[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SENATOR MITCH McCONNELL ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the well of the United 
States House of Representatives to wish a Happy 60th Birthday to a 
statesman and one of my esteemed colleagues in the United States 
Senate. During his first 60 years, Senator Mitch McConnell has 
influenced thousands of people, in both Kentucky and throughout the 
United States.

[[Page E162]]

  Born on February 20, 1942, Senator McConnell demonstrated his 
leadership and political skills at an early age. He was elected student 
body president of his high school, student body president of the 
University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences, and president of 
the Student Bar Association at the University of Kentucky College of 
Law. After graduating from law school, Senator McConnell quickly 
ascended Washington politics as an intern for U.S. Senator John Sherman 
Cooper, chief legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Marlow Cook, and 
deputy assistant general under President Gerald R. Ford.
  After serving in Washington, Senator McConnell returned home to 
Kentucky to help build the Republican Party he loves so much. He was 
elected as County Judge-Executive in Jefferson County in 1978 and to 
the United States Senate in 1984. He is the only Republican in Kentucky 
history to be elected to three full terms in that esteemed body.
  Since arriving in the Senate, Senator McConnell has achieved 
recognition as being one of Washington's most influential people. He is 
the Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee, the Ranking Member of 
the Senate Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, a senior 
member of the Senate Agricultural Committee, and a member of the Senate 
Judiciary Committee. Senator McConnell's committee assignments position 
him well to champion issues that matter to Kentuckians.
  Perhaps one of the biggest honors of Senator McConnell's political 
career came in January 2001. As the Chairman of the Joint Congressional 
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, he directed the planning and 
production of President George W. Bush's Inauguration as the 43rd 
President of the United States. Not only did he serve as emcee of the 
2001 Inauguration Ceremony and escort President Bush throughout the 
day's historic events; he also helped coordinate the ``Bluegrass'' 
Inaugural Ball.
  Along with the long list of accomplishments in his political and 
professional life, Senator McConnell is a committed husband to his 
wife, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, and a loving father to his three 
daughters: Elly, Claire, and Porter.
  On Senator McConnell's 60th Birthday, I think it is important to 
thank him for the guiding light he provides to other folks in Kentucky. 
I speak personally and on behalf of a number of Republican candidates 
who have been inspired and helped by Senator McConnell's leadership. He 
taught us that Republicans can win in Kentucky.
  Mr. Speaker I would ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in wishing him a very happy birthday and 
continued service for Kentucky and America.

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