Congressional Record, Volume 150 Issue 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)

[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H5392-H5400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

{time} 1900
HONORING Doug Bereuter

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). Under the
Speaker's announced policy of January 7, 2003, the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of
the majority leader.

General Leave

Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special
Order.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Nebraska?
There was no objection.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, at this time we would like to honor the
gentleman from Nebraska (Doug Bereuter), who is from the First
Congressional District. I would like to begin the Special Orders by
recognizing the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), who is the
chairman of Committee on Ways and Means and who graciously arranged
this hour for us.

[[Page H5393]]

Mr. THOMAS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) because those of us who came in the 96th
Congress in 1979, and I see my friend and colleague, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lewis), is with us who was a member of that class,
there were 77 of us, both Democrats and Republicans who came. And when
you come in the same class, you then have seniority established
alphabetically.
So you need to understand that from the first day Doug Bereuter was
envied by me for the seniority which he achieved immediately in the
House. However, the years, and it is now 25, Doug and Louise and my
wife, Sharon, and I have gotten to know each other in a way that you
can say that we are colleagues. We professionally deal with a number of
issues, but probably as much as any other person in the House, Doug is
a friend, and I admire him so much.
If you look at his background, rarely is anyone as prepared as he was
to take on the responsibilities as a Member of the House of
Representatives. And then when you look at what he has done and the
manner in which he has done it, I admire him so much for the
professionalism that he has brought to this House. And I know that as
he now decides to go a different way, and Louise leaves her home by the
river and they move into other activities, that Sharon and I will keep
in touch with them because the memories that we have shared will be
renewed as he moves on.
I will conclude, I will tell the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Osborne), by saying this: Republicans have now been in the majority for
a decade. Some of us have been privileged to be able to chair
committees in this great body. I can without refutation say that up to
this point the most well-qualified mind-set approach, Member of the
majority not to be able to be a chairman is Doug Bereuter. It saddens
me. Although he has done a marvelous job in his professional career
here in the House, in a number of committee assignments, I want to
underscore that Doug Bereuter should have been a chairman of a full
committee.
He and I will lament that over drinks in a number of countries over
the next few years as we continue to share our lives in many ways. I am
saddened to see Doug go, but I am not sad because I get to move up one
spot in seniority. I thank the gentleman very much.
Mr. OSBORNE. I thank the gentleman for his comments. I know Mr.
Bereuter appreciates very much those comments as well.
At this time, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from
California (Mrs. Tauscher), and I appreciate her participation in this
Special Order.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of
the finest Members of this institution, Doug Bereuter of Nebraska.
After 26 years of service, Doug is retiring from the House to be the
president of the Asia Foundation, and this body will not be the same
without him.
In his time in the House of Representatives, Madam Speaker, Doug
Bereuter has embodied the best of public service. His commitment to his
constituents and his Nation has never waivered. While staying true to
his values, he has worked across party lines to achieve compromise and
advance sound public policy. He is known all over Capitol Hill as a man
with strong convictions but even stronger commitment to working in a
bipartisan, collegial manner and a dedication to doing good.
Doug Bereuter is a committed internationalist who understands that in
this world of ever increasing globalization, it is essential that our
Nation maintain strong relationships around the world. Doug has
dedicated a significant part of his career to improving international
cooperation, and he is known and respected around the world.
I have had the opportunity to travel with Doug and Louise Bereuter as
a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I have been very impressed
by his knowledge of our European allies and his grasp of the issues the
alliance faces. I have seen the ease with which he relates to foreign
leaders. And I have also seen the grace with which he conducts
diplomacy.
On a very personal note, and I am sure to the great good news to my
colleagues from California, I am pleased to tell you that not only will
Doug and Louise be relocating to the San Francisco Bay area, they are
moving not only to my district but my home town. So I have the blessing
of not losing Doug and Louise completely. Although he has a very
nonpartisan job, I believe that they will enjoy living in my town, and
it is a beautiful place indeed. And we will be very, very blessed to
have them. They will add greatly.
Louise is especially someone I have gained tremendous appreciation
for. She is an artist, a great mom and a great grandmother; and I am
happy to say that we are proud to have Doug Bereuter and Louise
Bereuter moving to California. We are happy to have his service to the
people of Nebraska and our Nation, and I wish him the best of luck.
When he sees the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), he will be
drinking California wine.
I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for hosting us.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments.
At this time I would like to call upon the gentleman from California
(Mr. Lewis), chairman of the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee
on Appropriations.
Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) very much for yielding to me. I must say to the
coach that he has always associated himself with class throughout his
career. I can see he is doing this one more time by handling this
Special Order on behalf of a wonderful Member of the House of
Representatives.
Doug Bereuter is one of the classiest people to have ever served in
this place. As my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas),
suggested, there are few and far between those who have his kind of
class.
The gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and I came to Congress
with Doug. At that point, there were 79 Members in our class as
freshmen; 10 of us remain. And, indeed, as Doug leaves us, all who
remain will remember him for as long as we can possibly maintain
contact.
California is a long ways for some, but it is not very far for
several of us. It is my intention as I visit my grandchildren up north,
to certainly come visit Doug and Louise and remember the times we had
together way back when, several years ago when we arrived here in the
House of Representatives.
Doug Bereuter is one of those classic Members for a number of
reasons, not the least of which is the leadership that he has
demonstrated in the field of foreign affairs. He is a Member of the
House during my service here who has, from at least a Republican
perspective, caused our caucus to focus in a way that recognizes that
we are living in a shrinking world. And it is very, very important in
that arena not to dwell upon partisan politics alone, recognizing that
whoever the Commander in Chief is, whoever the President of the United
States is, as we leave this country we need to speak in one voice on
behalf of country.
In a very special way, he penetrated our caucus in connection with
that understanding. Doug Bereuter is a person who I very much regret
see leaving the House. But as he goes forth on his work on the part of
the Asia Foundation, he will have a special way of communicating there
as well, I am certain.
Doug's impact here in the House of Representatives now will have a
very special impact upon a very important part of the world, as we all
know Southeast Asia is such a significant part of our future.
To my friend, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne), I really
want him to know how much we appreciate his taking this time, this
special effort to pay tribute to our mutual friend. It is a pleasure to
be here with him.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much. I know
Mr. Bereuter will particularly appreciate the gentleman's comments.
At this time, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Tennessee
(Mr. Tanner), who has shown great patience, endurance, who has even
delayed a medical procedure to help us tonight. So we are honored to
have him with us.
Mr. TANNER. I thank the gentleman. I wanted to be here tonight
because I

[[Page H5394]]

think so highly of Doug and Louise Bereuter. I have had the privilege
of traveling with Doug and Louise, Betty and I have for the last 8 or
10 years, to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which is arguably now in
this age of worldwide global terrorism, one of the stronger links that
we have with Europe, one of the most important relationships we have
with respect to international cooperation and international help as it
relates to our foreign policy.
I must tell Members, I know Doug has been a terrific representative
for the people of Nebraska while he has served here in the House, but
he has made an enormous contribution to this country. As my friend, the
gentlewoman California (Mrs. Tauscher), said earlier, his diplomacy and
his ability to relate with legislators, parliamentarians from other
countries around the world, and particularly in the time that I have
been with him in Europe, is something that is going to be sorely,
sorely missed.
We need the cooperation, respect and the help of other countries as
we attempt to lead the world in this war of international terrorism.
Doug Bereuter has made a contribution presently serving as President of
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. And I want to pick up on something the
gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) said. When we go to Europe to the
NATO meetings, Doug does not go as a Republican. I do not go as a
Democrat. We go as American parliamentarians, American Members of
Congress, to try to further our country's interests abroad.
He was a quintessential and is a quintessential salesman, a man who
is respected not so much because they always agree with him or us, but
because he always treats people with the kind of kindness,
understanding, and commitment to their point of view that we expect
them to extend to us. And so I just wanted to come tonight and say
thanks in this formal way to Doug and Louise for their many years of
service to our country and particularly for their leadership within the
European sphere.
He is moving on now to the Asia Foundation, and I would hope and I
know that his service there will be as rewarding and as fruitful to the
country, to his country, to our country as his time serving in Europe
has been.
I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for hosting us
tonight in this tribute to Doug. We appreciate it very much.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much. I
appreciate his comments.
At this time, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Regula), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human
Services and Education of the Committee on Appropriations.
Mr. REGULA. Madam Speaker, I wanted to thank the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Osborne). He is a good neighbor to Doug, and he is doing
a great service to bring and have this Special Order.
I would like to begin my tribute to the service of Doug Bereuter by
quoting a noted Irish statesman and philosopher, Edmund Burke, who
said: ``Your representative owes you not his industry only, but his
judgment; and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to
your opinion.''
This quote reflects the hallmark of Doug Bereuter's service to his
constituents and his country.

{time} 1915

He has brought integrity and leadership to his service in the
Congress and the people of Nebraska have been well-served by his
dedication to effective government.
On a personal note, Mary and I treasure the friendship of Doug and
Louise. We have been with them on their little farm out in Nebraska. It
has been a wonderful relationship to have them as friends over the
years.
It has also been a special privilege to be part of a U.S. delegation
to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly under the very capable leadership of
Doug. I am pleased today to join my colleagues in wishing Doug Godspeed
in his new challenge for service to our Nation.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments
and appreciate his patience in being here this evening. At this time, I
yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).
Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding. I appreciate his taking out this Special Order tonight to
honor our colleague Doug Bereuter, retiring after 26 years of
distinguished service in this body.
I first got to know Doug as a thoughtful and productive Member of the
House Committee on Banking soon after my arrival here, but I soon came
to admire him even more for his knowledge and his involvement in
foreign affairs. He is now completing his 22nd year on the Committee on
International Relations where he chairs the Subcommittee on Europe. He
is in his 10th year of service on the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence where he chairs the Subcommittee on Intelligence Policy
and National Security and serves as vice-chair of the full committee.
For most of his congressional career, Doug has made it his business
to understand the foreign policy challenges facing our country, and he
has made enormous contribution to the House's capacity for and exertion
of international leadership. He has earned the respect of Members on
both sides of the aisle and among his counterparts in other
parliaments. He has been a delegate to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
since 1986. He has led the U.S. delegation since 1995, and he was
elevated to the presidency of the assembly 2 years ago.
Doug represents our country's interests forthrightly and effectively
in international forums, and he is equally skilled in informal
diplomacy, listening well and engaging in candid dialogue, forming ties
of mutual respect with leaders abroad. He has taken a particular
interest in the challenges facing the NATO alliance after the Cold War,
the role of the alliance in conflicts in the Balkans and beyond Europe,
and the collective response to terrorism.
Under his leadership, the Assembly has played an important role in
the eastward expansion of NATO, both in debating the terms of that
expansion and in establishing ties with parliamentarians in the new
member States.
Like others in this body, I have greatly enjoyed and benefited from
my travels with Doug, often with his wife Louise and my wife Lisa, on
parliamentary exchanges, Aspen Institute seminars and NATO Assembly
meetings.
Most recently, we have collaborated in drafting a resolution, H. Res.
642, establishing a commission in the House of Representatives to
assist parliaments in emerging democracies. It is our hope that this
commission might continue the work begun in Eastern Europe by the
Frost-Solomon Commission in the 1990s, working in the Balkans, the
Caucasus and other areas as they develop freely functioning
parliaments.
Madam Speaker, as much as we respect Doug's work, we also admire him
as a colleague and value him as a friend. Doug's a warm and sincere and
genuine person, persistent and determined when he needs to be, but also
cooperative, collaborative, willing to share the limelight and eager to
help others succeed. One measure of Doug's personal qualities and the
loyalty friends feel to him is the longevity of his staff here. Doug's
staff obviously believes in him, and they have served for impressive
periods of time.
Carol Lawrence has served for 26 years, plus 3 years when he was a
State legislator. Robin Evans, 22 years; Jodi Detwiler, 18 years; Susan
Olson, his chief of staff, 17 years, and we know Susan well from her
NATO assembly work; Mike Ennis, 16 years; Alan Feyerherm, 15 years.
That is remarkable. That is a remarkable display of not just staff
longevity but staff loyalty, a kind of personal loyalty that Doug
inspires.
Mr. Speaker, Doug Bereuter has made a distinctive contribution to
this House and to our country. We will miss him here, but we bid him
and Louise farewell in the sure hope that we will have continuing
opportunities to see them and to work with them. We know that Doug's
talents will find a worthy outlet in the presidency of the Asia
Foundation, and we wish him well in that important work.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman and appreciate him
being here this evening. At this time, I yield to the gentleman from

[[Page H5395]]

Florida (Mr. Goss), the chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, who has worked very closely with Mr. Bereuter.
Mr. GOSS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I
want to thank my colleague the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne)
for his generosity and his leadership this evening. It is nice to be
among colleagues talking about such pleasant things. Obviously we are
all honored to rise to honor our friend Doug Bereuter and say good-bye.
I hope it is not good-bye. I think in his new role we will be able to
see more of him in a different capacity, but it is clear that I think
the House feels we are losing a really nice guy and terrific resource.
He has served us well.
I have actually had the pleasure, as most of us have tonight who have
been talking, of working with Doug in a number of capacities. How many
times have we all flown back and forth across the Atlantic with Doug?
How many different airports have we stopped at on that airplane that
sits out there that we sort of groan when we see, thinking how often we
are going to have to stop for gas to get where we are going?
For all those years on the Parliamentary Assembly that he has worked
and taken over the leadership, he has been working hard for the United
States of America's position of a changing world, a changing times, and
it has not been easy as we all know.
He has served as the chief congressional spokesman on NATO issues
during the most difficult debates we had, I think, in Bosnia, Kosovo
and Serbia, and he did it with eloquence and with clarity and a great
amount of patience. Maybe patience should be underscored when we are
talking about the NATO parliamentarians.
Doug certainly diffused a number of disputes that have come up, and I
think from everything from things as easy as the European Security
Defense Initiative, which was relatively calm, to things like handling
Mr. Zhirinovsky, a presidential candidate for Russia who continuously
provokes our delegation with obnoxious effrontery on every occasion,
Doug did an absolutely tireless, fabulous and successful job on behalf
of the United States and this institution, and I think everybody needs
to know that and applaud it.
Doug was rewarded for his efforts by being elected President of NATO
Parliamentary Assembly. I am not sure that is a reward, but he took the
job on and was celebrated for doing it so well, and it is an honor to
have that position. It is also a lot of hard work, and he held that
position at a very hard time, when NATO was admitting more members.
Enlargement was not a subject that came across without controversy, and
I think that now even controversies we hardly even dare breach out-of-
area operations for NATO or things that are actually happening given
what is going on in Afghanistan.
Doug has been there during these critical times, providing leadership
for the delegation, and it is very true to say he has helped direct
NATO's support on the global war on terrorism, something of great
interest to us all.
I am particularly appreciative, of course, in my position, for his
service as the vice-chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence and particularly the chairman of that subcommittee that
tries to link up policy with our national security capabilities. That
is not an easy job. It is unique. It is the only place I know where
that happens, where that work is done, and I single out two issues in
particular where Doug has made a positive impact in the community.
First, he led the community's push to eliminate what we call the
Deutsch Guidelines, the risk avoidance question, the hindrance to the
agent requirement that crippled our ability to recruit productive
assets, and Doug was a tiger on that. When things were passed into law
under his leadership and were not properly effected and executed, he
went back and made it happen, and I take my hat off to him for his
persistence and his vision on that.
Secondly, he has recently been responsible for crafting a
comprehensive legislative package addressing the linguistic needs of
the intelligence community. He and many others on both sides of the
aisle have contributed, but he led the charge and he did it efficiently
and he did it in a short period of time. We just passed an
authorization bill that now provides for language capabilities that are
critical to this country we did not have before.
I am very well aware that language capability is not a front page
story for the New York Times, but it is essential for our collection of
information that our Nation needs to pursue its foreign policy
objectives. Doug took on the task. His recommendations on language
received enthusiastic bipartisan support, and now it is a major
component of a passed authorization bill in the House, and I believe
the Senate will see it the same way.
I guess I would sum up and say, as he ends his tenure on the
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I will say without
equivocation that Doug Bereuter has left the intelligence community
better than he found it through his extensive, conscientious, creative
initiatives, and those are words I would not say casually because those
are things that matter a great deal to me. He has left a positive mark
and left a great improvement for us.
He has also been a great friend and colleague, as everybody is here
to say. I first met Doug and talked about town planning. We had that in
common together. He exposed me to the Niobrara River debate which was a
very vigorous debate, important in his district, and he carried the day
against big odds on that, and he did it with grace and helped out a lot
of us who did not know much about that river to know a lot more
quickly.
It is not a permanent good-bye. We wish Doug and Louise the best, of
course, and I think it is sort of strange. The ultimate irony is that
the man we are celebrating so much tonight for all of his leadership on
the transatlantic and the across Atlantic area interests is also a man
who has huge experience on the Pacific side. So, Doug, as you and
Louise go from the Atlantic to the Pacific, we all wish you well and
Godspeed. We now have another reason to visit San Francisco, which is a
good thing. I would say that you are truly a global man for the global
century ahead. God bless you and good luck.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for his
kind kinds. At this time I yield to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr.
Moore).
Mr. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Osborne) for providing this forum tonight.
We are here tonight to thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) for his distinguished service to our country. Congressman
Doug Bereuter is a gentleman whose congressional service is
characterized by civility, integrity and gentlemanly conduct. I have
never heard any Member of Congress, Republican or Democrat, say an
unkind word about Doug Bereuter. That may be a rarity around here.
Doug has honored this institution of Congress with his service. He
has provided leadership as the President of the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly, which I have had the honor to serve with Doug and work. He
has worked to further the objectives of NATO and strengthen the ties
between each of the Nations who are parties to NATO.
Most importantly, perhaps Doug Bereuter is a good, decent man, and I
am grateful he is my friend. Doug, may you have great success in your
new career. My wife Stephanie and I wish you and Louise the very best.
I again thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) for providing
this forum this evening.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman and appreciate his
kindness in coming down here and waiting. At this time, I yield to the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Gillmor).
Mr. GILLMOR. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I
am going to be brief because there are a number of speakers tonight. I
will enter my full statement in the Record, but I am very pleased to
have the opportunity to pay tribute to a very special Member of this
body who is leaving after 25 years of service.
All of us who serve here know the respect with which Doug is held by
his colleagues here, but what many Members of this body do not know is
how widely known, how respected he is by parliamentarians all across
this globe.
Throughout his 25 years in the House, Doug Bereuter has served on an
exceptionally large number of important committees. He has also held
the gavel as chairman of three different subcommittees. He has played a
lead role

[[Page H5396]]

in the House of Representatives for years, but throughout his 18 years
of service on the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly
and his membership on numerous other congressional exchanges and
international task forces, Congressman Doug Bereuter has become one of
the most experienced voices in congressional debate on international
affairs.
I have had the pleasure of serving with Doug for 10 years on the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly, and my wife Karen and I have had the
opportunity to know both he and his wife Louise very well as a result
of that experience. I think it is an example of the high regard in
which he is held, the fact that he is now serving as the President of
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. He was unanimously elected to that
position by the parliamentarians of the all the NATO countries. NATO
has now grown to 26 countries with the recent expansion.
His important achievements, both in Congress and abroad, will
continue to pay tribute to his esteemed career as an effective
legislator and accomplished diplomat.
His presence in this House will be sorely missed as he has been one
of those Members who has always worked on behalf, not only of the
American people, but also his Nebraska constituency.

{time} 1930

It is a responsibility that he assumes going to the Asia Foundation,
a very large and important institution; but it fits perfectly with his
background, his experiences, his talent, where he will no doubt make a
major contribution. He will be helping not only the United States but
the many Asian countries where the foundation is active.
I wish Congressman Doug Bereuter and his wife, Louise, and his family
the very best of luck in the years to come.
Mr. OSBORNE. Madam Speaker, I would like to say a few words about Mr.
Bereuter, and then I will yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Terry) for the remaining 30 minutes or 25 minutes, whatever we have
left, to manage the last part of the hour.
I would just like to comment on the fact that Doug Bereuter has
served an extraordinarily long period of time here in the House of
Representatives, actually longer than any other Nebraskan has served in
the House. As a matter of fact, it is rumored that he served under
Roosevelt, Teddy Roosevelt, that is, and so his 26-odd years of service
have been greatly appreciated.
Doug represents a very diverse constituency, and he has represented
that constituency very well. This was exemplified by the fact that when
we redistricted in 2000, three of the counties in Doug's district were
going to be allocated to my district, and there was almost a complete
revolt from those three counties. They did not want to leave Doug and
come with me, and so I think one of them managed to stay in Doug's
district.
Doug is a small-town guy, Utica, Nebraska. He is proud of the fact
that he has held over 1,000 town hall meetings. So he has really
maintained close touch with his constituency. Doug carried an extremely
heavy work load here in Congress. He served on the Committee on
Financial Services, Committee on International Relations, chairman of
the Subcommittee on Europe, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, was vice
chairman of the full committee, chairman of the Subcommittee on
Intelligence, Policy and National Security, vice chairman of the
Subcommittee on Terrorism and Homeland Security. So very, very few, if
any, people in Congress served in that large number of committees.
Also he is the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. He has
been prominent in world trade issues and world hunger programs. Doug
attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was a Phi Beta
Kappa. He went to Harvard graduate school and was a faculty member and
guest lecturer at Harvard, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kansas
State University, also in private business, United States Army,
Nebraska State legislature. So there are very few people in Congress
who have had the varied experience and the excellent background that
Doug Bereuter has had.
His past committee memberships, honorary positions are really too
numerous to mention; but the most important thing about Doug, and this
is what I would like to emphasize, it is really not so much what he has
done as how he has done them. Doug has been exceptionally self-
sacrificing, not noisy, abrasive, and certainly not self-serving; and
this has been appreciated by all of his colleagues. And I think this is
an example of why so many people have shown up tonight to speak on his
behalf.
His focus has been on serving the best interest of the country and
his district and not on self-promotion. He has worked very well with
Members of both parties, and I think that probably the finest
compliment that was paid to Doug was paid by Earl Blumenauer, a Member
of the other party, who was not, unfortunately, able to be here because
of an emergency, but Earl said that Doug was one of those people who
were the glue that held this place together. And I guess when you leave
Congress, if somebody can say that about you from the other side of the
aisle, that is an extreme compliment.
So Doug certainly is somebody who has been a healer, somebody who has
pulled people together; and I guess the last thing I would mention to
you that, again, displays Doug's character is the fact that I arrived
here as a 64-year-old freshman who knew a little bit about football and
almost nothing about politics. And Doug and his wife, Louise, had
Nancy, my wife, and myself out to dinner. And he tried to give us the
basics, kind of Congress 101. And so he tried to steer me in the right
direction and was always available, and I guess it is always the mark
of a person's character as to how he treats somebody that can do
nothing for him. Obviously, I had no seniority, was not anyone of any
influence in Congress; and yet his kindness will long be appreciated
and remembered. So Doug was a great influence on me and on this body
and will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I yield the remaining time that we have to the
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), who is also a great friend of
Doug's; and I am honored that he would come down here tonight and
manage the last part of this hour.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentleman from
Nebraska will control the remaining time.
There was no objection.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding the
time, and I do think it honors Doug by us doing this as a team
approach. Certainly, though, you have taken much of the responsibility
for tonight, and thank you for doing that.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman)
for as much time as he may consume.
Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Nebraska for
yielding me this time. I will not repeat many of the comments of my
colleagues talking about specific aspects of Doug's really quite
incredible Congressional career. We all in this body have good days and
bad days, and one of the really bad days for me was awakening to learn
that, I think I was in California then, that Congressman Bereuter of
Nebraska had decided to retire at the end of this term, that somebody
as essential to the work that I was interested in, particularly in
international relations, who conducted himself in such a professional
and thoughtful way, whose approach to every issue, sort of he had his
philosophy and he had his values, but essentially it was a very
meticulous, merit-based analysis of issues and what made the most
sense, and he constantly stood firm and steadfast for the conclusions
he had reached through that kind of an analysis. He did not pigeon-hole
issues. He looked at each one fresh and came to terms with the merits
after a great deal of thought and analysis.
One of the good days in this institution was the day when I learned
he was going to seek and then get the presidency of the Asia
Foundation, a very important organization doing very important work on
the rule of law, human rights, and democracy in Asia and that part of
the world, from Afghanistan to Indonesia, critical countries, large,
important countries, and that Doug would be devoting his professional
career now to this. And I certainly wish him and Louise, whom I am also
very fond of, great success. They will do an organization that has
already made an

[[Page H5397]]

excellent name for itself a great service by giving their efforts to
that organization.
For me, what some of us over here view as the national tragedy of the
1994 elections, which shifted the majority control to the other party
and all of the drama that surrounded that for those of us who had
enjoyed being in the majority and all that went with that status, I got
a consolation prize that I think a lot of my Democratic colleagues did
not get, because I went from being a chairman of a subcommittee on the
Committee on International Relations to being a ranking member of a
subcommittee, the Asia subcommittee, which Doug Bereuter was the
chairman of. And in the 4 years that I was ranking and that he was
chair of that committee, I cannot remember a single issue where I left
any meeting, any markup, any hearing without the greatest respect for
his intellect, for his commitment, for his willingness to work on a
bipartisan way, for the approach which I think is an important one that
has been not always observed as well as it should be, but a tradition
that in this body politics ends at the water's edge. And this is a
gentleman who would never hesitate to work with the minority party or
with minority Members that were willing to work with him in pursuit of
what he saw as the national interest.
He had a number of different accomplishments; many of them have been
touched on. The one that I did not hear mentioned, he played a very key
role in drafting the Hong Kong Policy Act, which placed the issue of
Hong Kong's continuing autonomy after the handover front and center in
terms of our relationship with China. He did incredible work in terms
of trying to deal with the human rights issue in the context of MFN
status for China.
Over and over again, I could take more than enough time as allotted
talking about specific issues and specific accomplishments. I am only
sorry that I did not get to serve on the Committee on International
Relations with him as chairman or, even better, with him as ranking
member of that particular committee. I know he would have done a
wonderful job, but I look forward to continuing to see him and Louise
and to work with him at the time when it is appropriate on issues that
the Asia Foundation will be engaged in, which will be issues that are
very much in our national interest.
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for conducting
this Special Order.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his words of high
praise.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo),
chairman of the Committee on Small Business.
Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It
is a real joy to pay tribute to a person who has been a real role
model, a mentor, and a teacher for the years that I have had the
privilege of representing the people of the 16th Congressional District
of Illinois.
For a long period of time, I served with Doug on the Subcommittee on
Asia and the Pacific on the Committee on International Relations, of
which Doug was the chairman.
In 1999, he invited me to go with him to Hong Kong in December of
that year on an oversight mission to take a look at the result of the
turnover of Hong Kong to Mainland China in the summer of that year, and
I had never been to China before and really did not want to go, but
knowing that Doug Bereuter would be the chairman of that little group
gave me so much of a sense of confidence that, in case we got in
trouble, he could get us out of it.
So we went over there and met with various people in China, including
the Premier; and I recall when we were flying from Shanghai to Beijing,
we encountered a diversion in the weather, and there was a huge dust
storm that was blowing the dirt off the Gobi Desert. And so we just
could not make it to Beijing. And the pilot came on, and he said, We
are going to have to divert to Hohhot Inner Mongolia.
And the only thing I knew about Inner Mongolia was that it is right
next to Outer Mongolia; and as the plane landed, we were given these
reboarding passes that said, ``When in Hohhot, stay at the Inner
Mongolia Hotel,'' which was owned by the Chinese airline. And we looked
at each other, and our small delegation got in this bus. I know it was
very quiet. I had two coats, and they were both stored in the belly of
the airplane, and we rode late at night to this mysterious hotel and
were greeted there in the lobby by so much confusion going on. It was
just absolutely chaos broke loose in the lobby, and a man who was a
complete stranger to our U.S. delegation, probably about eight people
including Members and staff, came over and he said, ``If you give me
your passports, I will get you your room.''
We did not even know who this guy was, except he looked official. And
I looked at Doug, we all looked at each other, took out our passports
and gave them to this complete stranger, who then proceeded to get us
our rooms and took care of that.

{time} 1945

The next 2 days we were trying to find out ways we could get to
Beijing. We thought about planes, trains, and automobiles. There were
several people on that airplane from Israel, and we heard that they got
in a van and drove across the Gobi Desert at night to get to Beijing.
We called the U.S. Consul, and they said no, we do not want a bunch of
Congressmen and their staff riding in a van across the Gobi Desert. It
is a pretty dangerous place.
Eventually the weather cleared up, and we got on the airplane, landed
in Beijing, and what a great opportunity to spend several days with a
person who has such a deep sense of history, a real love of his
country, and who took hours of his time to instruct me on his thoughts
on the changing face of China.
Now, I am the chairman of the American-Chinese Interparliamentary
Exchange and have been there several times subsequent to the 1999 trip
with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). And a year ago in
January, I had an opportunity to lead the largest delegation of Members
of Congress to China. Were it not for the gentleman's insistence that I
go with him to China in 1999, knowing that I had such a desire and
interest in that country, I probably would not be the chairman of this
Interparliamentary Exchange, probably would never have had an
opportunity to open up markets over there and work on areas of human
rights. I can only attribute this to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter).
He is one of the most decent people and kind individuals that I have
met in my entire life. He has never raised his voice, always with a
smile, and a sense of knowing that not only have the people of his
congressional district been well served, brilliantly served by a truly
dedicated public servant, but the people of America as a whole have
been served by this outstanding individual.
It is retirement from Congress but not from life, and that is the
good news. We look forward to working with the gentleman. I am excited
about the possibilities of being the chairman of the American-Chinese
Interparliamentary Exchange and to have the opportunity in the future
to work with the gentleman and to continue to be his student.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Manzullo), and I yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Lampson).
Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to rise to salute my
colleague, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), on a quarter
century of service to this body and particularly to thank him for the
opportunity to bring an issue that was so close to me, international
parental abduction, to the attention of our NATO counterparts.
I remember meeting the gentleman for the first time on one of our
bipartisan retreats just a couple of months after I came into the House
of Representatives. We were on that train that we have taken a number
of times; and Doug and his wife, Louise, came up to me and my wife,
Susan, and carried on a conversation. He suggested that I look into his
involvement with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I was aware of it,
but it was at his invitation that I requested to become a member. I
have been honored to attend many of the meetings in the last 6 years
and speak at the Assembly's European meetings and to serve as a
committee vice-chair.

[[Page H5398]]

My participation would not have been possible without Doug's support.
He reached over the magic aisle that runs through the middle of the
room and reached out to me with the same kind of encouragement that he
gave to every one of the delegates, regardless of party. Like one of my
district predecessors, Jack Brooks, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) as chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly displayed a
strong belief in the collaborative values that the assembly stands for.
He generates that belief among fellow Members of Congress.
In 2001, I was very proud to cosponsor legislation that he introduced
to enlarge NATO as articulated by our current and past Presidents.
Beyond his leadership in our delegation, the gentleman from Nebraska
(Mr. Bereuter) served as both vice president and president of the
Parliamentary Assembly representing the United States of America
admirably in both rolls.
Madam Speaker, I will certainly miss the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) and Louise when we had an opportunity of being with them, and
the gentleman particularly as a Member of Congress. His efforts here
will inspire future Members to reach across the aisle and across
national boundaries to fix problems that demand collaborative
solutions. I wish him a fond farewell from this Chamber, and I know
that our appreciation of his service will continue long after he leaves
this body.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Ehlers), my very professorial friend, for his comments.
Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I have been in Congress almost 10\1/2\
years, and I have enjoyed the friendship of the gentleman from Nebraska
(Mr. Bereuter) almost that entire time. I have always been extremely
impressed with him. He is a very fine person.
Approximately a decade ago, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) pulled me aside in his role as leader of the congressional
delegation to NATO. He explained to me what the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly was, explained to me that Europeans all had scientists serving
on the Science Committee, but no one from the U.S. did. He asked me to
serve since I am a physicist by training. I acquiesced rather
reluctantly because it seemed like a huge assignment as a brand-new
Member of Congress, but it has given me an opportunity to come to know
Doug and Louise much better.
I would like to talk about the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter)
as a diplomat. He is a consummate diplomat. He is patient, with a calm
demeanor. He is always polite, no matter what point of view he is being
forced to listen to. He is a careful listener. He is a good negotiator,
and a decent person, a man of integrity. All of these are hallmarks of
a good diplomat. Doug has served not only Congress but our Nation well
as a diplomat in his position of serving and leading the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly delegation from the United States. It has been a
pleasure to serve with him and to learn from him in that role.

His wife, Louise, is also a good diplomat in the many contacts she
has had to make over the years with Members and their spouses, but also
with members and spouses from other countries, and she has handled this
role with grace, tact, and great care.
Also, I have been impressed with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) as a legislator. He has done such good work in so many
different areas but above all in international relations. Frankly, my
heart is broken that he is leaving us, because I was looking forward to
the day he would become chairman of the Committee on International
Relations, and I knew he would be a superb chairman.
I would also like to mention Doug as a friend. He has been a good
friend to me, a confidante and an adviser. I could not have had a
better friend and confidante to discuss issues with. He always had wise
advice and helpful comments to make when I discussed with him the
problems I was having on the Science Committee, particularly in dealing
with recalcitrant members from other countries who seemed to enjoy
making trouble more than making progress.
With his help, I was able to serve 4 years as a rappateur on the
Science Committee. The rappateur controls all reports which come before
the committee, in fact has to write most of them, and I am currently
vice chairman of the Science Committee of the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly and was asked to serve as president and declined with some
regret simply because of my heavy workload in the Congress.
I am very pleased that Doug has finally achieved the job of his
dreams, to serve in this new position. He is a perfect fit for the job,
and the job is a perfect fit for him. I certainly want to wish him and
Louise well as they leave this area and move to San Francisco to take
up this new position. We hate to see you go, Doug and Louise; but we
certainly wish you well and we know you will do well as well.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I yield at this time to my classmate and
good friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).
Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, many of us here in the House of
Representatives woke up one day and said, say it is not so, Doug. We
did not want to see him go. For many Members here, it was hard to
understand how someone who did the job so well would want to leave
voluntarily, but he has so much to give and will continue to give. I
have worked with him on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence,
others on the Committee on International Relations. We all think he
would be an outstanding committee chairman, and one of the things we
lament is he is leaving before he gets to serve in that way.
Most recently, I worked with the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter) on efforts to improve the proficiency of Americans in foreign
languages. I must say, it was a delightful and very productive
experience working with him on that issue.
The House will be diminished by his departure. There are very, very
few people like the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) here. He is
industrious, he is astute, he is judicious, he is well informed. He has
a very broad perspective, and I mean that geographically, historically,
and ideologically. By that I mean he is not ideologically entrenched.
Sure, he has solid values and is a person with integrity, but he can
work with others. A word that comes to mind is collegial. He is not
self-serving. He is about serving others, his constituents, and, yes,
other Members of the House, junior and senior Members. He is
considerate. In every respect, in every circumstance, in every forum, I
have seen nothing but the utmost consideration from the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). In fact, I would say he is truly wise because
he understands that kindness is the greatest wisdom.
We all wish the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and his wife,
Louise, well. It is the gain of the Asia Foundation. I am sure he will
contribute a great deal there, and I am here to join my colleagues to
say thank you, Doug, for your service to us, to the House, to your
constituents, and to America at large.
Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman coming down here
to speak.
Frankly, this is my 6th year, and we have seen classmates come and
go; but I do not know if I have seen a Member so balanced between
Republicans and Democrats. Members have used words like collegial,
diplomatic, intellectual, considerate, and friend when talking about
the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). And the fact is that we
have already used up one full hour, and I too will miss the gentleman
from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). What I will miss about Doug leaving this
body is not only his friendship and his steady leadership and his
counsel, but his quiet sense of humor, too.
I remember the only time in 6 years of serving with the gentleman I
heard him, and it struck me as odd because he almost spoke ill of
someone, there is a gentleman who has a particular reputation for
harshness when he speaks, and Doug was speaking to me and then said,
Wait, I want to listen to this person because he sometimes is a little
too partisan when he speaks. I want to hear what he says.

{time} 2000

That is as bad as he has ever said about anyone in this body, which
is really rare.
Let me talk about the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) as just
a person, because he was elected in 1978

[[Page H5399]]

at the age of 39. He and Louise had two elementary schoolchildren,
boys, Kirk and Eric.
Madam Speaker, I will submit the rest of my statement in the Record.

Doug Bereuter has two sons, Kirk and Eric, one daughter-in-
law, and a grandson, Ethan.
Elected to Congress in November of 1978 at the age of 39,
Doug has served in the U.S. House of Representatives longer
than any citizen of the Cornhusker State.
He's won every election with at least 60 percent of the
vote. Last election he pulled in 85 percent of the vote.

During my first term here in the House of Representatives, I was
lucky enough to have two of the most respected members of this body as
my seniors in the Nebraska House Delegation. Bill Barrett, who has
since retired, and the man we're here to honor today, Doug Bereuter.
I know everything that goes into moving a young family from Nebraska
to Washington, DC. I did it myself after my first election. Granted,
even though we made our move almost two decades later, it was still not
easy. Eventually, my family and I left Virginia to go back to our home
state of Nebraska, and I travel back and forth every week.
But this was not always an option. When Doug, Louise and his
elementary school-aged boys got in the car and drove to Washington, the
world was a different place. The options were limited to (a) move your
entire family to D.C. or (b) go for weeks without seeing your loved
ones.
One thing I've always liked about Doug and Louise is that, even
though they chose option (a), they never left Nebraska behind. In 26
years, Doug has always been a true Nebraskan.
Those first years, there wasn't the direct flight from D.C. to
Nebraska like there is now. Depending on the time of day, it's possible
to be in our state in just a few hours. Doug, during his first years in
Congress, spent many nights on the floor of O'Hare, thanks to the
weather, to make the trip to Nebraska and back.
But he always did it, because that was what was required of him.
Sometimes, those sleepless nights in Chicago were trips back for one
of his many, many town hall meetings. These are meetings that we all
do. Doug would do between 30 and 45 town hall meetings a year. For over
a quarter of a century. Just the thought of how many people he talked
with, argued with, laughed with at these meetings is amazing.
Through the years, he was also able to get to know the towns and
cities in his district very well. Not surprisingly, he always knows
where to get good ice cream after a town hall meeting.
Speaking of snacks, I'm not sure if everyone knows that Congressman
Bereuter loves popcorn, exactly as a good Cornhusker should. While my
friend and colleague may never be known as a chef, he knows how to make
popcorn.
Nebraskans have watched Doug's family grow up in their annual
Christmas card, which always included a recipe and a drawing or picture
by a family member.
They are a part of Nebraska, just as much as they would be had they
grown up in Lincoln, Utica, or Oakland, Nebraska. His sons looked for
and found jobs in Nebraska. In this quarter of a century, Doug's office
has always been a little bit of home-away-from-home here in D.C.
I would also like to take a moment to compliment his staff. They are
proud of the fact that even when a non-Nebraskan takes a job in their
office, within a week they have them saying ``You bet'' and referring
to ``pop'' instead of soda. It's little things like that which keeps
the office in touch with Nebraska.
And they are loyal. Carol Lawrence, his press secretary, who is a
wonderful person and has helped my office out on numerous occasions,
has been with Doug since 1974, the same year my press secretary was
born!
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I want to pay tribute today
to a colleague and good friend who will be leaving the House when the
108th Congress adjourns, Representative Doug Bereuter.
Doug brings to a close an impressive career working for Nebraska. For
26 years Doug has been a strong advocate for the First Congressional
District as well as a respected advocate on foreign affairs and
intelligence issues, especially his efforts on the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly. On these crucial issues he has consistently set partisanship
aside, rolled up his sleeves and gotten the work done.
Not only does he retire as Nebraska's longest-serving member of the
House, he has the third-longest service in Congress. He has a
bipartisan record and close relationship with is constituents--nurtured
at more than 900 town hall meetings. His constituents kept sending him
back to Washington because he could be counted on to do what was right.
Doug will next head The Asia Foundation as its new president. His
leadership on the House International Relations Committee has well-
prepared him for this challenging assignment. He brings precisely the
right mix of qualifications: seasoned judgment, policy expertise,
management acumen and well-developed rapport with key Asian leaders.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to join my colleagues in wishing only the
best for Doug and Louise as they move on to the next chapter in their
lives.
Mrs. TAUSCHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of
the finest members of this institution, Doug Bereuter of Nebraska.
After 26 years of service Doug is retiring from the House to be
President of the Asia Foundation, and this body will not be the same
without him.
In his time in the House of Representatives, Madam Speaker, Doug
Bereuter has embodied the best of pubic service. His commitment to his
constituents and his Nation has never waivered. While staying true to
his values, he has worked across party lines to achieve compromise and
advance sound public policy. He is known on Capitol Hill as a man with
strong convictions but an even stronger commitment to working in a
bipartisan, collegial manner and a dedication to doing good.
Doug Bereuter is a committed internationalist who understands that in
this world of ever increasing globalization it is essential that our
Nation maintain strong relationships around the world. Doug has
dedicated a significant part of his career to improving international
cooperation and he is know and respected around the world.
I have had the opportunity to travel with Doug as a member of the
NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I have been impressed by his knowledge of
our European allies and his grasp of the issues the alliance faces. I
have seen the ease with which he related to foreign leaders. And I have
seen the grace with which he conducts diplomacy.
On a personal note, Madam Speaker, I am pleased that Doug and his
wife Louise will be relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area and that
they will live in my district. I hope to see them regularly and
continue to benefit from their kindness and wisdom.
I am grateful that Doug Bereuter has given so much of his life to the
people of Nebraska and to this Nation. I wish him the best of luck as
he leaves Congress and begins the next chapter of his life.
Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in
honoring Doug Bereuter and commending the 13 terms he has served in the
House of Representatives. I have had the privilege of working with
Congressman Bereuter on the Financial Services Committee and the
International Relations Committee for a number of years now. As we have
heard today, he is a highly esteemed and respected member of these
committees.
Congressman Bereuter has been one of the House's resident experts on
foreign policy matters--especially in Asia. I had the privilege of
serving on the Asia Subcommittee when Congressman Bereuter served as
its Chairman and worked with him to strengthen U.S. ties with our
allies in Asia. Congressman Bereuter and I also had a chance to travel
to Asia together during this time.
As this House knows, Congressman Bereuter's interest in foreign
affairs has not been confined to Asian nations. He plays an active role
in European parliamentary exchanges and serves as Chairman of the
European Subcommittee with distinction. As President of the NATO
Parliamentary Assembly, Congressman Bereuter has highlighted the
importance of establishing strong transatlantic relationships and the
role of sustained and meaningful dialogue between the United States and
Europe in achieving those goals. He worked diligently to include
nations like Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia,
and Slovenia in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Congressman
Bereuter and I have been encouraging greater involvement by NATO
partners in promoting security in Afghanistan.
Congressman Bereuter has also proved himself to be an expert on
intelligence matters. As Chairman of the Intelligence Policy and
National Security Subcommittee and Vice Chairman of the Terrorism and
Homeland Security Subcommittee, he has led careful oversight of the
transformation of U.S. intelligence agencies after September 11th. He
has worked hard to improve the organization and operation of the
intelligence community, enhance their language education and training,
and improve the coordination of the Federal Government in identifying
and responding to weak or failing countries that endanger international
security or stability.
I have long respected Doug's thoughtful and attentive manner and his
focus on substance rather than rhetoric. When he spoke, people
listened. This House will undoubtedly miss his presence and work.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
distinguished career of Representative Doug Bereuter. The people of
Nebraska's First District wisely voted

[[Page H5400]]

Mr. Bereuter into the House of Representatives in November of 1978, the
same year I was first elected to this chamber. As a member of the same
freshman class I got to know Representative Bereuter during those weeks
preceding our first terms. Over that period, and in the years since, I
have found Congressman Bereuter to be a consummate professional and a
remarkable representative for the people of Nebraska.
He is the quintessential public servant, having served as an officer
in the United States Army, as well as various capacities within
Nebraska's State government, including service as a State Senator,
prior to his election to Congress.
Mr. Bereuter has announced his retirement effective at the end of
the 108th Congress. During his distinguished career, Mr. Bereuter has
left his mark in the halls of Congress. I know that Congressman
Bereuter will be missed in this body for the integrity with which he
dealt with each person he came across during his tenure.
Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in congratulating Congressman
Bereuter on a job well done. The people of Nebraska have been well
served for the past twenty-six years. He has served with distinction,
and will retire with the respect of his peers. Congratulations and best
wishes for a long and prosperous retirement, Congressman Bereuter.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a good friend and
outstanding public servant, Congressman Doug Bereuter.
I have become familiar with Doug and his work having served as a
member of the U.S. House delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly,
which he chairs. I have participated in numerous congressional
delegations abroad which he has led and was always impressed with his
knowledge of world affairs and his determination to increase
understanding among NATO partners.
Doug also has been a tireless advocate for his Cornhusker State
constituents during his twenty-six year House tenure. He has served
longer than any other Nebraskan, during which time he has penned many
laws to help his diverse constituency, including ones to promote his
state's agricultural exports, improve health care and child welfare,
end international hunger, and protect Native Americans.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to call Doug Bereuter a friend and
colleague. His constituents and our country are losing an honorable and
dedicated public servant, the likes of which bring credit to this
hallowed institution in which we are so fortunate to serve. I wish him
and his wife, Louise, health and happiness in their future endeavors.
Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I am honored to participate in this special
order recognizing the many years of dedicated service to the 1st
District of Nebraska and to our country by our good friend and
colleague, Doug Bereuter.
Doug is one of the hardest working, dedicated and principled Members
to serve in this House. In his quiet way, he has successfully worked to
bring about significant reforms and accomplishments in many areas.
Through it all, he has done so with the highest moral character,
unquestioned integrity, and has been true to his convictions. Doug has
been an example to us all by working in an effective and bipartisan
manner, more interested in policy and legislation than scoring
political points. He considers each issue on the merits and isn't
afraid to follow his own convictions and do what he believes is right.
If Doug proposes a legislative initiative, you can count on it being
well-considered and carefully thought out.
Perhaps his strength of character and principled behavior comes from
his Midwestern Nebraska roots that go back five generations. He has
served Nebraska and his constituents well, never losing sight of the
special needs and concerns of his district. Doug has been a leader in
many varied initiatives that have benefited his constituents and the
country. He has been active in promoting a national trail program that
improves the quality of life for all Americans. As a colleague on the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I know he has been
diligent in tending to the various transportation needs of his
district. While not a Member of the Agriculture Committee, he
nonetheless has been active in promoting proposals to aid farmers.
Just this year, the Financial Services Committee and the House have
acted on other initiatives he has spearheaded for many years, including
flood insurance reform and home loan guarantee programs.
Perhaps the area for which Doug has become most recognized here in
the House and, literally, around the world is that of foreign affairs.
He is recognized as one of the hardest working members of the
International Relations Committee and has served admirably as Chairman
of the Asian Subcommittee and the Europe Subcommittee.

For many years he was the Chairman of the House delegation to the
British American Parliamentary Group and remains an active member
today. He is currently Chairman of the U.S. House Delegation to the
NATO Parliamentary Assembly as well as President of the NATO PA itself,
positions that require countless hours of work and effort on a
continuing basis. He is a co-founder of the Congressional-Executive
Commission on China that was essential in winning permanent normal
trade relations with China while ensuring that we continue to monitor
human rights, guard against prison labor exports and put in place other
related safeguards. The many other boards, commissions and task forces
he has served on over the years are too numerous a to mention.
While I regret Doug leaving the House, he is undoubtedly well suited
for his next position as president of The Asia Foundation. He is keenly
aware of the increasingly important role of Asia and in the benefit to
Asia and to the U.S. in helping to encourage growth and prosperity from
within the region. The goal of the Asian Foundation is the
``development of a peaceful, prosperous, and open Asia-Pacific
region.'' It accomplishes this through supporting programs that help
improve governance, economic reform and development, increased
participation of women, and other internal reforms. I know all of these
are principles that Doug shares, and he will provide strong and steady
guidance to the organization.
I would be remiss if I didn't note another important ingredient to
Doug's--success--lovely wife Louise. An accomplished artist and
musician, Louise has been a loyal and steadfast partner as Doug has
faced his many responsibilities. I will long remember one night on a
recent BAPG trip to Ditchley Park outside Oxford. Louise played one
song after another on the piano as the rest of us struggled to sing
along. I'm afraid our vocal abilities were no match for her musical
skills. But it was a lot of fun, and that is how I will always think of
Doug and Louise--good and decent people who know how to enjoy life.
So I wish them well as they move to San Francisco and begin this new
phase of their life together. Doug can be proud of his service here in
the House, an I am proud to have served with him and to consider him a
friend.

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