[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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