[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H2211-H2213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATOR PAUL SIMON FEDERAL BUILDING
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
Senate bill (S. 2022) to designate the Federal building located at 250
West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois the ``Senator Paul Simon
Federal Building''.
The Clerk read as follows:
S. 2022
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF FEDERAL BUILDING.
The Federal building located at 250 West Cherry Street in
Carbondale, Illinois shall be known and designated as the
``Senator Paul Simon Federal Building''.
SEC. 2. REFERENCE.
Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper or
other record of the United States to the Federal building
referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to
the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, S. 2022 designates the Federal building located at 250
West Cherry Street in Carbondale, Illinois, as the Senator Paul Simon
Federal Building.
This bill has the bipartisan support of the entire delegation in the
State of Illinois. Although Senator Simon was born in Eugene, Oregon,
he made the State of Illinois his home. Senator Simon's service to his
State ranged from being a budding newspaper editor to public official
to educator.
After attending the University of Oregon and Dana College in
Nebraska, Senator Paul Simon moved to Troy, Illinois, and pursued a
career as newspaper editor and publisher. Having successfully built a
chain of 14 weekly publications, Senator Paul Simon enlisted in the
Army, where he served from 1951 to 1953.
From 1963 until 1973, he was elected to various positions, serving in
the Illinois House of Representatives, the State Senate, and also as
lieutenant governor. He then continued to represent Illinois at the
Federal level. He served in the House of Representatives from 1975
until 1985. Subsequently, Paul Simon ran for, and was elected to, the
United States Senate, where he served until 1997. Senator Simon then
returned to Illinois following his retirement and served as director of
the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University.
He passed away on December 9, 2003.
This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the
State of Illinois and his country. I support this legislation and urge
my colleagues to do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased today that managing the bill for the
minority is the distinguished individual who used to be our ranking
member and then went on to bigger and better things as the ranking
member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello).
Although we are requesting that the Senate version of this bill be
passed under suspension today, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Costello) has been a tireless champion of making sure that the
companion legislation, similar legislation to this, be passed on the
House side. It is my pleasure to be with him today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, first let me thank my good friend, the chairman of the
subcommittee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), for his
cooperation and his friendship and his leadership in bringing this
legislation to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support S. 2022, a bill to designate the
Federal building located at 250 West Cherry Street in Carbondale,
Illinois, as the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building.
S. 2022 was introduced by Senator Durbin and Senator Fitzgerald. I
was honored to sponsor the House companion bill, H.R. 3717, along with
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Johnson), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez),
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel), and the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Kirk) to honor the legacy of the distinguished Senator
from Illinois, Paul Simon.
On December 9, 2003 we lost Senator Paul Simon, a great public
servant and a true and trusted friend. Paul Simon was born in 1928 in
Eugene, Oregon. He attended the University of Oregon and Dana College
in Blair, Nebraska.
{time} 1100
As a 19-year-old teenager, he 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. By 1966, Paul Simon had built
a chain of 13 newspapers in southern and central Illinois, which he
later sold to better be able to concentrate on public service and
writing.
In 1954, Paul was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives,
and in 1962, he was elected to the Illinois State Senate. During his
State legislative career, he earned a reputation for political
integrity and courage. While a member of the Illinois Legislature, he
won the Independent Voters of Illinois ``Best Legislator Award'' every
session. In 1968, Paul Simon was elected Lieutenant Governor of
Illinois and was the first person in the State's history to hold that
post with the Governor of another party.
In 1974, Paul Simon was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
and
[[Page H2212]]
served in this body for 10 years. His legislative skills were put to
use on issue areas including education, disability policy and foreign
affairs. He played a crucial role in establishing the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children.
In 1984, he upset three-term incumbent U.S. Senator Chuck Percy to
win election to the United States Senate. Most recently, Paul Simon
taught political science and journalism at Southern Illinois University
in Carbondale and headed up the Public Policy Institute which he
founded.
Senator Simon was known for exceptional constituent service. His
colleagues appreciated his personal warmth and sense of humor. He was
an exceptional friend who guided and motivated most aspiring public
servants with his dedication and work ethic. His even-handed, balanced
approach to topics and controversial issues earned him friends on both
sides of the aisle.
Paul Simon set a standard for honesty in public life. He was true to
his values, his life and his work. It is truly fitting and proper we
honor the outstanding public career of Senator Paul Simon with this
designation.
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'll never be forgotten.''
Senator Simon was a good man that served our country with honor and
dignity. It is fitting that we honor him by naming the Federal building
in Carbondale, Illinois, after him.
Mr. Speaker, I support S. 2022 and urge my colleagues to join me in
support of this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as
he might consume to another outstanding Member from the State of
Illinois (Mr. LaHood), my friend and classmate.
(Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
LaTourette) for the time.
I rise in support of the bill to name the Federal building in
Carbondale in honor of Paul Simon, S. 2022.
On December 9, 2003, the citizens of Illinois lost one of the true
giants in the storied history of politics in the State of Illinois.
Paul Simon was a leader who transcended political and 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 issues,
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 in the institution in which he served.
When I was first elected to the U.S. House, Paul was the senior
Senator from Illinois, but he took the time to reach out to me so we
could become better acquainted and work on issues of mutual concern to
our State of Illinois. As a leading Member of the Senate, I am sure he
had many better things to do than getting to know a first-term Member
of the House. That is 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 the Public Policy Institute at Southern
Illinois University, he continued to stay in the public eye, and he was
able to carry on an advocacy for many of the issues he held so dear. He
wrote prolifically and on many issues during his time at SIU. He
continued to travel the world to talk about the issues for 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 United States Senate or
in this body, and to this day I am sure Paul Simon's approval numbers
in Illinois are higher than any politician in the State of Illinois.
Paul Simon 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 you really can get ahead through civility,
common courtesy and a respect for opposing viewpoints. That is a far
cry from what many citizens today believe about their elected
representatives. All of us could do this job a little better if we
follow the footsteps of our friend Paul Simon.
I can think of no better tribute to Senator Simon than to name the
Federal building in Carbondale, Illinois, in honor of Senator Paul
Simon. I think it is a fitting tribute.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), my friend.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for
yielding me the time, and I also commend him for his introduction of
this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, in 1994, when Senator Paul Simon announced that he would
not seek a third term in 1996, he said, ``I have an obligation to the
people of Illinois, to the Senate and to myself to leave the Senate
while I am still eager to serve, not after I tire of serving.''
Paul Simon never tired of serving. He was an asset to America. In
1948, when Paul Simon was just 19, he dropped out of college, borrowed
$3,600 and bought a failing weekly newspaper in Troy, a town of 1,500
people across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. He became the
Nation's youngest editor/publisher. Paul Simon would eventually own 14
newspapers, which he sold in 1966.
Paul Simon's political career began with his election to the Illinois
State Legislature in 1954 and culminated with his election to the U.S.
Senate in 1984. During his 14 years in the State legislature, he won
the Independent Voters of Illinois Best Legislator Award every session.
Paul Simon began earning a reputation for political courage and
integrity during his years in the Illinois Legislature. He was chief
sponsor of the State's open meetings law and of legislation creating
the Illinois Arts Council, and he played a leading role in chartering
the State's community college system.
Prior to leaving the U.S. Senate, Paul Simon ranked as Illinois's
senior Senator. In the 104th Congress, he served on the Budget, Labor
and Human Resources, Judiciary, and Indian Affairs Committees. He also
served on the Foreign Relations Committee.
Education and job training laws that he introduced and were enacted
include the National Literacy Act, the School-to-Work Opportunities
Act, the Job Training Partnership Act amendments, several provisions of
the Goals 2000 Act, and the 1994 reauthorization of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act. He was the leading Senate champion of the new
Direct College Loan Program, enacted in 1991 as a pilot program and
expanded in 1993 as a replacement for the Guaranteed Student Loan
Program.
Just weeks after retiring from the Senate in 1997, Paul Simon joined
the faculty of Southern Illinois University. He taught classes in
political science, history and journalism. He was founder and director
of the Public Policy Institute at the Carbondale campus. When the
Institute opened its doors in 1997, Paul Simon said the Institute
promises to find new ways of solving old problems.
Mr. Speaker, the last communication that I had with Senator Simon
came about 2 weeks before he passed, and in that letter he said he had
seen an article in the Chicago Tribune where some of us had been
working on the issue of prisoner re-entry, and he wrote to say, I
commend you and those with you for that kind of work because we really
need to make sure that those at the bottom of the barrel in our society
are dealt appropriately with.
So, Senator Simon, I thank you for all that you meant to all of
America.
I hold lots of town hall meetings, and there are people in Illinois
who think that I copy those after Senator Simon. I can remember going
to them when there were 5, 10 people sometimes
[[Page H2213]]
present, long before I decided to run for public office, and I did try
and model them after Senator Simon.
I support strongly this legislation, urge its passage. There could
not be a more fitting tribute to a greater American and certainly a
great hero of mine.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Rush).
Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend from the State of
Illinois, the sponsor of this legislation, for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed emotions that I stand before the House
today. I say mixed emotions, because one of my emotions is that I am
saddened by the passing of Paul Simon and that he is no longer with us.
He has departed this life. But, Mr. Speaker, I am also very, very
gleeful for the life that he did live.
Paul Simon, to all who knew him, was one of the finest, kindest, and
brightest human beings to have graced the political scene in this
Nation. The former Senator Paul Simon was the only person to have
served in both the Illinois House and Senate and the U.S. House and
Senate. During his tenure in Congress, Senator 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 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, and the Direct Student Loan Program. In addition, Paul
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. In Illinois, we have produced some great Senators,
with Senator Dirksen coming to mind and also Senator Douglas coming to
mind. But Paul Simon certainly stands right in the midst of these two
fine Senators that we have produced in Illinois.
Paul Simon's keen political sense and sharp wit was unparalleled and
admired by everyone who came in contact with him. Mr. Speaker, it is
only fitting today that we pay tribute to him by designating a Federal
building in Carbondale, Illinois, as the Senator Paul Simon Federal
Building. We can do nothing less, Mr. Speaker, than to designate this
Federal building after Paul Simon.
I think that we will be serving his legacy well by making sure that
this legislation passes and that that building, the Federal building in
Carbondale, Illinois, be designated as the Senator Paul Simon Federal
Building.
Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support as a proud original
cosponsor of S. 2022 naming the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building in
Carbondale, Illinois.
This resolution honors the memory and lasting contributions of one
of Illinois' favorite sons--a lifelong mentor, hero and friend of mine.
I was honored to work on Paul Simon's election to the U.S. Senate,
where he made the people of Illinois--and all of America--proud.
Despite winning elections in five different decades, serving his
state and country in many different capacities, his character,
integrity and intelligence are what endure and why Paul Simon remains
one of the most popular figures in the State of Illinois.
Long before they were fashionable, Paul Simon championed civil
rights, campaign finance reform, and making college more affordable.
After his retirement from Congress, his commitment to public service
continued. He spent his remaining days pursuing what he cared about
most--education.
In everything he did, Senator Simon was guided by a deep desire to
help those who most needed a voice. They always knew that Paul Simon
was on their side.
For those of us in Illinois, we can still hear his voice with his
trademark ``How are you today?'' His voice was one that reflected our
values--regardless of party or ideology. He taught many of us that you
can disagree without being disagreeable.
That the State's Attorney General, a member of Congress, and a state
senator worked for Paul Simon reflects how his values and influence
steered many others--regardless of party--toward careers in public
service. His knowledge, insight and guidance remain cherished by those
of us who have attempted to advance his values and ideals.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for this opportunity to recognize
a true hero for many of us in Illinois. We will always remember Paul
Simon and honor his enduring contributions to our State and to this
country. His memory will be a blessing to those who follow in his path.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives will
consider S. 2022, legislation to designate the Federal building located
at 250 West Cherry Street In Carbondale, Illinois as the ``Senator Paul
Simon Federal Building.'' I would like to take this opportunity to
voice my support for this bill and to commemorate the life and work of
my friend and mentor.
A champion of working Illinoisans, Senator Paul Simon dedicated his
life to public service. By the time he decided to run for the United
States Senate in 1984, he had already spent 30 years serving the people
of Illinois as a State Representative, State Senator, Lieutenant
Governor, and a U.S. Representative. During his 12 years in the Senate
he became known as a crusader for fiscal responsibility, affordable
student loans, and against television violence, as well as for his
trademark bowties.
To name a Federal building after Paul Simon is an apt tribute, as his
honesty, integrity, and hard work are an example of government at its
best. Even though he has passed on, all those who aspire to a career in
government can forever look to Senator Paul Simon as a role model for
how to serve one's fellow citizens honorably, ably, and with humility.
Mr. Speaker, the designation outlined in S. 2002 will serve as a
permanent physical reminder of Senator Simon's work on behalf of the
people of Illinois, and a source of comfort and pride for his family
and all who knew him. I urge my colleagues to pass this important
legislation today.
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers, and I
yield back the balance of our time.
Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bass). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 2022.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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