[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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