[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 163 (Friday, December 10, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8781-S8782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS


                             Arlen Specter

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, for five terms, longer than anyone in his 
State's proud history, Arlen Specter has represented the State of 
Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate. Over that time, he distinguished 
himself greatly, from his commendable work on the Judiciary Committee 
to his recent efforts to reestablish legal protections against fraud. 
We saw from the beginning of his Senate service his impressive grasp of 
issues. But as he prepares to leave the Senate, I would like to focus 
on two examples from his time here that I believe speak to his 
formidable character.
  In early 2008, our Nation faced its most daunting economic situation 
in decades. It was clear that private demand in the economy was fading 
in the face of a devastating financial crisis. Economists across the 
political spectrum were convinced that Federal fiscal stimulus was 
desperately needed as part of a strategy to keep recession from turning 
into depression. And yet there was significant doubt as to whether 
Congress could summon the political will to do what was necessary. 
Without at least a handful of Republican supporters in the Senate, the 
desperately needed economic rescue package would not pass.
  At that moment, under immense political pressure, Senator Specter was 
one of just three Republicans willing to vote for the American Recovery 
and Reinvestment Act. Thanks to the foresight of these Senators, 
millions of Americans have jobs today who otherwise would be 
unemployed. We should all be grateful for Senator Specter's 
determination to do what the country needed.
  Senator Specter has faced down more dire circumstances than those 
surrounding the stimulus vote. In 1993, he was diagnosed with a brain 
tumor--one neurosurgeon told him he had just weeks to live. In 2005 and 
again in 2008, he coped with Hodgkin's disease.

[[Page S8782]]

  In each of these cases, Senator Specter not only faced down a deadly 
disease, but he pushed the limits of physical and mental endurance to 
remain deeply engaged in his Senate work. Work, for him, was integral 
to recovery. As he wrote in an inspirational book on his health 
experiences, ``Good health is a precious possession that is often taken 
for granted. The same is true of the time we have been given to 
contribute to the world around us. Poor health may limit our time and 
capacity for achievement, but I firmly believe that vigorous work 
provides the best way to overcome a health challenge.''
  Senator Specter, thank you for the inspiring example of your 
determination. Thank you for a long and productive career in this body, 
a career that has meant much to the Senate, to Pennsylvania, and to the 
Nation.

                          ____________________