were not only 
appropriate and especially uplifting in their religious context, 
providing Herb and Laura's family and all of us in attendance the 
strength and faith that we needed, but they also captured with humor 
and grace the perspective of one's life devoted to public service.
  Herbert H. Bateman Jr., ``Bert'' Bateman, eulogized his Dad in moving 
remarks that only a loving son could give. Bert's eulogy was a gift of 
solace and comfort to his mother, his family, his sister Laura and her 
family, to all

[[Page S10262]]

of the relatives present--and with regard to that special father-son 
relationship we all would hope for--it was a gift to us all.
  The last speaker during the service for Herb Bateman, was his long 
time Chief of Staff, Dan Scandling. And, it is Dan's eulogy that I am 
going to ask to be put in the Record today.
  I do so for a special reason. Dan Scandling's remarks are not only a 
fitting tribute to his boss, Congressman Herb Bateman, they also speak 
for all of the Bateman staff members during 18 years of Herb's 
distinguished service. They speak for Dan, and they speak for his long-
time and valued executive assistant, Peggy Haar, and for all of the 
staffers who served Herb so well during his 18 years in the House of 
Representatives. After hearing Dan speak, I believe his comments also 
represent that special relationship that most congressional staff 
members have with their congressman or their senator.

  My appreciation for Dan Scandling's remarks, like others who are 
privileged to serve in this body, are because I am a former staffer--or 
as we say in Kansas, a bucket toter, if you will, in my case working 
for both a Senator and my predecessor in the House of Representatives. 
In each case, my boss was the Senator or the Congressman. So it was and 
is for Dan and all of the Bateman staff. They admired and loved him and 
their work demonstrated that and in turn their work earned the respect 
and gratitude of the people of America's First District.
  I am fond of saying that there are no self-made men or women in 
public office; that it is your friends who make you what you are. In 
this respect Herb was indeed a self-made man but also made better by 
his friends, more particularly his staff. I am also fond of saying you 
are only as good--in terms of accomplishment and making a difference--
as your staff. Herb accomplished much and made a difference.
  Dan Scandling captured those thoughts and much more in his moving 
tribute to his boss, Congressman Herb Bateman. His personal tribute to 
Laura Bateman, a great lady, was especially appropriate and captured 
Herb's commitment and love for his wife.
  Dan summed up the life of Herb Bateman and his public service 
attributes as only a trusted aid could do--Herb's credibility, 
integrity, his hard work and commitment to his fellow man. He also 
reflects on their personal relationship with honor and affection.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the eulogy given by Dan 
Scandling on behalf of his friend, mentor and boss, Congressman Herb 
Bateman be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       So many things come to mind when you think of Herb Bateman.
       Congressman. State Senator. Colleague.
       Statesman. Virginia Gentleman. Devoted Public Servant.
       Boss. Golfing Partner. Friend.
       And lest no one forget: ``America's First District.''
       There also is the much more private side of Herb Bateman.
       Husband. Father. Grandfather.
       One of the first things that struck me about Mr. Bateman 
     when I came to work for him 10 years ago was his unwavering 
     devotion to Laura.
       I can still vividly remember one of the first times she 
     came into the office. We were just wrapping up one of those 
     marathon meetings that all you Members so deeply cherish when 
     Laura walked in.
       Herb got up from behind his desk, walked over to her, 
     reached for her hand, gave her a kiss on her cheek and then 
     asked how her day was.
       I quickly learned this wasn't just a one-time thing.
       Nothing was as important as making sure Laura had had a 
     good day.
       I only wish I was half as attentive to the needs of my 
     wife.
       Laura was the most important thing in Herb's life. The two 
     were inseparable. Wherever Herb went, Laura went. Whether it 
     was travel overseas, a trip to the Eastern Shore or back and 
     forth to Washington, the two of them were always together.
       Laura was very important to Herb's political career--
     particularly when it came to keeping names and faces 
     straight.
       Herb was terrible with names. He always insisted on name 
     tags at every event he hosted.
       Laura, on the other hand, is the master of remembering 
     names and faces. No matter where they were, or who they ran 
     into, it is like instant recall. She can always place a name 
     with a face. You politicians in the audience today should be 
     jealous.
       I know one certain Chief of Staff who owes his 
     congressional career to Laura because she remembered his name 
     and face.
       Bert and Laura, you have no idea how proud your father was 
     of you. Not a day went by that he wasn't telling me about how 
     one of you had gotten a better job, or a promotion, or had 
     landed a big, new account.
       Bert, he was particularly proud of your desire--and 
     commitment--to make Newport News a better place to live and 
     work. He was proud that you were willing to give so much of 
     yourself to your community.
       And he also was proud of how good a husband--and father--
     you are.
       Laura, nothing brought a bigger smile to your father's face 
     than for him to run into one of his former colleagues from 
     the Virginia Senate and have them tell him how great a job 
     you do in Richmond and beyond.
       He was so proud of how successful you have become.
       Then there is ``Poppy.'' Herb loved his grandchildren. 
     Emmy, Hank and Sam--you were the apples of his eye.
       Just last week he was boasting how Emmy had won a tennis 
     tournament at the club and was so pleased that Hank had taken 
     up running cross country. Every summer I would get the 
     updates on all the ribbons the two of you would win at swim 
     meets.
       Hank, I think your grandfather has high expectations from 
     you on the athletic field. I know you won't let him down.
       Emmy, I know your ``Poppy'' wishes for you the same success 
     that his daughter has had.
       Sam, your ``Poppy'' was so excited about your first day at 
     school. He was looking forward to getting home last weekend 
     to hear all about it first-hand.
       I know this week has not been easy. It wasn't supposed to 
     happen this way. I know you feel somewhat cheated because 
     ``Poppy'' was finally going to be able to spend more than 
     just the weekends in Newport News. There would be no more of 
     this nomadic life of leaving for Washington every Monday 
     morning only to return home sometime Friday--then do it all 
     over again two days later.
       But look around this church. Look how many people are here. 
     Everyone here loved your ``Poppy.''
       It's like one huge ``thank you'' for sharing him with us.
       Thank you for all those times he left you--his family--to 
     go work an 80-hour week in Washington;
       To go to a parade somewhere at the other end of the 
     District on a Saturday morning;
       To go to some god-awful chicken dinner fund raiser;
       To go shake hands at the shipyard gates at 6 a.m. on some 
     rain-soaked morning in the dead of winter.
       Thank you for sharing him with us. Thank you for the 
     sacrifices you made.
       I worked for Herb Bateman for 10 years. Over that time we 
     grew to be pretty close. I think it would probably be fair to 
     say he considered me part of the family.
       There aren't too many places in America's First District 
     that he and I haven't been to together, and there aren't too 
     many things we haven't discussed.
       Of all the things that have been ingrained in my head over 
     the last 10 years, it's that credibility is everything.
       Once you lose your credibility, you lose everything. If 
     people cannot take you at your word, then your word is 
     nothing.
       Perhaps that explains why he was such an effective 
     legislator, and why when he announced his retirement last 
     January, letters, faxes and e-mails poured into his office 
     thanking him for his dedicated service.
       He got letters from Admirals, Generals, captains of 
     industry and politicians on both sides of the aisle. He got 
     letters from long-time friends and associates. And most 
     significantly, he got letters from hundreds of his 
     constituents. All them were effusive in their praise.
       Credibility meant everything to Herb Bateman. I know that 
     first hand. I know it guided each of his decisions, whether 
     it was on a controversial issue before Congress or a 
     contentious political issue.
       He would have been pleased to hear how his colleagues 
     described him during Tuesday evening's tribute on the floor 
     of the House.
       I couldn't help but smile as I saw Member after Member get 
     up and talk about his integrity.
       Perhaps Congressman Burton said it best:
       ``Herb was a man, who if he gave his word on anything, you 
     could take it to the bank. Herb was not one of those guys 
     that played both sides of the fence. He was a man of 
     integrity--impeccable integrity--and one that all of us 
     respected.''
       More than anything else--any aircraft carrier, any 
     submarine, any bridge, any Corps of Engineers' project--Herb 
     would want to be known for his integrity.
       Obviously, he has.
       Herb had two vices in life. A good steak, and golf.
       Man, did he love a good steak. New York Strip. Medium rare.
       He always ordered french fries with his steak--extra crisp, 
     please or potato sticks if you have them.
       If I was invited over to Shoe Lane for dinner it usually 
     meant a good steak on the grill--and potato sticks!
       If I was invited out for a steak in Washington, it usually 
     meant someone in the office was in trouble.
       I used to cringe when he would come up behind me, put his 
     hand on my shoulder and say, ``Dan, let's go have a steak.''
       He always enjoyed his meal. I can't say the same.

[[Page S10263]]

       The there was golf. Next to Laura, golf was his passion.
       Like most us, he wasn't very good, but that didn't matter. 
     He just loved to play. He loved being outdoors. He loved 
     meeting new playing partners.
       And he loved mulligans!
       Herb played golf to relax. He didn't talk about work on the 
     golf course. He didn't take a cell phone. He never carried a 
     pager. Golf was for fun. If you were on the golf course, you 
     were there to enjoy yourself.
       If Herb were ever elected President, I bet one of the first 
     things he would do would be to issue an Executive Order 
     prohibiting cell phones on the golf course.
       For all those golfers here today, I have one special 
     request. The next time you play golf, as tribute to Herb, 
     leave your cell phones and pagers in the car.
       Take the time to relax and enjoy the people you are playing 
     with. I have made a promise to myself never to take a cell 
     phone with me on the golf course again. I hope I can live up 
     to it.
       Oh, and take a couple of mulligans too.
       I want to close by touching on some of the things that Herb 
     did that no one knew about, that never made any headlines, 
     that never got him a vote.
       Herb liked helping people. He always stressed to his staff 
     that constituent service was the most important part of his 
     job--and their job.
       He always reminded us that he worked for the people of 
     America's First District and it was his job to help them when 
     they had a problem.
       I could recount hundreds--if not thousands--of cases where 
     Herb got personally involved. One that always comes to mind 
     involved a woman from Williamsburg whose husband had died and 
     was buried in Arlington Cemetery. The woman's husband had 
     been an Air Force pilot and she asked that he be buried in 
     the section in Arlington where you could have different types 
     of tombstones.
       Soon after his funeral she went about designing a tombstone 
     that she thought would be a fitting tribute. The cemetery 
     approved the design and she had the stone carved. When the 
     store arrived at the cemetery several weeks later, cemetery 
     officials did a complete 180 and told her she couldn't use 
     the stone.
       Somehow, a columnist at the Washington Post caught wind of 
     the situation and a story appeared in the paper. Herb saw it 
     and asked me what I knew about it. After a few quick calls, 
     it was evident the woman hadn't contacted us. But to Herb, 
     that didn't matter.
       Within a matter of minutes, Herb, me and another staffer 
     were in a car headed over to Arlington. We drove through the 
     cemetery where the woman's husband was buried, got out looked 
     at some of the other tombstones then headed back across the 
     river.
       Upon returning to the office, Herb immediately called the 
     Superintendent at Arlington and presto, the issue was 
     resolved.
       When I called the woman to tell her the cemetery officials 
     had relented, I asked why she didn't call us. She said she 
     didn't want to burden the Congressman with her problem.
       To Herb, it wasn't a bother; it was a pleasure. It was all 
     about helping the people he represented.
       The Congress has lost more than an outstanding Member, it 
     has lost a warm, caring individual who served his nation with 
     great honor and distinction.
       God bless Herb, his family, and America's First District.

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I commend his remarks to all Senators and 
more especially all staff in both the House and Senate. It captures 
that special relationship--the analogy might be--my boss, right or 
wrong--my boss. In the case of Herb Bateman and Dave Scandling the 
rightness of their work was 100 percent--there was no wrong.
  In closing, I would like to quote Helen Steiner Rice to Laura 
Bateman, to the family, to the staff, and to the friends and 
constituents of Herb Bateman, my friend.

     When I must leave you for a little while,
     Please go on bravely with a gallant smile
     And for my sake and in my name,
     Live on and do all things the same--
     Spend not your life in empty days,
     But fill each waking hour in useful ways--
     Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,
     And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

  I would be happy to yield to the distinguished Senator from Virginia.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I simply want to say to my very dear 
friend, I ask that I be associated with his remarks. It was a privilege 
to be on the floor at the time the Senator from Kansas delivered his 
remarks. In my 22 years in this great institution, the Senate, I have 
never known a Member of Congress who tried harder to work on personal 
relationships than my good friend from Kansas.
  He is so respected in this institution, as he was in the House. To 
have him stand in tribute to one of our mutual friends of long standing 
for all of these years I have been in the Senate--I think maybe Herb's 
20 years versus my 22 years. Whatever it is, it is inconsequential. I 
worked with him.
  I was so pleased to go down to visit his lovely wife and his 
children. I have seen his children grow, as the Senator from Kansas 
has, and I was privileged to be at the service with the Senator and 
some others from the Congress of the United States. What a fine, fine 
person he was, and most deserving of the outpouring of heartfelt 
expressions at that memorial service. I spoke to his widow not too long 
ago. She is a woman of great strength, as are the children, and it will 
carry on.
  I would like to work with my colleague and other Members of the House 
and the Senate at the appropriate time--which I think will have to be 
next year--to name something related to defense in honor of our most 
recently departed colleague and friend.
  I thank the Senator.
  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I thank the distinguished chairman, my 
friend and colleague, for his comments.
  I wasn't planning on doing this. But I might just provide the 
chairman with a reflection. As he knows, we were in conference on the 
Defense authorization bill--the bill we are trying to get finished 
here. It is so essential to our Nation and our national security. There 
was not anybody in Congress who worked harder or who was more effective 
in regard to national security than our dear friend, Herb Bateman.

  The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats on the Senate side, of which I 
am accorded the privilege of being the chairman, was meeting with 
several other subcommittee chairmen because the House does not follow 
suit in terms of our organization or duties and we think the Emerging 
Threats Subcommittee, which was largely formed out of the leadership of 
the distinguished chairman, encompasses so many different things that 
are so important to our national security. We were meeting in 
conference. The distinguished gentleman from the First District of 
Virginia came in, and he was a tad late. The only amendment we had that 
was still outstanding was the Bateman amendment. I asked Herb if it was 
a little late for his tee time. He laughed and said: No, not today but 
tomorrow.
  I informed all those present that the Senate had strong feelings 
about Mr. Bateman's amendment--very strong feelings--and, despite that, 
we would accept the amendment under one reservation. Herb was a little 
concerned because it was a very fine amendment. He looked at me and 
said: Well, Mr. Chairman, Pat, friends and colleagues from the House, 
what would that reservation be? I said: Only if we call your amendment 
the ``Herb Bateman Common Sense Amendment.'' Obviously, it was agreed 
to and passed.
  That was on a Thursday. We lost Herb over that weekend--something I 
could not believe as I came to work on Monday. But as I reflect back on 
that, it was probably his last amendment, and it was ``common sense,'' 
as he always stood for.
  So from that standpoint, I think the distinguished chairman's 
suggestion about what we do in the next Congress is most appropriate. I 
appreciate his contribution.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, if I might say to my good friend, Herb and 
I played a game of golf, which he dearly loved. He had his priorities--
his family, his church, and work in Congress. He was the only man I 
played with, as others have, and whom I ever knew of, who could miss a 
2-foot putt and still walk off the green with a smile on his face. He 
always said, well, tomorrow, or the next putt on the green, it will be 
a better day. But that was the sort of wonderful, even-tempered, 
absolutely beautiful man he was in terms of his character.
  I thank my colleague. I have enjoyed these few moments. He loved the 
Navy. He loved everything connected with the sea and maritime. How many 
times we heard him give the speech: And I'm the Congressman from the 
First Congressional District.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.

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  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as in 
morning business for up to 20 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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