[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BILL HOAGLAND

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, tonight, as we wrapped up our votes on the 
budget, I do want to take a minute to acknowledge someone who everybody 
in this body knows very well, but someone who has worked hard for many 
years behind the scenes--shirt sleeves rolled up, often with a furrowed 
brow. His name: Bill Hoagland, the Senate's undisputed budget guru, and 
my valued budget adviser.
  No one knows the budget better than Bill Hoagland. No one understands 
better the stresses and strains it has undergone as Congress has 
struggled to find ways to control spending.
  Bill has seen this process transform as Congress has added layer upon 
layer of complexity in our ongoing efforts to control deficits. There 
is no greater authority than Bill on how that process began, how it has 
changed, where it is going in the future.
  He has amassed this deep reservoir of knowledge, in part, by being 
scrupulously frank and impeccably honest. Bill will always tell you 
what he thinks, and he does so in a way that is often maybe too open, 
but open and transparent. And never, ever does he have a hidden agenda.
  He provided this service for many years for Senator Domenici when he 
served as the former Budget Committee chairman's staff director. He has 
done it for me since joining my team in the leader's office, and for 
any other Senator who has solicited his views.
  Over the last 3 days, and especially over the course of today--when 
things started to get a little bit tough, when there was a question 
among Senators in their many small meetings, both on the floor and off 
the floor--the most common question was, as things got tough: Where is 
Bill Hoagland? Where is Bill? And indeed, Bill would come, and with his 
experience and with his discipline and with his focus, he would fix it. 
And fix it he did--again and again and again.
  Bill is dedicated, well informed, and honest. He never trims his 
counsel to please the listener. These qualities have been a huge asset, 
an enormous asset, to me as leader. I know when I talk with him, I may 
not always necessarily hear what I want, but I always hear what I 
probably should.
  This is Bill Hoagland's 22nd budget. It is my last. I want to take 
this opportunity to thank the Indiana native for his service to the 
Senate and to the American people.
  Mr. President, 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. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________