[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H52-H57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AGREEING WITH THE SENTIMENT OF THE SENATE REGARDING THE DEATH OF THE
HONORABLE PAUL SIMON
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 489) stating the agreement of the House of
Representatives with the sentiment expressed by the Senate in Senate
Resolution 281.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 489
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon became, at the age of 19,
the Nation's youngest editor-publisher when he accepted a
Lion's Club challenge to save the Troy Tribune in Troy,
Illinois, and subsequently built a chain of 13 newspapers in
southern and central Illinois;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon used the Troy Tribune to
expose criminal activities and in 1951, at age 22, was called
as a key witness to testify before the United States Senate's
Crime Investigating Committee;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon served in the Illinois
legislature for 14 years, winning the Independent Voters of
Illinois ``Best Legislator Award'' every session;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon was elected Lieutenant
Governor in 1968 and was the first in Illinois history to be
elected to that post with a Governor of another party;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon served Illinois in the
United States House of Representatives and the United States
Senate with devotion and distinction;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon is the only individual to
have served in the Illinois House of Representatives, the
Illinois Senate, the United States House of Representatives,
and the United States Senate.
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon was the founder and
director of the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois
University in Carbondale, Illinois, and taught there for more
than six years in the service of the youth of our Nation;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon wrote over 20 books and
held over 50 honorary degrees;
Whereas the Honorable Paul Simon was an unapologetic
champion of the less fortunate and a constant example of
caring and honesty in public service;
Whereas his efforts on behalf of Illinoisans and all
Americans earned him the esteem and high regard of his
colleagues; and
Whereas his tragic death has deprived his State and the
Nation of an outstanding lawmaker and public servant: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives agrees with the
sentiment expressed by the Senate in Senate Resolution 281.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Doolittle) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr.
Larson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle).
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a resolution basically concurring
with the sentiments expressed in Senate Resolution 281, a resolution
regarding, really,
[[Page H53]]
the life of Senator Simon, who unfortunately passed away this last
December at the age of 75. The Senator had quite a distinguished life
of many accomplishments, was during his lifetime both a journalist and
an author as well as a public servant. He was prodigious in his work
product, passionate in his concerns for his constituents, and cared a
great deal.
I must say he and I would not have agreed on anything probably except
perhaps the desire to do the best we could for our country. He was an
honorable public servant and someone who is fitting should be
commended.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to offer for this body's
consideration House Resolution 489, a bill stating the agreement of the
House of Representatives with the sentiment expressed by the Senate in
Senate Resolution 281 regarding former Illinois Senator Paul Simon, who
regrettably passed away on December 9, 2003, shortly after undergoing
heart surgery.
The Honorable Paul Simon was born November 29, 1928, in Eugene,
Oregon. At the age of 19, Simon became the Nation's youngest editor-
publisher when he accepted a local Lion's Club challenge to save the
Troy Tribune newspaper in Troy, Illinois. In little time, Paul created
a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois that were
notable for their hard-hitting investigative journalism, as was
demonstrated when one of his papers, the Tribune, exposed syndicate
gambling connections in Madison County, Illinois.
Paul Simon served our Nation in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953.
Following his military service, Paul ran for state office and was
elected to the Illinois House in 1954. He then was elected into the
Illinois Senate in 1962. During his 14 years in the state legislature,
he won the Independent Voters of Illinois' ``Best Legislator Award''
every session.
Simon was elected lieutenant governor of Illinois in 1968, and in
this capacity, he became the people's ombudsman. He is widely credited
with turning what had been a ceremonial position into a position
focused on improving Government's ability to better serve its citizens.
After narrowly losing the 1972 Democratic gubernatorial primary to
Dan Walker, Simon started the public affairs reporting program at
Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois (now the University
of Illinois at Springfield), and lectured during the 1972-1973 school
year at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Simon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974 and
served Illinois' 22nd and 24th Congressional Districts for 10 years.
During his service in the House, Simon played a leading role in
drafting and enacting major legislation covering a wide range of
issues, including education, disability policy, and foreign affairs.
While in the House, he worked closely with former Speaker Newt Gingrich
in establishing the Office of House Historian.
In 1984, Simon was elected to the U.S. Senate. During his years as a
public official, Paul Simon was known for exceptional constituent
service. He also was the Senate's pacesetter in convening town
meetings. As a Senator, Simon held more than 600 town meetings
throughout the state. He was also known for sporting fashionable bow
ties, which became his trademark.
Prior to leaving the U.S. Senate, Simon ranked as Illinois' senior
Senator. In November 1994, Paul Simon announced that he would retire
from the Senate when his term expired January 3, 1997, ending 12 years
of exceptional service to the people of Illinois and to the people of
the United States.
Simon holds over 55 honorary degrees and has written 22 books. Paul
Simon married Jeanne Hurley of Wilmette, Illinois, in 1960, whom he met
while both served in the Illinois House. They had two children, Sheila
and Martin, three granddaughters and one grandson. After his first wife
passed away, Senator Simon married Patricia Derge in May 2001.
Please join me in honoring the life and service of this fine man and
dedicated public servant by supporting House Resolution 489.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
(Mr. LARSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise
and extend his remarks.)
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we note
today the passing of a distinguished former Member of this House, Paul
Simon of Illinois. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Doolittle) for offering this motion, and I also thank the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Costello) for introducing this resolution.
I regret that I did not have the privilege of serving with Paul
Simon. He retired from the Senate 2 years before I came to the House. I
may not have served with Paul Simon; but like millions of Americans, I
certainly knew of him and admired him greatly.
Paul Simon's reputation extended far beyond the geographic borders of
the Land of Lincoln. Through a distinguished career that began at age
19 as a newspaper editor and publisher and led him to seats in both
houses of the Illinois general assembly, lieutenant governorship, and
on to both Houses of the United States Congress, Paul Simon enjoyed a
reputation of honesty, integrity, and diligence. Known for his
trademark bowties, Simon championed reform and the cause of the less
fortunate than himself.
Mr. Speaker, Paul Simon, the statesman, was a great American who made
a difference during his long career in public life.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. LaHood).
(Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr.
Doolittle) for yielding me this time.
On December 9, 2003, the citizens of Illinois lost one of the true
giants in the storied history of politics in our State. Paul Simon was
a leader who transcended political or ideological labels.
To be sure, he was a staunch liberal who fought for better housing,
fair wages, a cleaner environment, and civil justice. At the same time,
he also leaned conservative when it came to fiscal matters.
But it was the way he carried out the job that made Paul a revered
figure in a State that is accustomed to larger-than-life figures. Paul
Simon represented an approach to politics that is becoming more and
more rare in today's world, an approach in which he not only respected
the people he represented but he respected the people who were his
peers and the institutions in which he served, including this House and
the other body.
When I was first elected to the House in 1994, Paul was the senior
Senator from Illinois, and he took time to reach out to me so we could
become better acquainted and work on issues of mutual concern.
As a leading Member of the Senate, I am sure that he had many better
things to do than getting to know a first-term Member of the House, but
that was the way Paul did business. He knew that good relationships
were important in politics and legislating, and I am a better Member of
the House for Paul Simon's efforts to get to know me.
When Paul retired from the Senate following the 1996 election, he
certainly could have landed some lucrative lobbying contracts, but he
chose instead to continue influencing public policy through a different
arena, one that could have a lasting impression on generations of
future public servants, that is, teaching. From his perch as director
of Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, he
continued to stay in the public eye, and he was able to carry on his
advocacy for many of the issues he held so dear. He wrote prolifically
on many issues during his time at SIU. He continued to travel the world
to talk about the issues in which he so passionately believed. I would
imagine he was as busy in his role with the institute as he was during
his time in the Senate.
And to this day I am sure Paul Simon's approval numbers in Illinois
are higher than any politician in our State.
Paul is someone who should be used as a benchmark, not only for
future generations of leaders but for today's politicians as well. Paul
Simon taught us that one can really get ahead through civility, common
courtesy, and a respect for those with opposing viewpoints. That is a
far cry from what many of our citizens believe today about their
elected representatives. All of us could do this job a little better if
we follow in the footsteps and examples of Paul Simon.
I might say that when I first got to the House, Paul recommended that
I get involved in a program called Everybody Wins, which is a reading
program
[[Page H54]]
where some of us branch out around the Capital and read as mentors to
students; and if it were not for Paul's initiative for me to get
involved in that program, which I have been involved with, and it is a
great program here in Washington, D.C., I would not have been involved.
But that is the way Paul Simon was. He was an example of not only a
mentor for children but to all of us who have come to know and love
him. And he will be missed in Illinois and certainly missed at Southern
Illinois University. And I thank the committee for recognizing him and
adopting the Senate resolution.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), the sponsor of
this resolution.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, the
ranking member, for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 489 to honor
my good friend Senator Paul Simon, who sadly passed away on December 9,
2003.
Senator Simon was a good friend and a dedicated public servant. Paul
worked as a newspaper publisher, public servant, author, and teacher.
He was elected to the Illinois general assembly in 1954 and the
Illinois senate in 1962 and was elected lieutenant governor of Illinois
in 1968.
While a member of the Illinois legislature, Paul won the Independent
Voters of Illinois' ``Best Legislator Award'' every session of the
legislature.
Senator Simon served in this body for 10 years, beginning in 1974
when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, then the
United States Senate for 8 years and ran for President of the United
States in 1988. Throughout his public service, Paul was known for his
honesty and his integrity. That was his hallmark.
As a Member of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, he balanced fiscal
conservatism with social liberalism. Paul was a champion of a balanced
budget amendment and worked to overhaul the Federal student loan
program so that students and their families could borrow money directly
from the U.S. Government. Paul also led efforts to curb television
violence, leading the industry to monitor the amount of violence on
their TV screens. In addition, Paul was instrumental in the
establishment of the National Center for Missing and Exploited
Children.
Paul Simon was always concerned about the cultural isolation of U.S.
college students and young Americans in general. One of his first books
was ``The Tongue-Tied American'' on the need for American students to
learn a second language. Paul sponsored several programs to increase
international education and understanding in American schools, and he
was working to create a foreign exchange program to allow more American
students to study abroad.
As impressive as his legislative record was during his tenure in
Congress, he never forgot his constituents and was known for
exceptional constituent service. During his service in the U.S. Senate,
Paul held over 600 town meetings throughout the State of Illinois to
hear the issues that were important to the citizens of Illinois.
Paul's career began at age 19, when he became the youngest editor-
publisher of the Troy Tribune in Troy, Illinois, in Madison County,
Illinois. By 1966 he had built a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and
central Illinois, which he sold in order to concentrate more time on
public service and writing.
Upon his retirement from the U.S. Senate, Paul formed the Public
Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale to share
his wisdom and advocacy with the next generation of students. In
addition to chairing the Public Policy Institute, he also taught
classes in political science, history, and journalism at SIU.
{time} 1145
Senator Simon is survived by his two children, and Martin, his four
grandchildren, Reilly Marie, Corey Jeanne, Brennan and Nicholas, and
his second wife, Patti and her two children, Jennie and Bill. Jennie
currently works right here on the Hill for our good friend and
colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood).
Mr. Speaker, at Senator Simon's funeral, Senator Ted Kennedy said,
``In another era, he would have been a founding father. He was that
good. He will never be forgotten.''
Senator Simon was a great man that served our country with honor and
distinction. It is fitting that we honor him with this resolution
today.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
(Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, not very much will get me motivated enough
to wear a bow tie in this world, but now I have done it two days in a
row, and it is a Paul Simon tie. When he ran for President, at the
funeral, at the wake, the lapel pins had the trademark bow tie. This is
a Paul Simon bow tie that I have been allowed to use by the Tomasewski
family of Washington County, and I thank them for that. It only took me
about 4 hours to tie it, but, once I got it down, I kind of slept with
it last night and did not change shirts.
Paul was a great man. A lot has been said and gone over with regard
to his history, and I will highlight a few other points. But I am going
to talk about the man of faith, the man of religion.
I am of the Lutheran faith. Paul comes from a strong family of
Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. His father was a missionary in China.
That moral background and upbringing I think helped serve him well in
the crusades that he fought in the future.
A lot of the pillars of my congregation in Holy Cross Lutheran Church
in Collinsville remember Senator Simon fondly as a member of what was
then called the Walther League, which was the youth group. They would
meet throughout parts of Southern Illinois. And that friendship
transcended partisan idealogy, as a lot of my colleagues have said
today, because when Senator Simon walked into any room, whether you
agreed or disagreed, you never questioned the integrity, the thought,
the desire, the real passion that he brought to any issue. I think we
would do well in memory of him to emulate that, to remember that, and
to bring that back into the civil discourse that sometimes we do not
have here on the floor of the House.
He was also a great crusader. Again, my colleague the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Costello) mentioned at 19 his getting a newspaper in
Troy, Illinois, just down the road from both of us, and using that
paper to reform government, to fight corruption. Madison County and St.
Claire County was a bastion of illegal activities, of crime and
gambling, and at a very young age he really put his life at risk by
writing and exposing those that would break the law. That courage,
developed at a young age, just led on to a very, very successful
career.
When he went to into the legislature, he pushed for and his best
known legislation was the State's first act to require open meetings by
local governments under most circumstances, the Open Meetings Act, Paul
Simon's signature issue, which helped bring the public closer to the
real discussions of what elected officials are doing. Now, sometimes we
may not like that, but for the discourse and knowing what is really
going on, requiring notification, requiring people to have access to
these meetings, it is real reform.
Upon his retirement, everyone knows he is a noted author, has written
tremendously various issues, he did not retire. He went down to
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale around his home in Makanda,
and continued to work and in transforming the public policy debate
around the world.
I was privileged to call him a fellow member of faith, a friend. I
was able to travel with him on airplane rides. He remembered my mother
when she had some health issues just around the time when he had health
issues. They exchanged greetings and notes. He was just that type of
guy that made us all proud.
We will miss Senator Simon, and hopefully the members of the Illinois
delegation and the members of both Chambers of Congress will remember
his years of service and really dedicate ourselves to some of the
higher ideas that Senator Simon really called us all to be. I thank him
for his service and I thank him for his friendship.
[[Page H55]]
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the most distinct voice in the
House of Representatives and one of the most distinguished Members.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Connecticut for yielding me time.
Paul Simon was absolutely the head of that part of the Democrats in
Illinois that I have been associated with for so long. As a matter of
fact, he was like the Seal of Good Housekeeping. That is, if you could
get Paul Simon to say something good about you or endorse you, then it
was the highest honor. You could not get any better than that.
I have always remembered when I ran for the House, Senator Simon said
to me, ``I don't endorse in primaries generally. This year I am going
to make two exceptions. I am going to endorse Dick Durbin for my seat,
who has been my protegee and worked with me. I am going to endorse you
for the seat that you are running for.'' I have always counted that as
one of the high moments of my political career.
Someone mentioned all of the town hall meetings that Senator Simon
would hold. I can remember attending many of those. In many instances,
there might be only 15 or 20 people there, sometimes 10, and I would be
amazed that this United States Senator would be at a small town hall
meeting with 10 or 12 people, in an African American community, a
little church, a library, and he would stay there two, sometimes three
hours, just talking to the two or three people, trying to educate,
trying to stimulate, trying to motivate.
I can remember all the small receptions that he and his wife Jennie
and the rest of us used to attend, always sort of swimming upstream.
The last communication that I had from Senator Simon was just before he
died. I got a letter from him in the mail and an article from the
Chicago Tribune saying congratulations, I commend you all for the work
you are doing on behalf of ex-prisoners, people who are coming home
from jail. That was Paul Simon, always seeking to assist the underdog,
those that society would sometimes look at the other way at; Africa,
food, nutrition, hunger.
At his funeral, as it was coming to a close, I remembered the words
of a song that we sometimes sing when a person has done what they can
do, that says, ``If when you give the best of your service, telling the
world that the Savior has come, be not dismayed when men don't believe
you, he'll understand and say well done.''
Senator Simon, well done.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to get up and speak in honor of Paul
Simon. I first knew his brother, Art, through Bread for the World. I
had been active in world hunger activities and in fact was a coauthor
of a book regarding world hunger. When I read Bread for the World at
that time I was very impressed with it. I knew that Senator Simon was
Art's brother, so I was very pleased when I first had the opportunity
to meet Senator Simon and have a discussion with him.
He was an honorable person, and, even though I never had close
contact with him on a continuing basis, I was very impressed with his
forthrightness, his thoughtfulness, his ability and his honesty. He set
a high standard for all of us to follow.
I also appreciated the help of his wife, who was very interested in
the Library of Congress. I was on the Committee on House Administration
and served on the Joint House-Senate Committee on the Library of
Congress, and she was a great help to me at various times in trying to
achieve my objectives. They were a wonderful couple.
My last contact with Senator Simon was just 2 months ago, when I
received a very kind, handwritten note from him. He had heard one of my
speeches on the floor and sent me a quick note saying, in effect,
``That is the kind of voice we need to hear more in the Congress.'' I
thought that was an overwhelming act of kindness on his part, to take
time at this point in life, with the difficulties he faced, to write to
a relatively unknown Congressman from a neighboring State and express
his appreciation.
This indicated what a wonderful person he was, the kindness and the
thoughtfulness he had. I am just delighted to join in this accolade for
him. He was a great man. We could use many more like that in the
Congress.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Missouri, the ``Show Me State'' (Mr.
Clay).
Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member from Connecticut
for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution honoring the late
Senator Paul Simon. It was my privilege to have known Senator Simon for
most of my life. I have fond memories of watching Congressman Simon on
the House floor many years ago when I was a student and a doorkeeper,
and he has long been a source of personal inspiration.
When I first came to know Congressman Simon, he represented Southern
Illinois and served with my father on the House Committee on Education
and Labor. He was among the most active and effective Members in the
history of this institution, and I was not surprised when I recently
learned that in 1983, Time Magazine cited Congressman Simon for passing
more amendments than any other Member of the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Paul Simon served in the Illinois House of Representatives, the
Illinois Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Throughout his career, Paul Simon was famous for championing the causes
of working people, children, the disabled and veterans. When he served
in the Illinois legislature, he helped to create the State's community
college system and the Illinois Arts Council. He also won the
Independent Voters of Illinois Best Legislator Award every session in
which he served.
While serving in the U.S. Congress, Paul Simon sponsored the Missing
Children Act and the legislation establishing the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children. He also wrote the National Literacy
Act, the School to Work Opportunities Act and the Job Training
Partnership Act amendments. He was a leader in the reauthorization of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the establishment of the
direct college loan program.
Deeply dedicated to the community that sent him to represent their
interests in Washington, Senator Simon held more town hall meetings
than any other Illinois senator and his office was legendary for its
constituent services.
While in Congress, Paul Simon worked to enact legislation designating
the first five federally chartered future high-speed rail corridors,
which included the St. Louis-Chicago-Detroit/Milwaukee corridor, and to
designate the Illinois-Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. He
was also instrumental in expanding the Jefferson National Expansion
Memorial, which is St. Louis's Gateway Arch National Park, to the State
of Illinois.
{time} 1200
He possessed a rare knowledge and understanding of the legislative
process and manifested an extraordinary energy for public policy-
making.
Senator Simon left us all way too soon. He lived a life dedicated to
serving others, and he certainly left this world a better place for his
time on Earth.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel), former advisor to
President Clinton.
Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution
honoring the memory and lasting contributions of Paul Simon.
I was honored to work on his election to the Senate, where he made
all of the people of Illinois and America proud. When we look across
Illinois today, we see that we have an Attorney General who worked for
Paul Simon and started a career in politics working for Paul Simon, a
Member of Congress, a State Senator, a county commissioner. Although he
is very famous for those who say that John Kennedy touched a set of
idealisms for people to go into public service, for a number of us in
Illinois, regardless of our party, Paul Simon
[[Page H56]]
touched that chord of idealism; and we knew then that reaching for our
ideals was possible by seeking a life in public service.
Despite winning five elections and winning elections in five
different decades serving his State, his area, and his country in many
different capacities, his character, integrity, and intelligence are
what endure; and it is why Paul Simon today remains one of the most
popular figures in the State of Illinois.
Long before they were fashionable, Paul Simon championed civil
rights, education, and campaign finance reform. He saw in those areas
his ideals being realized. In everything he did, he was guided by a
deep, deep desire to help those who needed a voice. And for a number of
us in Illinois, we can still hear his voice with ``how are you today''
and that deep sense that you were Paul Simon's person that he was
talking to. And he always had a sense that he was not up here to be a
vote, but to be a voice for our values, regardless of what party we
came from. He taught many of us, and some of us, in fact, have come to
this lesson hard in life, that you can disagree without being
disagreeable.
After his retirement from Congress, he did not leave public service.
He spent the remaining days of his life pursuing what he cared most
about, which was education. As this resolution states, he remained an
unapologetic champion of the less fortunate and a constant example of
caring and honesty in public service.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for the opportunity to recognize a
true hero for many of us in Illinois. We will always remember Paul
Simon and honor his enduring contributions to the State of Illinois and
to this country. His memory will be a blessing to those who follow in
his path.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), my neighbor and good
friend.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me such great honor and
pleasure to join in support of this resolution in memory and to
celebrate the life of former Senator Paul Simon who was my friend and
my mentor and my Senator and my role model.
Paul Simon was unique. He was the real thing, though. When we look at
him with his bow tie and his suit, he was an authentic person. And
those who might make the mistake of kind of relegating Paul Simon to
the kind of politician of the past, that would be wrong. Paul Simon,
although he had that kind of almost old-fashioned gentlemanly way about
him, was someone who we can learn a lot from today. He had incredible
courage. The thing that Paul Simon really understood was that it is not
only important for your own personal integrity to stand up for your
beliefs, but that it was also really good politics.
Paul Simon his whole life was an opponent of the death penalty, not
always a popular issue in the State of Illinois; and it is an issue
that inspired a lot of hot feelings about that. And yet people who
would disagree with him on that or, like me, who disagreed with him on
the Balanced Budget Amendment pretty strongly, nonetheless often would
come up to Senator Paul Simon and say, you know, Senator, I do not
agree with you on this or that, or even, I do not agree with you on
most things, but I trust you. I am going to vote for you. I admire the
way that you stand up for the State of Illinois and for the things that
you believe in. It would be wonderful if more of us would do that.
I went to Iowa. We just finished the Iowa primaries. I went to Iowa
for a month for Paul Simon in 1988 and, by the end, of course,
everybody could say the speech with him. I could just hear that voice
saying, the United States is a great country, but we can be an even
better country. And he believed that so much. His desire, as he stated
it: I wanted to do something where I could continue to contribute. I
did not get into office just because I wanted a title; I wanted to get
something meaningful done, and he did. He continued to do that. That is
so true. He did not just want to be something; he wanted to do
something.
So when he retired from being in the Senate, he continued in his role
at Southern Illinois University and all the while prodding all of us.
We heard mention of those personal notes. He wrote a book called
``Tapped Out,'' dealing with the water crisis around the world; and he
really wanted me to get involved in that. He would write me letters.
Then he sent me the book. He said, now look, your name is in the
forward of the book. It said, to someone who is going to be working on
this issue. I knew what he was saying to me: you better work on this
issue; you are in my book.
Paul, I am going to be working on that issue and so many more where
you forged the path.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).
Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support
for this resolution and thank my good friend and colleague, the
gentleman from Illinois, for introducing it.
My friend Senator Paul Simon was a statesman, a respected leader, and
an unwavering champion of the little guy; and he possessed a heart, a
smile, and a baritone voice that could fill a room. He was truly one of
a kind, a principled human being, a principled politician, a real
reformer, and an unapologetic idealist whose words were followed by
genuine and unrelenting action.
From his time as a young journalist rooting out corruption in
Illinois, to the 14 years he served in the general assembly in
Springfield, to his distinguished tenure in Congress, Paul never
wavered in his fight for fairness and justice. He never backed down. No
matter the odds, no matter the political ramifications, no matter how
unpopular or lonely his positions, he remained fervent and passionate.
Paul was a role model for many of us in the Illinois delegation today
and for many who continue to seek public office. I know he is a role
model for me.
During his tenure in the Senate, Paul fought ardently and selflessly
on the issues that made a real difference in ordinary people's lives.
He always saw the good in people and used that good for the benefit and
the betterment of our country. He stood up with us in the fight for
immigration reform and on so many other issues important to my
constituents and to this country.
But my friend's legacy transcends politics. Paul was a beacon of hope
for anyone who wished to dream the American Dream. He embodied the type
of heart needed to sustain the uphill battles required to make real
change, and he was the consummate underdog and dedicated his life to
public service. He was always for the underdog and giving a voice to
the concerns of the voiceless. Paul simply would have no part in
pandering to the special interests. To him, public service was about
one thing, people, and he maintained that steadfast commitment to them.
We lost an irreplaceable friend, a teacher, and a mentor. He touched
countless lives in countless ways, and we will never forget him.
But just remembering Senator Simon is not enough; just honoring him
is not enough. He would have wanted us to do more. He would have wanted
us to stand together, to fight together; and I think that is what this
resolution is really all about. It is about recognizing and building on
Senator Simon's accomplishments, his ideas, his life and, indeed, his
legacy. We should not let this enormous loss be the end of his work. We
all have a responsibility now in this Chamber and across this country.
We must embody Paul's heart and his spirit. We must embrace his honesty
and his integrity.
Mr. Speaker, this Congress and this country face many challenges in
the coming months and years. I think we would be well served to pause
and ask, what would our friend, Senator Simon, do? I am confident that
by asking that simple question, we will set ourselves on the right
course.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of the
time to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).
Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am not from Illinois, but I have to tell my
colleagues that Senator Simon was a man of all seasons, was a mentor
and a teacher. And most importantly, when he talked, people listened. I
remember when the Defense Language Institute, which is our premier
language school in the world, and he was very dedicated to having
Americans learn languages,
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and it was threatened for closure, he called President Clinton and
said, do not take that off the list. Clinton said, why are you
interested in a base that is in California? And Senator Simon said,
because it is an intellectual capital for languages and we need to keep
it that way.
A very impressive man. The country will greatly miss him. He was the
epitome of politics, the greatness of politics in America.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
On behalf of the Committee on House Administration committee
chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), and myself, I would like
to thank the ranking member, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr.
Larson), and the author of the resolution, the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Costello), and the committee staff. Please join me in honoring the
life and service of this fine man and dedicated public servant, Paul
Simon, by supporting House Resolution 489.
Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
resolution introduced today to honor the life and legacy of Paul Simon.
I learned with great sadness of his death in December.
Senator Simon epitomized all that is best about Congress. He served
in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and was a distinguished
member in both chambers. His presence was a constant example of the
importance of hard work, discipline, and compassion. Senator Simon
believed that government could serve the people, and serve them in a
positive way. He served his State and his Nation beginning in 1954,
when he entered the Illinois State legislature. His service would
continue until his death as a professor in Illinois, where he shared a
lifetime of wisdom with the leaders of the future.
Senator Simon's season of service would take him to the House of
Representatives, the United States Senate, and the campaign trail as a
candidate for the presidency. His work included fighting against
television violence, working for those without jobs, and trying to
balance the budget. I was pleased to join with him in raising the issue
of gambling's ill effects on families, individuals, and communities. He
was concerned about the welfare not only of Illinois, but of the entire
Nation.
Senator Simon's talents were not limited to Congress. In his
lifetime, he wrote over 20 books and was awarded over 50 honorary
degrees. He was cerebral as well as practical. Senator Simon lived a
life of the mind as well as a life dedicated to enlightening and
lifting up his fellow citizens. After he left the Senate, Paul Simon
returned home, and taught at Southern Illinois University, to impart
his wisdom to the next generation, to enlighten young minds, and to
continue serving his state.
His life was one of constant service in the public interest. Senator
Simon lived many lives in one--editor-publisher, legislator, public
crusader, professor. That he did so much is impressive. That he did it
all so well and so selflessly is inspirational. Congress and the Nation
is a lesser place for his passing, but both were greatly enriched by
his life and his example. Senator Simon will be missed, but through the
lives he touched, the life he lived, and the lives he inspired, he will
not be forgotten.
Our sympathies go to his family and our thanks to them as well for
sharing this remarkable man with us.
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
honoring the late Senator Paul Simon. Certainly, many of us recall his
involvement, his active support for U.S. bilateral assistance to Africa
and his work in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. Today,
however, I want to pay special tribute to the Senator's long time
advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities, HBCUs. As
the chair for the Postsecondary Education Subcommittees in both the
House and the Senate, he lent his unwavering support for these
institutions during reauthorizations of the Higher Education Act of
1965 as well as adding a pivotal endorsement of the creation of an
endowment fund for HBCUs. While Paul Simon is a colleague who will
always be remembered as a supporter of the disadvantaged, he will also
be remembered for his belief that the disadvantaged could be successful
with the right kind of assistance from government programs. Senator
Simon will be sorely missed but we are all better from having known and
worked with him.
Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution to
commemorate my distinguished colleague, Senator Paul Simon. It is with
great sentiment that I rise to honor Paul Simon for his life's
accomplishments.
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet writes, ``How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims
peace, who brings glad tiding of good things, who proclaims salvation,
and who says to Zion, your God reigns.'' Through my personal
experiences in working with Senator Simon, he was I believe, the
epitome of those prophetic words from Isaiah. Paul, a son of a
missionary, was a man who was known for his calm and comforting
demeanor, a man that demonstrated a true testament of peace, and a man
who believed in breaking barriers and shattering prejudices. I am not
telling you what I think, but I am telling you what I know. I had the
privilege to know him professionally and personally. Paul Simon was a
Senator who earned the tremendous respect from all people who knew him.
In my congressional district, he was revered by all. His calm
temperament, his respect for mankind, and his unwavering commitment to
fairness and equality was deeply admired in my community. He was
vigilant in his fight for the struggle to protect and preserve civil
liberties and human rights for all people.
Paul Simon was an icon for many political leaders such as myself and
a ``giant'' in the history of the American democracy. During his tenure
in Congress, Simon was a champion of education and a key advocate for
literacy and lifelong learning. In the Senate, he was the author of the
National Literacy Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities Act, the Job
Training Partnership Act amendments, the 1994 re-authorization of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the direct student loan
program. Senator Simon held numerous influential committee assignments,
including serving as the Chairman of the Senate's Subcommittee on
Africa.
Without question, Mr. Speaker, Paul Simon was one of the most
effective Senators to have served the citizens of Illinois, and the
American people.
Although Senator Simon has been called to answer his new ``heavenly''
assignment, he leaves with us his legacy and principles of nobility
that will never be forgotten.
Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Kline). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 489.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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