[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S11679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THANKING CHAIRMAN STEVENS

  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, I got up here about an hour ago to pay 
homage, to pay tribute to the senior Senator from Missouri, the 
chairman of the VA/HUD Appropriations Committee, for his help in 
finding a way to compensate two young men from Minnesota who have 
suffered great personal tragedy. I must confess to a rookie mistake in 
not recognizing at the same time a person without whose help, approval, 
and guidance this never would have happened, and that, of course, is 
the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Stevens from 
Alaska. I know he was personally involved in this. In fact, he 
commented to me this is one of the worst, most terrible circumstances, 
and we need to address it. He has pledged on a longer term basis, even 
next year, to look at other situations like this so that we do the 
right thing.
  I want to say on the record to my friend, the chairman of the 
Appropriations Committee, how appreciative I am, how thankful I am, how 
grateful I am for all he does, for his guidance in putting together a 
huge package that deals with big things but doesn't forget little 
things. Sometimes the little things are big things. In this case, this 
somewhat little thing--little in the scope of a $388 billion bill, but 
big for two young men who have suffered so much--would not have 
happened without the help and the direction of the chairman of the 
Appropriations Committee. I wanted to make that clear on the record my 
deep appreciation for his big heart, for his guidance and mentorship, 
his concern, and ultimately his ability to get things done.
  I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Chambliss). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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