[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 78 (Friday, June 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6006-S6008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REFERRAL OF NOMINATION

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the following 
letter be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:
                                                      U.S. Senate,


                             Select Committee on Intelligence,

                                    Washington, DC, June 15, 2006.
     Hon. Bill Frist,
     Senate Majority Leader,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Leader: On June 15, 2006, the Committee on the 
     Judiciary reported favorably the nomination of Kenneth L. 
     Wainstein to be the Assistant Attorney General for National 
     Security. Pursuant to section 17(b)(1) of S. Res. 400 of the 
     94th Congress (as amended by Section 506(d) of the USA 
     PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, Pub. L. 
     No. 109-177 (Mar. 9, 2006)), I request that the nomination of 
     Mr. Wainstein be referred to the Select Committee on 
     Intelligence for a period not to exceed 20 calendar days.
       Thank you for your attention to this matter.
           Sincerely,
                                                      Pat Roberts,
                                                         Chairman.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I today salute a hero for all 
Americans, a leader for his party, and my friend, Senator Robert Joseph 
Dole.
  This week marks 10 years since Senator Dole retired from this 
Chamber, a day I remember well. Senator Dole left as the longest-
serving Republican leader in Senate history. In fact, the beginning of 
his leadership tenure coincided with my first term in the Senate, 
starting in January 1985.
  Even then, it was clear that Senator Dole was and is not just another 
Senator, but a national fixture in American politics. Author Michael 
Barone, writing in his Almanac of American Politics, has this to say 
about our friend from Kansas:

       Senator Bob Dole is one of the large political figures of 
     our time, in the middle 1990s towering over everyone else in 
     the political landscape, even the president . . . for Bob 
     Dole is not only one of the most successful politicians of 
     the second half of the 20th Century but also one of the most 
     enduring.

  Powerful words about a powerful leader. Many of my colleagues have 
already recounted Senator Dole's extensive political career, his record 
of legislative accomplishment, and his leadership of the Republican 
Party, here in the Senate and as the Republican candidate for both 
President and Vice-President of the United States. Beginning with his 
chairmanship of the Republican National Committee in 1971, Senator Dole 
was a prominent player on the national stage for a quarter-century.
  Senator Dole's heroism on the battlefield is well-known and revered 
by us all as well. In 1945, a young Lieutenant Dole from Russell, KS, 
found himself on the hills of Italy, fighting the Nazis. Suddenly pain 
exploded in his back. Paralyzed by his war injury, Bob Dole spent 4 
years in hospital wards, relearning how to do simple tasks, like button 
his shirt. To this day his right arm remains largely paralyzed.
  I believe the determination and focus Senator Dole must have had to 
recover from that injury explains his success in politics, and with the 
American people. After struggling to regain control of one's body, 
lining up a vote on a difficult bill might be a little less daunting. I 
have heard Senator Dole say before that no honor that has come his way 
has ever surpassed the pride he felt at wearing his country's uniform.
  As a Republican Leader, Bob Dole was about results, not symbolism or 
showmanship. President George H.W. Bush, for instance, cited him as 
instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 
1990. Out of office, he has continued to serve his country, fundraising 
for worthy causes and raising awareness of the dangers of prostate 
cancer.
  Senator Dole is also famous for his dry, Midwestern wit, which has 
lifted many of us here in the Senate in times of despair as well as 
levity. This is a man who, after losing the Republican Presidential 
nomination in 1988, assured an audience that he ``went home and slept 
like a baby. Every couple of hours, I'd wake up and cry.''
  My colleagues and I continue to be graced every day in this chamber 
by the presence of another prominent Senator Dole, the Senator from 
North Carolina. Elizabeth, I wish to express how happy we all are Bob 
has found you, and you have found Bob. You remind us of him every day, 
and we hope that you will tell him how much we all respect and miss 
him, and how pleased we are to honor his service.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, last Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of 
Senator Bob Dole's retirement from the Senate. Bob Dole served the 
people of Kansas and the people of the United States of America as a 
Member of Congress for more than three and a half decades. He was 
outspoken on many issues, but, above all, I will always admire his 
tireless, passionate advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
  The first speech that Bob Dole ever made on the floor of the Senate--
on April 14, 1969--was about the challenges faced by Americans with 
disabilities. That date was the 24th anniversary of the day he was 
gravely wounded in

[[Page S6007]]

World War II. In fact, every year that he was in the Senate, on or 
about April 14, Bob Dole made a statement on the floor about the 
challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. But Bob Dole did 
much more than just talk about expanding access and opportunity for 
people with disabilities. He was an outstanding leader in bringing 
about change for the good.
  Most importantly, I will always be grateful for Senator Bob Dole's 
leadership in helping to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act in 
1990. Both he and I remember the day that it was signed into law as one 
of the proudest in our entire legislative careers.
  It is hard to believe, but it has been nearly 16 years since we 
passed the Americans with Disabilities Act. Just as many predicted, ADA 
has taken its place among the great civil rights laws in our Nation's 
history. Today, the impacts of ADA are all around us. Drive-through 
restaurants have visual displays allowing the deaf and hard of hearing 
to place their orders. Banks have talking ATMs, now, to assist those 
with visual impairments. Cities have installed curb cuts and ramps to 
allow wheelchair users easier access. And on and on. Just as important, 
because of ADA, we have seen an enormous change in attitudes. These 
changes that we see today, that we feel today, would not have been 
possible without the hard work and dedication of Senator Bob Dole in 
working cooperatively to help get the ADA passed.
  On a bipartisan basis, we miss Bob Dole here in this body. But the 
good news is that there is still a Senator Dole in the Senate, and our 
friend Bob has found a richly satisfying life after the Senate. Today, 
he continues to serve the American people in a whole range of voluntary 
capacities, proving President Reagan's dictum that ``you don't have to 
be on the public payroll to be an outstanding public servant.'' I 
salute my good friend, Bob Dole, and I wish him all the best.
  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, of all my colleagues, I suppose that in 
1996 I was the one most hoping that Bob Dole would not retire from the 
Senate. That was because I was doing my best to defeat him in the New 
Hampshire Presidential primary. If I had, Bob had told several friends 
he was ``going back to the Senate.'' Well, Pat Buchanan beat both of us 
by a few percentage points, and Bob beat me. Within a few weeks, I was 
back in Tennessee at a press conference endorsing Bob Dole and 
presenting him with one of my red and black plaid shirts. ``I hope it's 
his last one,'' Bob's friend Howard Baker was heard to mutter, 
referring to my shirt.
  I should have known better. In my first Iowa poll in June of 1995, 
pollster Whit Ayres said, ``Governor, this is the professional 
challenge of my career. The poll says, `Dole 54, Alexander 3, margin of 
error 4 percentage points.''' The end result in the caucuses 6 months 
later was a good deal closer, but Bob Dole won because he had earned 
for himself the unofficial title of ``President of Iowa.'' Iowans liked 
his spare talk, his good humor, his war record, and his middle-America 
brand of politics.
  So did and does the rest of America. Not everyone comes out of a 
Presidential race more admired than when he or she went in. But Bob 
Dole did. He ran three times, the last time securing the Republican 
nomination. And, I would judge, he is even more admired today than he 
was 10 years ago when he retired from the Senate.
  Bob Dole is an emblem of America's greatest generation. He and our 
colleague Elizabeth are together one of our country's most admired 
couples. When we think of him, and of them, we think of what is best 
about public service in America and about our country itself.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, today I honor a great American, a man 
who devoted his life to this nation and to the just principles he 
believed in. Born in Russell, Ks, Robert J. Dole would serve his 
country as a war hero, risking his life for a fellow soldier fighting 
the forces of fascism and Nazism in Italy, as a Senator, a great 
Majority Leader, my party's candidate for Vice President and President 
and today as an active private citizen fighting for veterans and the 
causes in which he believes.
  For his bravery in World War II, Bob Dole received two Purple Hearts 
for his injuries, and the Bronze Star Medal for his attempt to assist a 
downed radio man. Bob Dole served in the House and Senate representing 
his home State of Kansas. In 1971, President Nixon asked him to be the 
Chairman of the Republican National Committee, a post he held for 2 
years. Then in 1976, President Ford selected Bob Dole as his running 
mate for the Republican nomination.
  Recognizing his leadership, Bob Dole rose to the pinnacle of our 
leadership here in the U.S. Senate as the Majority Leader. He was a 
tireless worker and effective champion of conservative principles, a 
strong foreign policy and personal freedom and responsibility.
  One decade ago, Senator Dole resigned his post to devote himself 
fully to his 1996 presidential campaign. As my party's nominee he 
crossed the country running on a platform of lower taxation and 
smaller, more accountable government. Unfortunately, he didn't win, but 
he developed a good working relationship with President Clinton and the 
two leaders have devoted their time and energy to many notable causes 
over the years. Shortly after the 1996 election, President Clinton 
bestowed upon Senator Dole the highest civilian award in Government, 
the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  To those who know him, Senator Dole is a regular comedian. One story 
goes that on the campaign trail in his home state of Kansas, he would 
spend an hour at each stop telling jokes and only 10 minutes talking 
about politics. Senator Dole was always able to demonstrate a quick 
wit, while also showing that he was well grounded in decency.
  Senator Dole continues today to serve the many veterans of World War 
II who fought so valiantly to liberate Europe and defeat the Japanese. 
Most recently, it was his personal dedication and determination to see 
a monument honoring the sacrifice of the World War II veterans that led 
to the construction of the beautiful tribute to selfless service that 
now graces the National Mall.
  I wish Senator Dole and his lovely wife, my colleague, Senator 
Elizabeth Dole, more happy years together and many happy returns to the 
United States Senate.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I was first elected to the Senate in 
1993 in a special election to fill the remainder of Lloyd Bentsen's 
term. Bob Dole, like my predecessor Lloyd Bentsen, is a member of the 
``Greatest Generation'' --the generation of men who never wavered in 
answering the call to duty, fighting in distant lands to protect the 
free world, and returning home to build the greatest Nation on Earth. 
Bob Dole epitomizes the ``Greatest Generation,'' not only for his 
heroic service in battle, but also for what he did when he came home, 
ultimately serving in the U.S. Senate.
  When I first arrived in Washington, Nancy Kassebaum of Kansas was the 
only other female Republican Senator. Fortunately, our leader Bob Dole 
understood the unique and important voice women brought to the Senate. 
He graciously welcomed me from the first day, and I enjoyed working 
with him as he ascended from minority leader to majority leader. He was 
great in both roles, and I appreciate the leadership and support he 
provided in my early days.
  One of my first discussions with Bob was committee assignments. I 
told him I wanted to serve on the Armed Services Committee, as there 
are more military members serving in Texas than any other State. I 
hoped to carry on the great tradition of helping our men and women in 
uniform like so many Texas Senators before me. He understood why this 
committee assignment was important to me and realized the unique 
perspective I would bring to the national discussion. I was the first 
woman to sit on this committee in over 30 years. Today, there are three 
women serving on the Armed Services Committee, including Bob's wife, 
Senator Elizabeth Dole, who was elected after Bob retired from her home 
State of North Carolina.
  On the 10th anniversary of Bob Dole's retirement from the Senate, I 
am proud to honor him for his many accomplishments and tireless service 
to our country. While we all regretted to see him go, we are grateful 
for the legacy he left behind, and I hope we can carry it forward for 
generations to come. He was a giant during his time

[[Page S6008]]

in this institution, and when the history of the Senate is written, I 
am confident that he will be fondly remembered as one of our great 
leaders.
  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, it was just about 10 years ago that Bob Dole 
announced his retirement from the Senate. It was 1996 and the Nation 
was in the midst of an intense campaign for the Presidency. Bob Dole 
had decided to resign his Senate seat for the good of his home State of 
Kansas, his party, and his country. He knew he would have to focus all 
his energies on his campaign for President if he were to be successful, 
so he left Washington to answer another call to serve his country and 
provide a choice to the people of Kansas and the rest of the United 
States when the election was held in November of that year.
  We really shouldn't have been surprised. Answering the call to serve 
his country was nothing new for Bob Dole and he was proud to be able to 
do it. Over his life he had been many things, a legislator, a decorated 
war hero, and a leader both inside and outside of the Senate. Through 
the years, Bob Dole had always answered the call to serve his country 
when he was needed, and I have no doubt that he will continue to do so 
for many years to come.
  It's no secret. Bob Dole has made it clear all his life. You want to 
know and understand him, you must first understand Russell, KS--the 
people who live there and the values and principles they hold dear. By 
coming to know the people of Russell, you understand the philosophy 
that Bob Dole has lived by his entire life. It's a philosophy ard work, 
and of always giving your best to whatever you choose to do. It is a 
reflection of his father's view of the world--``stewers versus doers.'' 
Needless to say, you will always find Bob Dole in the ``doers'' group.
  That is why the story of Bob Dole's life is thoroughly intertwined 
with the story of Russell, KS. For it was when he was growing up in 
Russell that Bob Dole committed himself to the service of God, Country 
and family. They came to become his core values as he learned at a 
young age that there are things worth fighting for and that is what 
drew him to his service in the military.
  Those who have chronicled those difficult years in our history have 
called him part of our greatest generation. Without any regard for 
himself, Bob Dole left everything he called dear behind to face a 
challenge as great as any generation had faced before. Pearl Harbor had 
been attacked and the whole world had taken up arms in a battle against 
an unspeakable evil that had been unleashed upon the world. World War 
II had called him to action and Bob Dole was a young man serving in the 
U.S. Army. He would never be the same again in mind or body. Given the 
circumstances, I don't think anyone would have returned home from the 
battlefields of Europe and the South Pacific and not have been changed 
forever.

  As he bravely fought in the mountains of Italy, he was wounded in 
action, but still he fought on. Then, he was wounded again, this time 
far more seriously. The odds were against him, but he somehow made it 
through those vital first days. He then began what would be a lengthy 
recovery. He had a long stay in the hospital and despite the efforts of 
those who attended him, he had lost the use of an arm.
  When he was released from the hospital, he returned home, and that 
special place of Russell, KS, again reached out to him with open arms 
and provided him with the support he needed to continue to recover from 
the wounds he had suffered on the battlefield. Once again, the bonds 
that tied him to the people of Russell and Kansas became stronger. 
Those bonds helped Bob Dole to regain his strength and begin to plan 
for the future.
  Soon he heard the call to serve again. With the support of the people 
of his home town, he left to work for the people of Kansas in the State 
house and then in the U.S. Congress. His leadership skills were quite 
apparent and he compiled quite a record in the Senate. He progressed 
through the ranks and served his party as minority and then majority 
leader. Every day on the Senate floor, he took a leadership role on a 
wide variety of issues that he knew were important to the people of his 
home State. Through the years he worked to ensure that our American 
values we protected and preserved in all the proceedings of Congress. 
It was a remarkable record of service that continued until that day, 
ten years ago, when he resigned to pursue the call to carry the 
Republican banner for President.
  Although that final political campaign of his was not successful, Bob 
Dole will always be remembered for a lifetime of service to the United 
States. He has received many honors for his service to the United 
States, and for being a part of a noble cause that the greatest 
generation took up for which so many fought and died. He never forgot 
those with whom he served or the needs of our Nation's veterans. In 
fact, it was those ties from so many years ago that led him to join the 
effort to construct a memorial for World War II to recognize those with 
whom he served--especially those who never returned. His leadership in 
that effort resulted in the dedication of a beautiful memorial that 
will stand forever in the shadows of the Lincolm Memorial and the 
Washington Monument on the Mall in our Nation's Capital.
  Today, Bob Dole and his wife Elizabeth continue to be a great team as 
she serves the people of North Carolina with the same care and 
attention that Bob Dole has always provided the people of Kansas.
  Bob Dole has always said that his goal in life was to defend and 
serve the America he learned to love in Russell. I think the record 
shows that he succeeded in that effort and, in so doing, left his mark 
throughout much of the world as he fought in Europe to free the 
oppressed, and, in the Senate, for the principles and values he had 
learned to cherish as a young boy growing up in Russell, KS.

                          ____________________