[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S28]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER SENATOR PAUL SIMON

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the 
distinguished life and career of my friend and former colleague, 
Senator Paul Simon.
  Paul will forever be remembered for the great respect he earned 
during his 40 years of public service, thanks to his sharp intellect 
and tremendous leadership. These traits were as much a signature for 
him as his famous bow tie.
  Paul's life is a testament to the fact that public service truly can 
be a noble calling. His service to his constituents was an inspiration. 
His office often handled more cases than any other Senate office. 
During his tenure he held over 600 town meetings in his home State of 
Illinois. Senator Simon's dedication to those he represented made him a 
role model to many, including myself. That is why I am proud to have 
campaigned for Senator Simon during his 1988 run for the Democratic 
nomination for the presidency.
  Paul Simon was dedicated to education. He played a vital role in 
improving literacy and supporting adult education. His hard work on 
making student loans more affordable allowed many Americans the chance 
to go to college. He was also committed to helping working Americans 
and, throughout his long career, he never lost touch with their 
concerns.
  Senator Simon's dedication to public service and the education of 
others continued after his retirement when he founded the Southern 
Illinois University Public Policy Institute.
  I was fortunate enough to serve with Senator Simon on both the 
Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees. We worked together on many 
issues, but I will especially remember him for his commitment to 
campaign finance reform. His support during the early days of campaign 
finance reform was invaluable. I truly regret that he passed just 1 day 
before the Supreme Court's historic decision to uphold the Bipartisan 
Campaign Finance Reform Act.
  During a time when many feel that political partisanship is on the 
rise, Paul Simon remains an example of decency and integrity. He was a 
mentor to me and so many others who were fortunate enough to have known 
and worked with him. He will be deeply missed. I will remain forever 
grateful for the work he did, for the example he set, and for his 
friendship, which I will always treasure.

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