[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 150 (Tuesday, November 19, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11537-S11538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING FORMER PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER ON RECEIVING 2002 NOBEL 
                              PEACE PRIZE

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I have had this Senate resolution cleared 
with the majority and the minority sides. It is a resolution commending 
former President Carter on his upcoming receipt of the Nobel Peace 
Prize.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate 
consideration of S. Res. 360 submitted earlier today by myself and 
others.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 360) congratulating former President 
     Jimmy Carter for being awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, 
     and commending him for his lifetime dedication to peace.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I will take a minute or two to explain the 
purpose in offering this resolution. I think it is rather self-
explanatory. I want to thank Senator Daschle and Senator Lott, our 
respective leaders, along with both the Members of the minority and the 
majority, for their support of this resolution recognizing former 
President Jimmy Carter for many things, not the least of which is the 
recognition by the Nobel Committee in awarding him the Nobel Peace 
Prize.
  Over the past 25 years, few have been as dedicated to improving our 
country and our world than Jimmy Carter. Throughout his life, former 
President Carter has tirelessly devoted himself to promoting human 
rights, relieving human suffering, and promoting peaceful resolutions 
to a wide array of international conflicts.
  Jimmy Carter's herculean efforts for peace during his term as 
President culminated with the signing of the Camp David accords, and 
indeed, his leadership and determination played a vital role in helping 
to achieve what once was considered impossible peace between Israel and 
Egypt. Although his efforts and dedication to peace did not earn him a 
nomination for the 1978 Nobel Peace Prize, which was subsequently 
awarded to then President of Egypt Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime 
Minister Menachem Begin, former President Carter's indispensable role 
in this lasting peace is and will always be a matter of historical 
record.
  Although many public servants retire from the public eye after their 
terms are completed, since leaving public office, President Carter has 
used his status and abundant talents honorably and effectively for the 
benefit of humanity. In 1982, he founded the Carter Center, a highly-
respected research organization that seeks to cultivate peace, 
democracy, and human rights, and helps fight famine and disease. In 
1984, he began his affiliation with Habitat for Humanity by leading 
efforts to restore a residential building in New York, and his annual 
participation with Habitat ever since further demonstrates his strong 
commitment to all manners of public service and to the betterment of 
society. He has been an inspiration to all who want to find ways to 
serve this country and humanity generally.
  In 1999, Jimmy Carter was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, 
the highest award a United States civilian can receive. In 2002, at the 
invitation of Fidel Castro, he made a historic visit to Cuba in order 
to encourage the free exchange of ideas between Americans and Cubans. I 
believe his visit, the first by an American President since 1928, will 
help to encourage democracy and build bridges between our citizens and 
our nations.
  Indeed, whether he is working to promote strategic arms reduction or 
helping resolve inner-city social problems,

[[Page S11538]]

whether he is brokering a peace between warring factions in Ethiopia or 
promoting peace, democracy and human rights in countries such as North 
Korea, East Timor, and Haiti, whether he is negotiating a cease-fire in 
Bosnia or working to ensure free and fair elections in countries 
throughout the world, Jimmy Carter is one of the pre-eminent figures of 
the last 50 years and a wonderful embodiment of the best of American 
ideals.
  Prior to this year, Jimmy Carter had been nominated 10 times for the 
Nobel Peace Prize. I am extremely pleased that in October of this year 
he finally received this well-deserved and long-overdue tribute to his 
lifelong efforts. There is nobody more deserving of this highest of 
honors. I salute the decision of the Nobel Committee.
  I again express my gratitude to all of our colleagues in the closing 
hours of this 107th Congress. This resolution recognizes the 
contributions of Jimmy Carter, and I join with others in congratulating 
him on this well-deserved, long overdue honor of the Nobel Peace Prize. 
Our congratulations to his beloved wife Rosalynn and his family for all 
they have contributed to the well-being of our Nation and to the world 
in which we live.
  I inquire of the Chair as to whether or not the fourth whereas clause 
on page 2 has been stricken?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is correct.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 360) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution (S. Res. 360), with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 360

       Whereas in 1978, President Carter personally negotiated 
     with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime 
     Minister Menachem Begin to reach the Camp David Accords, the 
     cornerstone of all subsequent peace efforts in the Middle 
     East;
       Whereas President Carter completed negotiations on the 
     Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II (SALT II) and continued to 
     make strategic arms control a focus of United States security 
     policy;
       Whereas President Carter emphasized the importance of human 
     rights as a key element of United States foreign policy;
       Whereas former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn 
     established the Carter Center in 1982;
       Whereas the Carter Center has taken an active and vital 
     role in world affairs, always seeking to improve human 
     rights, promote democracy, resolve conflicts, and enhance the 
     lives of the people of the world;
       Whereas former President Carter has made countless trips 
     abroad to promote peace, democracy, and human rights, 
     including visits to East Timor, North Korea, Cuba, Haiti, 
     Nicaragua, and Mexico, among many others;
       Whereas former President Carter has made the promotion of 
     peace, democracy, and human rights his life's work: Now, 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and congratulates 
     former President Jimmy Carter for being awarded the 2002 
     Nobel Peace Prize and commends him for his tireless work for 
     and dedication to peace.
  Mr. DODD. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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