[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 148 (Tuesday, December 5, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S11548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN ASHCROFT

  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I want to say a few words about the wonderful 
work that my colleague, John Ashcroft, has done in the Senate during 
the last 6 years. Our colleague from Missouri has racked up an enviable 
list of accomplishments in his time in the Senate.
  As you know, he was responsible for the ``charitable choice'' 
provision in the landmark 1996 welfare reform law, a provision that 
allows faith-based organizations to compete for Government resources to 
help poor families. These organizations had previously been shut out of 
the process. The Ashcroft provision gained such strong, bipartisan 
support that he has expanded it so that faith-based groups can now 
participate in Federal substance abuse treatment programs. Senator 
Ashcroft has truly helped America find better ways to attack the 
problems we face in our communities.
  He also led the way on another major public policy improvement in the 
area of Social Security. Social Security, as we know, has had surpluses 
routinely raided to finance deficit spending of the Federal Government. 
John was a key Member of Congress who drew attention to, and halted, 
this practice so that these moneys are now used to pay benefits and 
only to pay benefits. He introduced the first lockbox proposal in the 
Senate. And, at his urging, budget procedures were changed so that the 
objectionable practice of diverting Social Security funds to pay for 
other Government operations could literally be ruled out of order.
  I want to conclude by saying what an honor it has been to serve with 
a man of such intellect, compassion, and notable integrity as John 
Ashcroft. He has distinguished himself as a Missouri Senator, its 
Governor, its auditor, and its attorney general. One thing is certain: 
we have not seen the last of John Ashcroft. I trust that what lies 
ahead for someone of his caliber is further and even greater service to 
his State and to his country.
  Thank you, Mr. President.

                          ____________________