[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9082-S9084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THANKING THE SENATE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I am surely honored by the generous 
remarks of my colleagues, Senator Daschle, Senator Lott, Senator 
Hollings, Senator Byrd, Senator Stevens, Senator Hutchison, Senator 
Allard, Senator Specter, Senator Allen, Senator McConnell, and all 
others.
  It is hard for me to believe that it was about 80 years ago that I 
began my professional career. Beginning as a school teacher and coach, 
I have enjoyed public service as a County Superintendent of Education, 
attorney, State Senator, State Circuit Judge, military officer, 
Governor, and Senator. While I have enjoyed each and every job I have 
held over the years, there is no job I have treasured more than serving 
as a U.S. Senator. I am proud to be a member of this remarkable 
legislative body and have been blessed to observe nearly a half-century 
of our Nation's history from within this chamber. I still recall the 
cold Christmas Eve, December 24, 1954, when I was sworn in by then 
Vice-President Richard Nixon, with my late wife, Jean, by my side.
  I came to Washington with one priority--to serve this Nation and my 
fellow South Carolinians with integrity and to the best of my ability. 
As I now enter the final days of my Senate career, with nearly 48 years 
of Senate service, I trust I have accomplished that objective.
  The U.S. Senate is a special institution in many respects. The six-
year term assures that there is the stability within this chamber which 
allows the Senate to be a deliberative body. The great history of this 
body reflects the great issues of American History. Here we have 
debated fundamental questions regarding the status of our Union, 
national territorial expansion, matters of war and peace, social and 
economic policies affecting every individual, and many other important 
matters of national interest as well as local issues.
  Given the esteemed stature of this legislative body, it was with no 
small amount of humility that I moved from South Carolina to Washington 
so many years ago. Like every other man and woman who serves in the 
Senate, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, I desired to 
perform my duties with honor, to the best of my ability, and with a 
goal of making a difference in the lives of my fellow citizens.
  As Senators, we have many roles to perform in the discharge of our 
duties. There is no other job in the world that allows us to have a 
more direct impact on improving the lives of individuals and 
strengthening our Nation. Through legislation, oversight, and old-
fashioned constituent service, each of us is able to help the citizens 
of our respective States, as well as build a Nation which is stronger 
and better for all who live here. The work we do here benefits millions 
of Americans. One cannot help but take great satisfaction and pride in 
such important service.
  As legislators we are called upon to vote on matters of local concern 
and national interest. I have cast over 16,300 rollcall votes as a U.S. 
Senator. Each vote is cast considering the concerns of my constituents 
and what is right for our Nation. While I have missed a few votes, I am 
pleased that I have been present for over 95 percent of all rollcall 
votes called by the Senate during my time in office.
  It is the floor debate and the rollcall votes that citizens most 
closely associate with the work of the U.S. Senate. When visitors come 
to the Capitol, the overwhelming majority of them visit the Senate and 
House Galleries to watch their Congress in action. I suspect that most 
Americans are less familiar with the Committee system, but as we all 
know, that is where a significant amount of the work of this 
institution is accomplished.
  During my Senate career, I have been privileged to serve on a number 
of Committees in the U.S. Senate. As a member and Chairman of the Armed 
Services Committee I worked hard to help build the finest military 
force that history has seen. On the Judiciary Committee, which I also 
chaired, my priorities were to safeguard the Constitution, keep the 
judicial branch independent and staffed with well qualified men and 
women, and enact sound policies to help make our communities safe. As a 
founding member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee I have always fought 
to ensure that the men and women of our Armed Forces receive the health 
care and benefits they deserve. On each of the Committees I served, I 
associated with Senators who were expert in their areas of oversight, 
who took their duties as Committee Members seriously, and who were 
exceptional legislators.
  One of the primary duties of a Senator is to represent and assist 
constituents. I consider constituent service to be the most significant 
aspect of my Senate career. I am pleased that my Senate office has 
helped hundreds of thousands of South Carolinians interact with a 
government bureaucracy that can sometimes be confusing, unyielding, and 
intimidating.
  As the calendar draws closer to the day that I walk out of the door 
of Room 217 of the Russell Senate Office Building, I know that pundits 
and historians will examine my career and study my service and 
achievements. I pray that such an examination will determine that I was 
a man who rendered a worthy service to the Nation and to my State. I 
hope I am known, above all, as a man who tried to help others. I also 
acknowledge that whatever I have been able to achieve, through my years 
of Senate service, it was largely through working closely with my 
colleagues.

  No single individual can accomplish what has to be done here without 
recognizing the contribution of those who served before we arrived. 
When I think of the South Carolinians who occupied this seat before me, 
I am humbled. To follow in the footsteps of such distinguished men as 
Pierce Butler, Charles

[[Page S9083]]

Pinckney, Thomas Sumter, John C. Calhoun, Benjamin Tillman and many 
others, is indeed an honor.
  Likewise, much of our own success is due to the colleagues with whom 
we serve. This is perhaps the greatest aspect of being a Senator--to 
associate with such fine individuals. I have been so fortunate that in 
my tenure here I have had the distinction of serving with so many fine 
men and women. I regret that it is simply impossible to identify each 
and every single Senator with whom I have had the pleasure of serving. 
As an historical note, 1,864 men and women have served as U.S. 
Senators. I have had the privilege to serve with 410 of these great men 
and women. I have had the distinct opportunity to serve, in some 
instances, with more than one generation from some great families. I 
note there are Senators serving today whose fathers were my colleagues 
some years ago. I am hesitant to recognize individual colleagues, for I 
have enjoyed my association with every Senator, but a few stand out in 
my mind.
  My long-time colleague, Senator Hollings, has served with me for 
nearly 36 years. I greatly appreciate his friendship and extend my best 
wishes to him and his lovely wife, Peatsy.
  Having served on both sides of the aisle, and having presided over 
the Senate as President pro tempore for a number of years, I am 
privileged to have friends in both parties. I enjoyed my association 
with distinguished Senators such as Richard Russell and Herman 
Talmadge. Bobby Kennedy was a special Senator, whose office was across 
the hall from mine. I have enjoyed a long and warmhearted association 
with Robert Byrd and Ted Stevens. Similarly, I have a great respect for 
Joe Biden, with whom I serve on the Judiciary Committee. My neighbor, 
Jesse Helms, is a great American and a great friend. Our current 
Republican leader, Trent Lott, always has a kind word and a friendly 
greeting. I admire the many genuine heroes who have served in the 
Senate--men like Dan Inouye.
  In addition, much of the success of individual Senators and of the 
Senate is due to the leadership of the Senate. Distinguished statesmen 
like Mike Mansfield, Everett Dirksen, Hugh Scott, Howard Baker, Bob 
Dole, were great men who served this institution with dedication and 
concern for the well-being of the Senate and the Nation.
  As a Senator I have served with ten Presidents, from Dwight D. 
Eisenhower to our current capable and dedicated leader, George W. Bush. 
Three of those--John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Richard Nixon--were 
Senate colleagues. In the Supreme Court, 108 Justices have served since 
the formation of the Court in 1790. I am proud to have participated in 
the advice and consent in the confirmation of 20 of these outstanding 
men and women, as well as hundreds of judges in the lower courts.
  Mr. President, today's Senate is much different than when I first 
arrived. At that time there were four fewer Senators, for neither 
Alaska nor Hawaii had been admitted to the Union. Our friends from the 
``Aloha'' and ``Last Frontier'' states did not join us until 1959.
  Not only were there fewer Senators, but the Senate support staff was 
much smaller. When I began my Senate service, I was assisted by just 
four attorneys and three typists. Today, I have over 35 hard-working, 
dedicated staff members. At the end of my first term there were about 
6000 staff serving Members and Committees in the House and Senate. 
Today there are over 18,000 staff in personal and committee offices. An 
additional 13,000 staff support the Congress in various Congressional 
support agencies.
  This growth in the Senate staff, as well as the increase in the 
length of the Senate calendar, is a reflection of the growth of the 
Federal government. Both in size and in scope, the Federal government 
has enlarged its involvement in the life of Americans. I am not 
convinced, however, that this has always been in the best interest of 
our Nation.
  There have been significant physical changes to the Capitol complex. 
When I first arrived in Washington, the Russell Senate Office Building 
housed all Senators, staff, committees, and other support personnel and 
functions. In 1958 the Dirksen Office Building was completed, and in 
1982 the Hart Office Building was finished. The Capitol building itself 
was enlarged during my tenure with the east front extension. That 
extension provided additional rooms when it was completed in 1962. As I 
depart, a great addition is underway with the construction of the 
Capitol Visitor Center. I am proud of my contribution to this effort 
which began in earnest just a few years ago as I served as President 
pro tempore and Co-Chairman of the Capitol Preservation Commission.
  Despite all the changes that have occurred in this institution and in 
our Nation, there is one constant--that has been the closeness of the 
Senate family. There are literally thousands of people who work 
quietly, outside the spotlight, to ensure this institution runs 
smoothly. I express my appreciation to all in the Senate who contribute 
to the success of every Senator and make this institution a community. 
This family includes the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant-at-Arms, 
the staff of those Officers, the Clerks, Doorkeepers, Capitol Hill 
Police, the staff of the Senate restaurants, the Attending Physician 
and staff, the cloakroom staff, the Chaplain's office, the 
Parliamentarian, the Architect of the Capitol and staff, the 
Librarians, staff of the Congressional Research Service and the General 
Accounting Office, and many others, too numerous to mention.

  I must also pay tribute to my own staff. A strong, competent, and 
capable staff is absolutely necessary to any Senator. We could not keep 
up with all our duties, maintain contacts with constituents, or 
accomplish our legislative goals without our staff. Throughout my 
career, I have made it a point to hire the best people I could to work 
in my personal office and on my committees. I have enjoyed my 
association with literally hundreds of bright, talented and hard-
working individuals. I have enjoyed watching them mature in their 
personal lives and grow in their professional careers. I am proud of my 
staff. I ask unanimous consent that a list of my current staff be 
inserted in the Record following my remarks.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (See Exhibit 1.)
  Mr. THURMOND. Finally, I express my deepest appreciation to my entire 
family for their love and support, especially my children. Strom, 
Julie, Paul, and my beloved daughter, the late Nancy Moore, have been 
the joy of my life. I thank them for their sacrifices and devotion.
  Mr. President, no matter which side of the aisle we occupy, 
regardless of the issues that may divide us, and despite any political 
differences we may have, all of us ran for office and fought to stay 
here because we want to serve and make a difference. There is no more 
noble calling than public service, and no more rewarding place to serve 
than the U.S. Senate. This is truly one of the most unique and special 
institutions in the world and the opportunity to serve in this body is 
a rare privilege and one which I think all of us value equally.
  In my public service career, I have served in many different 
capacities and at every level of government, but none has been more 
meaningful or gratifying than the time I have spent as the Senator from 
South Carolina.
  When I graduated from Clemson College in 1923, my father gave me a 
paper entitled ``Advice'' which I have always proudly displayed in my 
Senate office and after which I have always tried to pattern my life. 
The advice which my father gave me, and which I pass on to others 
follows:
  Remember your God;
  Take good care of your body and tax your nervous system as little as 
possible;
  Obey the laws of the land;
  Be strictly honest;
  Associate with only the best people, morally and intellectually;
  Think 3 times before you act once, and if you are in doubt, don't act 
at all;
  Be prompt on your job to the minute;
  Read at every spare chance and think over and try to remember what 
you have read;
  Do not forget that ``skill and integrity'' are the keys to success.
  Mr. President, I leave you, and my friends, with my father's 
universal advice and add the following: Always respect and appreciate 
your tenure in the

[[Page S9084]]

world's greatest deliberative body; do your absolute best to serve this 
Nation with honor and decorum; and strive to keep the U.S. Senate the 
proud, historic and distinguished body of government it has been since 
the birth of this blessed Nation.
  As I close out my public service career, I again thank my 
constituents, my colleagues, my staff and my family. May God bless each 
of you, the U.S. Senate, and God bless the United States of America.
  I love all of you, and especially your wives.

                               Exhibit 1

                   Senator Strom Thurmond Staff List

       Duke Short, Chief of Staff and Administrative Assistant.
       Holly Richardson, Executive Assistant.
       Mark Ivany, Personal Assistant.
       Eliza Edgar, Assistant to the Chief of Staff.
       Erin Goodin, Receptionist.
       Walker Clarkson, Receptionist.


                          Press/Public Affairs

       Becky Fleming, Press Secretary.
       Emily Dorroh, Press Assistant.


                                Records

       Les Sealy, Office Manager and Systems Administrator.
       David Black, Assistant Office Manager.


                                Projects

       Bill Tuten, Projects Director.
       John Hawk, Projects Assistant.
       Kevin Smith, Projects Assistant.
       Michael Bozzelli, Projects Assistant.
       Melissa Kiracofe-Low, Projects Assistant.


                          General Legislation

       David Best, Legislative Director.
       Ernie Coggins, Legislative Assistant.
       James Galyean, Legislative Assistant.
       Helena Mell, Legislative Correspondent.
       Ashley Hurt, Legislative Correspondent.


                           Military Casework

       Matt Martin.


  Judiciary Subcommittee On The Constitution, Federalism and Property 
                                 Rights

       Scott Frick, Chief Counsel.
       Melinda Koutsoumpas, Chief Clerk.


                             Armed Services

       George Lauffer, Military Assistant.


                    President Pro Tempore, Emeritus

       James Graham, Staff Assistant.


                         Thurmond State Offices

       Columbia: Warren Abernathy, State Director; Jeanie Rhyne; 
     Valerie Gaines; Lind Morris; Michelle Quinn; and Christie 
     Humphries.
       Aiken: Elizabeth McFarland.
       Charleston: Patricia Rones-Sykes.
       Florence: Raleigh Ward and Kathryn Hook (Volunteer).

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