[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       NOMINATION OF LORNE CRANER

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, one of the few benefits of growing old is 
watching young people you've been privileged to know grow, both 
personally and professionally. We would like to think that members of 
younger generations who have become important and compassionate people 
have done so because of us, that our wisdom has rubbed off on them, and 
that the world is better off for it.
  The world is better off for having Lorne Craner in it, but the credit 
is all Lorne's. I am happy that my former staff member and the 
President of the International Republican Institute, which I chair, now 
moves to the State Department, where he will serve as Assistant 
Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. More importantly, 
persecuted masses around the world who are deprived of their rights and 
freedoms, the right to choose what government represents them, the 
right to live and speak freely, and the right to organize for safe and 
decent working conditions, have an important ally in Lorne.
  America's foreign relations rightly reflect our belief that our most 
basic values as a nation are universal values; and that citizens in 
dictatorships cherish these values as much as we do, despite what 
tyrannical leaders may do to subjugate them. Our values are contagious, 
which is why autocrats fear them so. Lorne has dedicated his career to 
promoting these values and advancing our national interest worldwide, 
to the benefit of many of its citizens.
  Lorne served on my staff for 6 years in both the House and Senate and 
was a wonderful asset to me. He was such a wonderful asset that 
President Bush and Secretary of State Baker tapped him to be Deputy 
Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs when they took 
office. Lorne served with distinction in that job, and as Director for 
Asian Affairs on President Bush's National Security Council.
  As Vice President and then President of the International Republican 
Institute from 1993 until today, Lorne invigorated an organization 
created by President Reagan to shine the light of freedom upon the 
darkest corners of the Earth. Lorne's vision and management of the 
Institute, which operates in over 30 countries under sometimes trying 
conditions, have earned IRI the respect and gratitude of democrats from 
Serbia to South Africa, Cuba to Cambodia, and Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe. 
In many countries, the struggle continues, while in others, ruling 
democrats speak glowingly of how IRI helped them set their people free. 
Lorne and the IRI staff have been integral to these democratic 
advances.
  We have much to do yet as a country to improve human rights, labor 
rights, and political freedom overseas. As Secretary Powell's point man 
on these critical issues, Lorne has his work cut out for him. But he is 
ready. I am very proud of him, and I know his late father, my dear 
friend, would be also.