[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 149 (Monday, November 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11238-S11239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FAREWELL TO THE SENATE

  Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, today I am reminded that 2 years ago 
when I came to the Senate, it was with a heavy heart. Life had not 
turned out the way it was supposed to. My husband, not I, was supposed 
to have been sworn in to the Senate, and I was to be seated in the 
gallery, beaming with delight at the shared victory we had won.
  As someone has pointed out, life is not the way it is supposed to be. 
Life is the way it is, and it is the way we cope with it that makes a 
difference. I had some difficult lessons to learn in that regard.
  It was not by chance when I stepped down from the dais, after being 
sworn in, that the first to welcome me was Senator Joe Biden. He had 
come to this Chamber many years ago after a tragic loss in his own 
life. He told me the story of having been greeted by Senator McClellan 
of Arkansas, who looked him in the eye and said: Work, hard work, it is 
the sure path to healing.
  Senator Biden said: I thought at the time how callous that advice 
was; he just does not understand the hurt I am feeling. He later found 
out Senator McClellan spoke from having experienced a family tragedy of 
overwhelming proportion. Joe Biden took the advice to heart and he 
passed it on to me. You were right, Joe, and I thank you for that 
wisdom.
  There has been much work to throw ourselves into during the 107th 
Congress. It has been a monumental period in our Nation's history, a 
time marred by unprecedented national tragedy, deep political 
divisions, economic upheavals, corporate corruption, continued threats 
to our national security, and now the gathering clouds of war. Through 
all of these disasters, we have seen the triumph of the American 
spirit. Yes, Americans have taken to heart the advice Louis Pasteur 
once gave to a group of young people. He said: Do not let yourselves be 
discouraged by the sadness of certain hours which passes over nations.
  Thankfully, the Congress has refused to be discouraged. We have 
endured anthrax attacks, dismantled offices, tighter security measures, 
major alterations to the Capitol complex, not to mention three shifts 
in legislative leadership. Through it all, we have managed to address a 
number of important issues. We passed a historic tax cut, reformed 
education, overhauled campaign finance laws, called corporate America 
to a higher standard, and prepared our Nation to respond to global 
terrorism. We have found that being the guardian of freedom is a 
relentless and consuming work. The immensity of our task would cripple 
a lesser people. Rather than be cowered by events, America and her 
institutions have always been emboldened during times of crisis. I am 
convinced the Author of Liberty, who has blessed and protected our 
Nation in the past, will enable us to meet the stern responsibilities 
of the present.

  As the 108th Congress takes on this new burden, I will not be among 
them but my prayers will be with them. I leave realizing that to have 
served in the Senate for even a short while is an honor afforded very 
few in their lifetime. I am forever grateful to the people of Missouri 
who have allowed me and my family to serve them for three generations. 
Reporters often ask me to reflect on those years. Most recently, I was 
asked what impressed me most during my time in the Senate. And I

[[Page S11239]]

replied it was the diligence beyond duty shown by all who are part of 
this Chamber--Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Staff, 
parliamentarians, clerks, pages, security officers, maintenance 
workers, elevator operators, all spend long hours serving America. For 
the most part, their names, their selfless deeds will go unrecorded, 
but their life and work demonstrate a deep devotion to duty.
  In recognition of the loyalty and exemplary work of my own staff, I 
ask unanimous consent to have their names printed in the Record at the 
close of my remarks.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (See exhibit 1.)
  Mrs. CARNAHAN. At this time I recognize sadly that two great towers 
of strength will be missed in this Chamber. My friend and colleague, 
Max Cleland, from his wheelchair stands taller than most men ever will. 
The Senate will be greatly diminished by his absence. And that we will 
no longer hear the spirited voice of Paul Wellstone summoning us to 
stand up and fight will likewise diminish the fervor of this body.
  Our Nation and my party have been further blessed by the courageous 
leadership of Senator Daschle and Senator Harry Reid. They have shown 
the grace under pressure that marks true greatness.
  I would be remiss if I did not mention the women of the Senate whose 
friendship has blessed and brightened my life. I am grateful, too, for 
the wholehearted and unwavering support of my Democratic colleagues in 
my every endeavor, and I especially appreciate those from the other 
side of the aisle, though far fewer in number, who graciously 
encouraged me as well.
  Tradition affords those of us who leave the Senate, either by our own 
will or the will of the electorate, the opportunity to reflect on the 
time in this historic Chamber, to perhaps even engage in some 
unsolicited advice. I could not pass up that opportunity. My advice 
comes not as a seasoned insider but as one who came for a season to 
serve among my colleagues. Mine are simple maxims that spring from the 
heart, a heart filled with love for the Senate and for my country.

  First, when my colleagues think on the role of government, seek a 
balance. Seek a balance between one that does everything and one that 
does nothing. And where there is talk of war, let there be the free and 
open debate that becomes our great Nation. And when there are judges to 
be appointed, let them be selected for their temperament and 
jurisprudence and not for political ideology that satisfies a special 
interest group.
  When we lay out our energy and environment policy, let it not be for 
short-term gain but for the well-being of our grandchildren and the 
survival of our planet. And when my colleagues speak of leaving no 
child behind, let that not be a mantra but a mission, fervent and 
funded. When health care is thought about, the health care needs of 
children, family, and seniors--and I hope that will be often--I urge my 
colleagues to lay aside partisanship and heed the plight of the hurting 
and the helpless in our society.
  I will vote for the homeland bill, as I have each step of the way, 
for we must make certain the information disconnect that allowed a 9/11 
to occur never happens again.
  During an earlier global conflict, President Roosevelt called for 
stout hearts and strong arms with which to strike mighty blows for 
freedom and truth. Well, that is what I am hoping this consolidation 
and coordination of effort will help us to accomplish.
  As I vote for this bill, I do so with a caution. The pursuit of 
terrorists and the protection of basic freedoms will be our greatest 
challenge in the years ahead. In the quest to uproot terrorism, let us 
take care to preserve those precious liberties upon which our Nation is 
founded and upon which democracy depends. I have no doubt that in this 
good and godly work we will ultimately succeed.
  Let me conclude by saying that this farewell to the Senate is a 
bittersweet moment for me, one that churns up a mixture of memories and 
emotions. One such memory was of a visit I made to the Corcoran Art 
Gallery to see the Jackie Kennedy exhibit. One of the displays was a 
handwritten letter that Mrs. Kennedy sent to a friend after completing 
an extensive project at the White House.
  She wrote:

       How sad it is . . . when a work we love doing . . . is 
     finally finished.

  I know how she felt.
  I still believe, as did my husband, that public service is a good and 
noble work worthy of our lives. Perhaps a former Member of this Chamber 
said it best. He was not of my party, but he certainly was of my 
principles. Senator Lowell Weicker wrote:

       For all the licks anyone takes by choosing public service,
       . . . there is the elation of having achieved for good 
     purpose what none thought possible.
       And such feelings far exceed . . . whatever the hurt . . . 
     for having tasted the battle.

  I yield the floor.

                               Exhibit 1

       Current Staff of Senator Jean Carnahan:
     Isiah Akin, Legislative Aide
     Amy Barber, Legislative Assistant
     John Beakley, Special Assistant to the Senator
     Ann Bickel, Assistant to the State Director
     Todd Britt, Director, Eastern Missouri
     Michael Carrasco, Office Manager
     Chad Chitwood, Southwest Area Regional Coordinator
     Qiana Combs, Deputy Director, Western Region
     Sonja Cureton, Constituent Services Representative
     Julie Egermayer, Constituent Services Representative
     Sarah Elmore, Staff Assistant
     Bradley Epperson, Special Advisor
     Alex Formuzis, Press Secretary
     Sandy Fried, Legislative Assistant
     Rosie Haertling, Casework Supervisor
     Stacy Henry, Assistant Scheduler
     Margaret Hsiang, Legislative Correspondent
     Lisa Jaworski, Legislative Aide
     Amy Jordan-Wooden, State Director
     Michele Ludeman, Caseworker/Administrative Assistant
     Bryan Mitchell, Legislative Correspondent
     Jeff Morrison, System Administrator
     Stephen Neuman, Legislative Assistant
     Tom Neumeyer, Southeast Area Regional Coordinator
     Neal Orringer, Military Legislative Assistant
     Alison Paul, Staff Assistant
     Caroline Pelot, Deputy Director, Eastern Missouri
     Jason Ramsey, Director, Central Missouri
     Ryan Rhodes, Scheduler/Executive Assistant
     Garon Robinnett, Staff Assistant
     David Schanzer, Legislative Director
     Raymond Schrock, Special Projects Coordinator
     Vance Serchuk, Legislative Correspondent
     Jan Singlemann, Regional Aide
     Rachel Storch, Deputy Chief of Staff
     Stephen Sugg, Legislative Assistant
     Roy Temple, Chief of Staff
     Cindy Townes, Data Entry Clerk
     Pam Townsend, Staff Assistant
     Courtney Weiner, Legislative Correspondent
     Rogerick Wilson, Constituent Services Representative
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator gave the most eloquent statement. 
I can't say how much I appreciated being here.
  The Senator from West Virginia.
  Mr. BYRD. 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. BYRD. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call 
be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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