[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 161 (Thursday, December 13, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8032-S8034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS


                              Kent Conrad

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, with the close of the 112th Congress, the 
Senate will lose its most determined champion of fiscal prudence and 
balance, Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota. Senator Conrad is best 
known nationally for his leadership as chairman of the Committee on the 
Budget.
  Again, that committee has limited legislative power, but that did not 
stop Senator Conrad from using that committee relentlessly for fiscal 
restraint, for honest budgeting. As we all know, he has spent countless 
hours on the floor educating, exhorting Senators on budget issues, 
driving home his points by displaying a seemingly endless array of 
charts and graphs.
  Indeed, I would note in 2001, the Committee on Rules and 
Administration assigned Senator Conrad his own printing equipment 
because he was producing more charts than all his colleagues combined. 
The other day, we had this so-called Secret Santa that Senator Franken 
had established, where we draw names out of a hat and we exchange these 
little gifts. You never know who is going to give you a gift. You know 
to whom you are giving, but you do not know who is giving you a gift. 
It turned out my gift giver was Senator Conrad.
  So I got a nice little book. But most importantly, I got three 
charts. They were charts from the 2008 farm bill we both worked on, and 
of which I was chairman at that time. I thought that was a great gift, 
both to get some of his charts but the charts pertaining to a major 
piece of legislation on which both he and I had worked very closely. We 
have been long-time colleagues on the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition and Forestry. He joined that committee as a freshman Senator 
in 1987, just 2 years after I got here in 1985. We were in the midst of 
the worst economic crisis in the farm sector since the Great 
Depression.
  Senator Conrad left a major imprint on the Agricultural Credit Act of 
1987, advocating strongly for measures to help farm families and rural 
committees persevere through circumstances beyond their control, to 
preserve a family farm system of agriculture as well as to preserve 
small towns, the fabric of rural America. Over the years Senator Conrad 
has been a key advocate in enacting major drought relief bills and 
other disaster assistance.
  He has consistently fought for effective programs to protect and 
enhance farm income through the farm commodity programs and crop 
insurance. For many years we have been allies in advancing farm bill 
initiatives to promote renewable energy production on farms and in 
rural communities.
  Let no one doubt that Senator Conrad has always been a relentless, 
fierce advocate for the interests of his constituents in North Dakota. 
I know Kent is very proud of a framed resolution presented to him by 
his State's Standing Rock Sioux tribe. It bears his honorary Sioux 
name, Namni Sni, which translates as ``never turns back.'' I think that 
describes Kent Conrad. He never turns back.
  Kent Conrad and I are proud of our shared roots in the upper Midwest. 
He has been an outstanding Senator, a good friend for more than two and 
one-half decades in this body.
  I join with the entire Senate family in wishing Kent and Lucy all the 
best in the years ahead.


                               Dick Lugar

  In these closing weeks of the 112th Congress, the Senate is saying 
farewell to a number of retiring colleagues. One of our most poignant 
farewells is to a Member respected and esteemed on both sides of the 
aisle. I speak of Senator Dick Lugar of Indiana.
  He is a friend, a fellow Midwesterner. But to all of us, he is much 
more. Dick Lugar is truly a Senator's Senator. He epitomizes the very 
best in this institution, and it is a sad commentary on the state of 
our Nation's politics that the main reason why Senator Lugar is leaving 
the Senate is because his primary opponent attacked him for the very 
qualities we admire and need here: his readiness to forge fair and 
honorable compromises, his insistence on putting country ahead of party 
or ideology, his enormous decency and civility.
  As we all know, Senator Lugar has been the Senate's most passionate 
and effective advocate of arms control and nuclear nonproliferation. 
The program he created with former Senator Sam Nunn has assisted Russia 
and other countries of the former Soviet Union to secure and dispose of 
their weapons of mass destruction. What an amazing accomplishment by 
Senator Lugar. I also want to salute Senator Lugar's record of 
principled, conscientious leadership on the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry, including as chairman from 1995 to 2001.
  He is a key author of landmark measures strengthening Federal 
agricultural conservation policies and programs, particularly in the 
1985 farm bill and succeeding farm bills.
  He has been instrumental in strengthening--and in fighting for at 
critical junctures--Federal nutrition assistance, including school 
lunch, breakfast, and other child nutrition programs through the 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and through support for food 
banks and other emergency food assistance. Dick Lugar has also been an 
outstanding leader in enacting Federal initiatives to research, 
develop, and market farm and forest commodities by converting them to 
energy and bio-based products.
  For me, it has been a great honor to be Senator Lugar's friend and 
colleague for 36 years and to serve all of that time with him on the 
Agriculture Committee. Our friendship, of course, will continue, but I 
will miss, as we all will, Senator Lugar's calm, positive, always 
constructive influence on this body. Across 36 years of distinguished 
service, this Senator and statesman has faithfully served the people of 
Indiana and the United States. There is no doubt that he will pursue 
new avenues of public service in retirement.
  So I will miss his day-to-day friendship and his counsel in the 
Senate. I wish Dick and his wonderful wife Char all the best in the 
years ahead.


                              Daniel Akaka

  Mr. President, we are bidding farewell to one of our most respected 
and beloved Members, Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii or, as we all know 
him, ``Danny.''
  With his retirement, our friend is bringing to a close a remarkable 
and distinguished career in public service spanning nearly seven 
decades. Having witnessed, as a 17-year-old boy, the Japanese attack on 
Pearl Harbor, he took a civilian job with the Army Corps of Engineers 
before joining the U.S. Army in 1945. We honor him, along with his 
senior colleague from Hawaii, Senator Inouye, and Senator Lautenberg, 
as the only veterans of World War II still serving in the Senate.
  Not surprisingly, Senator Akaka has been a leader on veterans issues. 
He served as chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs in the 
110th and 111th Congresses, and he remained active on that committee 
despite relinquishing his chairmanship in the current Congress in order 
to chair the Committee on Indian Affairs.
  We will not soon forget Senator Akaka's retort when another Senator 
was holding up a package of veterans benefits, demanding that the costs 
of the veterans benefits be offset.

[[Page S8033]]

  Senator Akaka calmly, very deliberately argued that the costs did not 
need to be offset, stating:

       The price has already been paid, many times over, by the 
     service of the brave men and women who wore our Nation's 
     uniform.

  Needless to say, Senator Akaka carried the day.
  Senator Akaka has played a leading role in demanding improvements in 
the handling of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain 
injuries sustained by service men and women. In 2009, he joined with 
Senator Inouye in securing compensation for Filipino veterans of World 
War II who fought for the United States.
  Senator Akaka is the only ethnic, Native Hawaiian to serve in this 
body. Throughout his congressional career, including 4 years in the 
House and 22 years in the Senate, he has been a determined and 
impassioned advocate for the people of his State of Hawaii. He has 
fought for legislation that would grant Federal recognition to ethnic 
Native Hawaiians, the same recognition we have granted to American 
Indians and Native Alaskans.
  In 1993, President Clinton signed a resolution sponsored by Senator 
Akaka officially apologizing on behalf of the U.S. Government for 
overthrowing Hawaii's last monarch a century earlier.
  In so many ways, Senator Akaka represents the Senate at its very 
best--the Senate the way it used to be in less partisan times. He works 
tirelessly behind the scenes, and he shuns the media limelight. He 
prides himself on reaching across the aisle and forging honorable 
compromises. He is the ultimate gentleman, and his word is his bond.
  Across these many years Danny Akaka has been a wonderful friend and 
colleague. Of course, that friendship will continue, and I will miss 
him in the Senate.
  I join with the entire Senate family in wishing Danny and Millie all 
the best in the years ahead.


                             Jeff Bingaman

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my colleague from 
New Mexico, Senator Jeff Bingaman, who is retiring from the Senate at 
the end of this year. Senator Bingaman has been a strong voice for the 
people of New Mexico, first as their attorney general and then during 
30 years of service in the Senate. He has brought a keen intellect and 
a commonsense perspective to the Senate that should make the people of 
New Mexico proud. He has worked to build consensus across party lines 
to help strengthen our Nation.
  Senator Bingaman and I serve together on the Finance Committee, and 
we also worked together on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee 
during my first term in the Senate. I greatly admire the thoughtfulness 
he applies to every issue. Throughout his career, he has focused 
intently on finding solutions to the challenges facing our country.
  For example, in 2009, I worked closely with him and other colleagues 
on the Finance Committee in crafting the health care reform bill that 
was signed into law as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 
He was a key author of that legislation, which has already improved 
millions of people's lives.
  Senator Bingaman has brought a tremendous breadth of knowledge to his 
chairmanship of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He has long 
understood the need to reduce our Nation's dependence on foreign energy 
and has worked diligently to push Congress to create a national energy 
policy suited to the 21st century. That includes the Energy 
Independence and Security Act, which helped put us on the right path by 
improving gas mileage in the vehicles Americans drive, increasing 
production of domestic biofuels, and boosting energy efficiency in 
homes and businesses across our country.
  Senator Bingaman also understands the importance of education as a 
source of opportunity to our people and a key investment in the ongoing 
prosperity of our country. As a member of the Senate Health Education, 
Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Bingaman has worked to advance 
teacher training, student technological literacy, and boosting 
graduation rates at underperforming schools. He also helped pass 
legislation that increases student aid and caps Federal student loan 
payments to assist students struggling with excessive debt.
  Senator Bingaman has been an outstanding public servant for the 
people of New Mexico and our Nation. I will miss having him as a 
colleague in the Senate, but I also know that his wife Anne will be 
excited to have him back home. I wish him happiness and success in 
whatever he chooses to do in the next chapter of his life.


                             Olympia Snowe

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I also pay tribute to my friend and 
colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe, who is retiring from the Senate after 
18 years of exemplary service representing the people of Maine.
  Though thousands of miles apart, Maine and North Dakota face similar 
challenges. In particular, we share very similar climates. Our States' 
residents must endure long winters, and, for the most vulnerable, 
keeping their homes warm is sometimes a challenge. Senator Snowe has 
always understood how difficult it can be for some families to pay 
their utility bills and keep their heat on through harsh winters and 
has been a tireless supporter of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance 
Program, which provides struggling families in our States with the 
certainty of a warm home.
  Senator Snowe's constant attention to constituent concerns have made 
her one of the most popular Senators in the Nation, and her dedication 
to her State and country has not gone unrecognized. Throughout her 37 
years of public service, Senator Snowe has earned many honors and 
distinctions. In 2005, Forbes rated her as the 54th most powerful woman 
in the world. Later, in 2006, Time magazine recognized her as one of 
America's Best Senators. She was also recognized as one of eight female 
politicians that could run and be elected President of the United 
States.
  Senator Snowe is a true statesman and public servant, never 
hesitating to put people over politics and fiercely representing the 
values and needs of her constituents. Throughout all her years of 
service, her steady resolve, moderate voice, and willingness to work 
across the aisle have been a force in Washington. It has truly been an 
honor working with her to find practical solutions to our Nation's most 
pressing issues. In a time of partisan excess, Senator Snowe's ability 
to reach compromises with Members on both sides of the aisle was 
extremely valuable to this venerable institution. She will be sorely 
missed.
  I thank Senator Snowe for her service to her country in the U.S. 
Senate and wish her the very best in the future.


                               Herb Kohl

  Mr. President, today I honor my colleague, Senator Herb Kohl, who 
will be leaving the Senate at the end of this term. Senator Kohl has 
served the people of Wisconsin for 24 years since first being elected 
to the Senate in 1988. Throughout his time in Congress, Senator Kohl 
has stayed above political partisanship, while remaining true to his 
Midwest roots. He has represented the people of Wisconsin well and 
answered to no one but the citizens of his State. When he announced his 
retirement from the Senate, he said ``The office doesn't belong to me. 
It belongs to the people of Wisconsin, and there is something to be 
said for not staying in office too long.'' These words describe a 
humble man who truly believes that it is his duty to represent the 
ideals of his constituents, even in an era of political polarization.
  Born and raised in Wisconsin, Senator Kohl is known throughout the 
Senate as a philanthropist. He had a successful career in business, 
eventually purchasing the Milwaukee Bucks. Throughout his time in 
Congress, Senator Kohl has proven that he is as openminded as he is 
honest, while continually holding on to his core principles. From 
expanding the coverage of health care to promoting education 
advancements, Senator Kohl's legislative history is truly impressive.
  Wisconsin and North Dakota have a lot in common. We share a similar 
culture and geography as well as an agriculture industry that is a 
crucial component of both our States' economies. In 2011, the National 
Farmers Union recognized Senator Kohl as a champion of dairy and 
competition issues. But that is only part of the story concerning 
Senator Kohl's support for

[[Page S8034]]

family farmers. Senator Kohl has served as chairman of the 
Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. In that capacity, he has 
been instrumental in ensuring that the partnership between the Federal 
Government and rural communities contributes to economic development 
throughout rural America. He has enhanced the conservation of our 
natural resources and ensured the United States remains at the 
forefront in agricultural research and innovation. In addition, Senator 
Kohl has been a stalwart supporter of food assistance programs for 
those who are the least fortunate among us.
  On a personal note, Senator Kohl recommended my wife Lucy for a 
position with Major League Baseball. It has been my wife's dream job, 
so I am personally indebted to him for that.
  Senator Kohl's commitment to the people of Wisconsin has been 
unwavering. The Senate will miss his honesty and hard work. I thank 
Senator Kohl for his service in the Senate and wish him the best in his 
future endeavors. Wisconsin should be proud of Senator Kohl, he 
remained true to his 1988 Senate campaign slogan, serving as ``Nobody's 
Senator But Yours.''


                                Jim Webb

  Mr. CONRAD. Finally, Mr. President, I am proud today to honor my 
colleague from Virginia, Jim Webb. In just 6 years in the Senate, he 
has proven himself to be an agile and independent thinker on both 
military matters and issues of economic fairness, as well as a tireless 
advocate for veterans. His candid and moderate voice in the Senate will 
be sorely missed.
  Jim Webb has spent an impressive career working in public service and 
on behalf of our veterans and active troops overseas. The importance of 
discipline and service to country was instilled in him as a young boy, 
as he moved with his father, a career Air Force officer, to various Air 
Force Bases across the country. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, 
Senator Webb served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve 
Affairs under President Reagan, as well as the U.S. Secretary of the 
Navy, before coming to the Senate in 2007.
  Senator Webb demonstrated his unwavering commitment to our troops and 
veterans on his very first day in the Senate when he introduced the 
Post-9/11 G.I. Bill of Rights. He won passage for this important piece 
of legislation, the most comprehensive G.I. bill since World War II, in 
only his second year as a Senator--a remarkable feat. Since its 
passage, more than 1 million post-9/11 veterans have applied to use 
their G.I. bill benefits. The G.I. bill has been instrumental in 
providing a great opportunity and a demonstration of gratitude for our 
troops as they separate from service.
  I personally had the privilege of working closely with Senator Webb 
on a bill that aims to preserve the valor of our decorated military 
heroes. I was proud to join him in introducing the Military Service 
Integrity Act, which creates criminal penalties for individuals who lie 
about receiving military medals for personal gain. On behalf of the 
nearly 60,000 veterans in North Dakota and all of our active troops, it 
was an honor to work with him on this legislation in ensuring that the 
integrity of our Nation's military awards are not belittled by those 
attempting to seek a profit.
  But apart from his dedication to our military heroes, I also respect 
Senator Webb for his commitment to fiscal responsibility. Together with 
Senator McCaskill, he formed the US Commission on Wartime Contracting 
in Iraq and Afghanistan to analyze the efficacy and expenditures of 
Federal contractors abroad. When the findings of the Commission were 
published, he subsequently introduced comprehensive reform legislation 
to address the failures and mismanagement of overseas contractors. As 
chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I deeply respect his 
initiative and commitment to eliminating any waste, fraud, or abuse in 
our national security operations.
  It is a deep loss for the Senate to be losing such a candid and 
independent voice. Senator Webb has set an extraordinary example of 
discipline, initiative, and candor in his work on behalf of working-
class Americans and military families. I thank Senator Webb for his 
career of service in the Senate and the armed services and wish him all 
the best.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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