[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 23 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S1590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SENATOR PAUL COVERDELL

  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, President George Bush summoned Paul 
Coverdell to Washington one day in 1989 to ask Paul to consider serving 
as the 11th Director of the Peace Corps.
  It will come as no surprise that Paul's tenure at the Peace Corps was 
marked by intense effort, positive results, and commitment to American 
interests. He gave a high priority to the well-being of the volunteers 
he sent out, who were, after all, the face of young America to other 
countries around the world.
  There were significant hurdles to overcome at the Peace Corps, 
including flagging morale and limited resources. Nonetheless, Paul 
Coverdell recognized the need to respond to the high international 
historic drama of sweeping changes, for example, the fall of communism 
in Europe.
  He found the necessary resources to send Peace Corps volunteers to 
countries struggling to emerge from the weight of communist rule. Under 
Paul Coverdell's leadership, the first volunteers were sent to Hungary, 
Poland, Romania, and the Czech and Slovak Republics.
  Paul Coverdell took great pride in the Peace Corps; for example, he 
unfailingly referred to it as ``The United States Peace Corps'' and he 
described the Peace corps as ``a vibrant, vital part of United States 
foreign policy.''
  In tribute to our esteemed and beloved departed colleague and friend, 
today we are approving legislation to designate the Washington office 
of the Peace Corps as the ``Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps 
Headquarters.''
  I know Senators will unhesitatingly support this fitting tribute to a 
remarkable gentleman who was without question a committed public 
servant, a statesman, and a friend.
  Mr. President, seeing nobody seeking recognition, 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. HELMS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Collins). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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