[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13304-S13306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM SMITH

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish to take a personal minute to 
share some thoughts and to bid farewell to my chief counsel on the 
Judiciary Committee, William Smith, who is sitting beside me. I know 
the Presiding Officer, the Senator from Georgia, knows Mr. Smith and 
admires him. He has been a great friend and a tremendous asset to this 
Senate. He will be returning to Alabama to practice at one of our 
State's most outstanding and prestigious law firms, Starnes & Atchison. 
Even more importantly, he will return to Alabama, accompanied by his 
soon-to-be bride, Diamond, to whom he will be married in early January.
  But I am going to feel a great loss. The things he has done for me 
are innumerable, including helping us to prepare and pass this great 
act, the PATRIOT Act. Each day we have worked together, William has 
shown an unwavering dedication to his State, to his country, to me, and 
to the values we share. His passion for the law is unmatched, and his 
commitment to the rule of law is unwavering. I trust his judgment, and 
I have relied on him to manage our staff and our issues, confident that 
his work ethic and his ideals are beyond reproach.
  Before joining the Senate, William had a distinguished legal career, 
having served as staff attorney on the Alabama Supreme Court and having 
taught at both Duke University School of Law and the University of 
Southern California School of Law.
  In 2001, he moved to Washington, DC, to be my deputy chief counsel on 
the Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. He became 
my chief counsel the following year.
  When William leaves the Senate at the end of this session, he will 
begin a practice focusing primarily on medical malpractice defense and 
commercial litigation. I have no doubt he will do well in this next 
venture of his life, and I have no doubt his principled approach, work 
ethic, and dedication are going to be difficult for this Senate to 
replace.
  It is obvious my loss will be the State's gain. His presence in 
Washington was all our gain. William's work on the Senate Judiciary 
Committee is almost legendary. The Judiciary Committee takes an 
enormous number and wide variety of complex and sometimes controversial 
issues. It is one of the most demanding committees in the Senate.
  To be successful as an attorney on that committee, you must not only 
be hard working and intelligent, but a public servant who routinely 
works long hours. You must also be a tough negotiator, able to frame 
your arguments in a strong but respectful and intellectually honest 
way. William does all of this with seemingly effortless skill.
  Evidence of William's dedication to and influence on the committee 
and its staff can most clearly be seen by simply looking at what his 
colleagues say about him.
  Ed Haden, my former chief counsel of the Courts Subcommittee and 
currently a lawyer with Balch & Bingham in Birmingham, says:

       William Smith is an example of a man who walks his 
     principles. He is a Christian who lives it. He is a 
     conservative who means it. He is a friend who is there for 
     you. In a legislative body that fosters compromise, he will 
     compromise on details, but not on his principle. How 
     fortunate the United States Senate, the Judiciary Committee, 
     and all of us who have worked for Senator Sessions have been 
     to know and love this man.

  Rita Lari Jochum, chief counsel for Senator Grassley, says this:

       William Smith is a smart lawyer, a shrewd strategist, a 
     dedicated public servant, and an all around great guy. He 
     sticks to his principles and values, and has been a rock 
     solid role model for many of us. The Senate will miss a much 
     respected colleague, and I will miss a true friend. Even 
     though he will no longer be walking the halls of the Capitol, 
     he will not be forgotten.

  Stephen Higgins, chief counsel of the Judiciary Subcommittee on 
Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, chaired by Senator Jon 
Kyl, says this:

       William Smith has an incredible love for this country and a 
     great passion for his job. He is a devoted public servant and 
     a forceful advocate for Senator Sessions.

  Mary Chesser, chief counsel of the Judiciary Subcommittee on 
Corrections and Rehabilitation, chaired by Senator Tom Coburn, says 
this:

       William is a great American, leader, mentor, and friend. 
     His diligent work on the committee constantly inspires his 
     colleagues. I feel honored to have worked with him. He has 
     always represented Senator Sessions and the people of Alabama 
     with impeccable character, wisdom, and insight. He will be 
     missed.

  Chip Roy, senior counsel for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on 
Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, chaired by Senator John 
Cornyn, says this:

       William Smith has served the U.S. Senate admirably and with 
     conviction. He personifies conservativism and the simple idea 
     that there ought to be a limit to what we do here in 
     Washington. While many staffers and members alike, Democrat 
     and Republican, seem to succumb to the misguided notion that 
     more government is better, William stands solidly on his 
     strongly held belief that this simply is not the case. I will 
     miss his strong sense of patriotism and his strong Christian 
     faith, each of which serve as an example for all.

  James Galyean, chief counsel on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime 
and Drugs, chaired by Senator Lindsey Graham, says this:


[[Page S13305]]


       William Smith is a man of sterling character, devout faith, 
     and unwavering integrity. Senator Sessions, Alabama, and the 
     Nation have been well served during his time on the 
     Committee. And while his presence and influence will be 
     missed, we look forward to great things from him in the 
     future.

  And indeed we do.
  Ajit Pai, chief counsel on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the 
Constitution and Civil Rights, chaired by Senator Sam Brownback, says 
this:

       William Smith is a tenacious advocate, a firm defender of 
     principle, and an expert on the many rules of this 
     institution. To me and others fortunate to know him well, he 
     is also known as a good man and a great friend. He leaves the 
     Judiciary Committee with a solid professional and personal 
     record, and I wish him all the best as he makes a well-
     deserved return home.

  Amy Blankenship, legislative counsel to Senator Sam Brownback, says 
this:

       Perhaps William's greatest gift is teaching. He exemplifies 
     the kind of staffer we all want to be--thorough, prepared, 
     and committed. Though some may disagree with his views, no 
     one can question his commitment to uphold the principles he 
     believes in.

  The respect, loyalty, and friendship William has won from his 
colleagues extend well beyond the Senate Judiciary Committee and its 
staff.
  Alan Hanson, my legislative director, says this:

       Exceeding his commitment to the United States and its 
     Constitution, which is indeed great, William Smith is a 
     committed Christian and friend--both of which are in far too 
     short supply in this day and age. His happy departure is the 
     United States Senate's unfortunate loss.

  Steven Duffield of the Senate Republican Policy Committee says this:

       William is a real American who loves his country and 
     cherishes the Constitution. He never hesitates to stick his 
     neck out to defend both.

  Allen Hicks, chief counsel for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, 
says:

       William is an anchor for conservative principles in the 
     midst of shifting political winds. In leadership, we could 
     count on him to represent views on issues clearly and 
     articulately, without hesitation or equivocation. The Senate 
     will miss his candor and his passion, and we wish him and 
     his future bride all the best.

  Ed Corrigan, executive director of the Senate Steering Committee, 
says this:

       William Smith is known on Capitol Hill for his wisdom, 
     cheerful banter, and an unflinching commitment to principle. 
     Even his political adversaries have come to respect and 
     admire him. The Senate will miss William, as will the 
     countless number of us who are fortunate to call him friend.

  John Abegg, legal counsel for Majority Whip Mitch McConnell, whom I 
see on the floor, said:

       I have enjoyed working with William very much. William is a 
     man of high principle. He is devoted to the Constitution and 
     to his country. He is an excellent lawyer, a straight 
     shooter, and a real leader. He will be missed.

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, will the Senator from Alabama yield?
  Mr. SESSIONS. I will be pleased to yield.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I be 
allowed to make an observation rather than ask a question.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, William has many friends in the Senate, 
both Senate staffers and Members of the Senate. I was listening to my 
friend from Alabama discuss William's distinguished career on my 
television monitor, and I decided to come over and make an observation, 
if it is appropriate.
  I remember running into William one time. I said:

       What is your principal duty with Senator Sessions?

  He said:

       Well, it's to keep him from drifting off to the left.

  I say to our friend William: You have done a good job of keeping 
Senator Sessions from drifting off to the left. You have had a 
distinguished run here in the U.S. Senate, and I am sure I am not the 
only Member of the Senate who hopes we will see you again in public 
service some day. I wish you well in your new endeavor.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the Senator from Kentucky for his remarks. So 
many of the Senators whom I have talked to feel the same way. Many have 
come by, Chairman Specter, Senator Domenici, and others to speak to 
William.
  He will be here a few more weeks, but we will be out most of that 
time so this is probably our last time to get together.
  Let me keep reading what William's colleagues have told me about him.
  Wendy Fleming, legislative counsel to Senator David Vitter, says 
this:

       William Smith is truly a great American. He has a 
     tremendous respect for the Constitution and the courage to 
     stand-up for his core values. It was an honor to work for 
     him.

  William Henderson, counsel for Senator Jim Bunning, says this:

       Three of the things Americans cherish the most are God, 
     country, and family. That is as true for William as anyone. 
     Every day he lives his Christian faith. He works with a love 
     of this country and defends the Constitution. Now he is 
     leaving to start a family. William has been a great friend 
     and teacher to me, and I am better for knowing him.

  Chris Jaarda, legislative assistant for Senator John Ensign, says 
this:

       Every American should know the name William Smith and the 
     character that he possesses while working on their behalf. 
     His commitment to principle and respect for the rule of law, 
     is unquestioned. Were William your lawyer, you would be 
     served by a skilled advocate, committed to the highest 
     standard of ethics and professionalism. Were William your 
     judge, you would observe someone with the utmost respect for 
     the Constitution and our laws. Were William your friend, as 
     he is mine and countless others who serve in the Senate, you 
     would be blessed; better for knowing him.

  Chad Groover, counsel to Senator Chuck Grassley, says this:

       William and I came to the Senate Judiciary Committee the 
     same day, April 16, 2001. From that day on, William has been 
     a close friend, mentor, and encourager. His strong Christian 
     faith and unwavering commitment to conservative principles 
     have been an example to me. The American people are truly 
     better off because of William's service. He took to heart the 
     adage that ``the government is best that governs least'' and, 
     consequently, never let a bad bill go unchallenged. William 
     represents the best there is in public service. I'll miss 
     working with him on the Judiciary Committee, but I know that 
     in Alabama he will continue to serve his Country and his 
     Savior with the utmost distinction and fervor.

  Drew Ryan, director of Government Affairs for The American Center for 
Law and Justice, says this;

       William Smith is a man of character, a man of vision, and 
     best of all, a man strong in his faith.

  Tim Chapman, senior congressional liaison and national political 
writer for Townhall.com, says this:

       William Smith's steadfast adherence to conservative 
     principle has been an inspiration to me both personally and 
     professionally. He is a man of character who our organization 
     could always count on to put principle ahead of politics. His 
     absence from the United States Senate and from the Judiciary 
     Committee in particular, will not to without notice.

  It is clear that William has influenced a great number of his 
colleagues and leaves behind a committed group of friends dedicated to 
advancing this great Republic's founding principles of federalism, 
liberty, and democracy. He will undoubtedly be missed by them, as he 
will be missed by me. He has served me and our State faithfully and 
tirelessly and in doing so has served our great Nation immeasurably.
  Let me say I am already looking forward to working with him again 
after he goes back to the great State of Alabama. I have no doubt that 
he will continue to work toward the greater cause of service to his 
fellow man.
  William, we appreciate you. No one has given more to this country. 
From the time you get up in the morning until the time you go to bed at 
night, you are committed to doing the right thing for this country. I 
love you for it. Your friends love you for it. God bless you in your 
future endeavors.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I have been recognized. I notice that 
Senator Harkin is in the Chamber. How much time would the Senator like?
  Mr. HARKIN. About 15 minutes.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, am I recognized?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Mexico is recognized.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, does the Senator from Alaska have a 
question? I understand it is her time to take the chair and preside. I 
ask the Senator if there is something this Senator from New Mexico 
could do for her? What is going on?
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Through the Chair, to the Senator from New Mexico, I 
have about a 3-minute statement.

[[Page S13306]]

If I could have the indulgence of doing that before I serve as the 
Presiding Officer, I would appreciate that from the Senator.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Obviously, we have to get consent because I am next.
  I ask unanimous consent that Senator Murkowski be given 3 minutes at 
this point and then the Senator from New Mexico be recognized for up to 
10 minutes, followed by Senator Harkin. Is that correct, the Senator 
wants to be next after the Senator from New Mexico?
  Mr. HARKIN. Yes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DOMENICI. I thank the Chair. I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.

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