[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 152 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6776-S6781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS
Saxby Chambliss
Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I rise today to honor my good friend
Senator Saxby Chambliss on the occasion of his retirement. For 20
years, he has served his fellow Georgians in Congress with honor and
distinction. He will be sorely missed.
A preacher's son, Saxby was born in Warrenton, NC. He graduated from
the University of Georgia and the University of Tennessee College of
Law. As a lawyer in south Georgia, he built a successful law practice
representing the farmers that are the lifeblood of his state.
He put his expertise on farm issues to good use here in Congress and
became a key player in negotiations for each of the farm bills
considered during his tenure. And just 2 years after he was elected to
the Senate, he assumed the chairmanship of the Agriculture, Nutrition,
and Forestry Committee, the fastest any new Senator has risen to chair
a standing committee since 1947.
Saxby and I served together for many years on the Select Committee on
Intelligence, where I came to appreciate his wisdom, his sound
judgment, and his unyielding commitment to keeping this nation safe. He
has been an enormously effective vice chairman over the past 4 years.
And even as his tenure here draws to a close, he has once again
demonstrated his superb leadership in setting the record straight on
the Intelligence Committee's investigation of the CIA's detention and
interrogation program.
Above all else, Saxby is a proud husband, father of two, and
grandfather of six. I know that his lovely wife Julianne and the rest
of his family are eager to spend more time together in the coming
years.
Mr. President, Saxby and the entire Chambliss family should know that
his colleagues, his fellow Georgians, and his fellow Americans are
truly grateful for Saxby's service and his family's sacrifices. I wish
them all the best.
Tom Coburn
Madam President, I also pay tribute to my friend Tom Coburn as he
prepares to leave the Senate. For 10 years, Tom has served the people
of Oklahoma as their junior Senator. He is a man of principle and
fierce determination. He has shown himself willing time and again to
stand up to special interests and to fight for what he believes in. He
will be missed.
Senator Coburn was born in Casper, Wyoming, in 1948 and was raised in
Muskogee, OK. His father Orin was a prominent optician and the founder
of Coburn Optical Industries. Tom attended college at Oklahoma State
University, where he graduated with a degree in accounting. From 1970
to 1978 he was a manufacturing manager at his family's company. After a
bout with cancer, Tom returned to school to become a physician,
graduating in 1983 from the University of Oklahoma Medical School.
Following his residency, Tom moved back to Muskogee to practice family
medicine and obstetrics. He has personally delivered more than 4,000
babies.
Senator Coburn began his career in public service in 1994, when he
was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma. He
served in the House for 6 years, then went back to Muskogee to resume
his medical practice. Three years later, in 2004, Tom was elected to
the U.S. Senate to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Don
Nickles. Here in the Senate he has served with distinction on a number
of important committees, including the Committee on Homeland Security
and Government Affairs, of which he is the Ranking Member.
Since first arriving in Congress, Senator Coburn has been a strong
proponent of fiscal restraint. His efforts to fight deficit spending,
pork barrel projects, and earmarks earned him the nickname ``Dr. No.''
I have always thought this nickname was a compliment to Tom. It shows
he is willing to stand up against powerful interests in defense of his
principles, and that he takes seriously the problems of unnecessary
spending and long-term debt.
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Passing a balanced budget amendment has been a priority of mine for
many years, and I have been glad to count Tom as a strong ally in that
effort.
I have also been fortunate to work with Senator Coburn on a number of
other issues during his time in the Senate. Earlier this year, Tom and
I, along with Senator Richard Burr, introduced the Patient CARE Act, a
market-based alternative to Obamacare. Tom and I have also worked
together to fight waste and corruption at the Department of Health and
Human Services and to reinvigorate the States' roles in meeting
transportation, safety, and other needs.
Madam President, Senator Coburn is an honorable and steadfast man. He
has served his country well. I wish him, his wife Carolyn, and their
family the very best.
Mike Johanns
Madam President, as well I honor my colleague and friend Mike
Johanns. For many years, Senator Johanns has worked tirelessly for the
people of Nebraska, first at the local level, then at the state level
as Governor, and most recently as senior Senator from Nebraska. Mike is
a kind and thoughtful man, and I have been grateful to serve with him
these past 6 years.
Senator Johanns was born and raised in Osage, IA, where he grew up
working on his family's farm. After high school, he attended Saint
Mary's University of Minnesota and Creighton University School of Law.
Following law school Mike clerked on the Nebraska Supreme Court and
then practiced law in Lincoln, NE, where he was a founding partner at
the firm Nelson, Johanns, Morris, Holdeman, and Titus.
In 1983, Senator Johanns was elected to the Lancaster County Board.
Five years later he won election to the Lincoln City Council, and then,
3 years after that, became Mayor of Lincoln. Mike followed his success
in local politics with success in state politics. In 1998, he won his
first term as Governor of Nebraska, and was reelected by a landslide 4
years later.
Senator Johanns entered national politics in 2004 when President
George W. Bush asked him to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. Four
years later he won election to the U.S. Senate from Nebraska, where he
has served with distinction ever since.
When he retires later this month, Senator Johanns will have spent
more than 25 years as a public servant. I commend him for his service
to the state of Nebraska and to the people of this Nation.
Although his tenure in the Senate was brief, Senator Johanns wasted
no time. His previous experience as Secretary of Agriculture proved
indispensable as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. To
this committee, he brought an expertise on farming issues unrivaled by
other freshman senators. He also served actively on the Banking
Committee and was a member of the Senate's Gang of Eight during budget
negotiations in 2011. Throughout his service, Senator Johanns always
had the best interests of the Nation at heart.
Madam President, Senator Johanns is a good man who has served his
country well. His retirement is well deserved. I wish him, his wife
Stephanie, and their children the best going forward.
Jay Rockefeller
Madam President, in addition I pay tribute to my friend and colleague
Jay Rockefeller, who will soon retire from the Senate. I have known Jay
for many years. He is a man of principle who has dedicated his life to
serving the citizens of West Virginia. He is a serious legislator and
an honorable man. I will miss him.
Senator Rockefeller is a member of a prominent and distinguished
American family. He is the great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, the
founder of Standard Oil. Jay was born in New York City and attended
school at Phillips Exeter Academy and Harvard College, from which he
earned an A.B. After college Jay worked for the Peace Corps and the
Department of Far Eastern Affairs. He then went to work for the
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program, during which time he
moved to West Virginia.
Senator Rockefeller began his political career in 1966, when he was
elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. Two years he later
became the West Virginia Secretary of State. After a brief stint as
President of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Jay returned to public
service in 1976, when he was elected Governor of West Virginia.
Following two successful terms as Governor, he won election to the U.S.
Senate in 1984, where he has served ever since.
Senator Rockefeller has held a number of important positions in the
Senate, including Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on
Intelligence, where I was privileged to serve with him. This is a
crucially important committee that deals with some of the weightiest
issues that come before Congress. Jay led the committee with equanimity
and respect. His work helped keep our country safe.
Senator Rockefeller has also been an active legislator. I was honored
to work with him on the creation of the State Children's Health
Insurance Program, or SCHIP, which has made health insurance available
to millions of children. Other issues Jay and I have worked on together
over the years include tax reform, stem cell research, and protecting
the American flag. He and I did not always see eye to eye, but I always
knew he did what he thought was right.
Mr. President, I am grateful to have been able to serve alongside
Senator Rockefeller these past 30 years. He's a man of deep conviction,
and a man utterly devoted to the people of his home state of West
Virginia. I wish the very best for him, his wife Sharon, and their
family as they enter the next chapter of their lives.
Mark Pryor
Madam President, I also honor my friend Mark Pryor. For 12 years
Senator Pryor has served the people of Arkansas in this body. He is
independent, open-minded, and hard-working. He will be missed.
Senator Pryor comes from a distinguished Arkansas political family.
His father, David Pryor, was Governor of and later Senator from
Arkansas. Mark was born in Fayetteville, AR, and attended college at
the University of Arkansas. He received a law degree from the
University of Arkansas School of Law and then spent several years in
private practice.
In 1991, Senator Pryor was elected to the Arkansas House of
Representatives. Eight years later he was elected Attorney General of
Arkansas. In 2002, Mark won election to the U.S. Senate from Arkansas,
winning the same seat his father once held.
In the Senate, Mark has distinguished himself through his
independence and his willingness to reach across party lines. Although
Mark and I have not always agreed, I have always known he has acted in
what he firmly believes are the best interests of his State.
Senator Pryor has served on a number of important committees during
his time in the Senate, including the Appropriations Committee, the
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. I have been fortunate to work
with him on a number of important pieces of legislation, on topics
ranging from medical care to homeland security to victim restitution.
He has been a strong partner in these efforts, and I have been grateful
to have him as an ally.
Senator Pryor is a decent and thoughtful man. He has served his State
honorably. I wish him and his family the very best.
John Walsh
Madam President, finally I pay tribute to Senator John Walsh. I have
known John for only a brief time, but I know that he is a good man who
has served his country well.
Senator Walsh began his service to our country long before he came to
the Senate. He joined the Montana National Guard right after high
school-the start of an impressive military career. John served 8 years
as an enlisted U.S. Army soldier before he was commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant in 1987. As an officer, he distinguished himself and quickly
rose through the ranks.
Senator Walsh led the 163rd Infantry Battalion in Iraq, commanding
more than 700 Army National Guard soldiers in combat. He later received
the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman's badge for his service. In
2008, Governor Brian Schweitzer appointed John the Adjutant General of
Montana's National Guard. As Adjutant General,
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John oversaw the command of thousands of troops. These soldiers and
their families looked to him for leadership and strength, and he always
delivered.
Senator Walsh moved from military service to public office when he
became Montana's Lieutenant Governor in 2013. Governor Steve Bullock
appointed John to fill former Senator Max Baucus's seat in February
2014, making John the first Iraq War veteran to serve as a Senator.
Though his time here in the Senate was brief, Senator Walsh was an
active member of the Committee on Rules and Administration; the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He always treated me and our
other colleagues with the utmost kindness and respect.
Senator Walsh is a good man who has dedicated his life to serving our
country and keeping us safe. I wish him, his wife Janet, and their
children the very best.
TOM COBURN
Mr. ENZI. Madam President, at the close of each session of Congress
it is our tradition to take a moment to express our appreciation and
say goodbye to those of our colleagues who will be retiring at the
session's close. It is always a bittersweet moment to reflect on the
important contributions our friends have made as they worked so hard to
represent their States and our Nation.
Such an individual is Tom Coburn and that is just one of the reasons
why we will miss him. Tom always has and always will be a strong voice
for conservative values and principles. There are not many who can
express their beliefs with the same kind of clarity and power he brings
to the issues the Senate takes up for deliberations.
I will always believe that Tom has been so successful in his career
as a political leader and a doctor because he began his life with one
of the greatest of all advantages--he was born in Wyoming, in Casper.
That was not all. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a
degree in accounting. As an accountant myself I was not surprised by
that. His love of accounting, his fondness for numbers and details, and
his Wyoming birth all help to explain his power of persuasion.
I am kidding about that but one thing that is true about his
background is how his love of numbers and his understanding of budgets
and accounting practices has helped him to understand the financial
problems we currently face as a nation and the importance of taking
action to address them before they get so far out of hand we will be
jeopardizing the future of our children and our grandchildren.
That would have never happened on Tom's watch. Grandfathers are like
that. With one eye on the bottom line and the other on the future of
our Nation, Tom has developed an amazing knack for finding ways to cut
waste and save money, time and effort. For Tom it is clear, if it is
not worth doing at all, it is not worth doing well.
His insight and his immediate grasp of the essence of so many
controversial and complicated issues has made him a great asset on the
committees on which he has served. His willingness to get involved and
lead on some pretty difficult issues has enabled him to make a
difference that will be remembered around here for quite a while.
In our deliberations one of Tom's great weapons has been his mastery
and understanding of the facts surrounding his positions on the issues
we have taken up in committee and on the floor. He is an excellent
speaker and when he talks we are all very attentive. The reason why is
simple. If you agree with him you want to know what his views are so
you will be able to strengthen your own arguments on the bill with some
of his reflections and recommendations. If you disagree with him you
will still want to hear him speak so you will know what the toughest
arguments are you will be faced with during our deliberations.
No matter what side you are on, it is rare that anyone has ever
questioned his facts. They may not like them--but you can not avoid
acknowledging them.
In addition, as a father, a grandfather and a physician, Tom has been
an outspoken advocate on health and medical issues. During his career
he has worked to increase the access of seniors to the health care
services they need. He has also been active in efforts to try to
control health care costs and protect the right to life of the unborn.
He has such a strong kinship with the delegations of the West because
Tom has a strong and heartfelt understanding of the challenges of our
urban communities. I have often said one of our great battles here in
Washington is to help our colleagues get a deeper understanding of the
difference in life in the large eastern cities and the smaller rural
communities of the West. It is a crucial difference that must be
understood to get a better sense of what is needed to help both our
rural and urban communities to grow and prosper.
In the next session I know we will miss him, his understanding of our
conservative values and principles and his commitment to this
generation and the next--and beyond. Tom knows that if future
generations are to have it as good as we have we will all have to learn
to get along with a little less.
Now Tom is closing that great chapter of his life that contains his
service in the House and the Senate. It has not been easy. The House
and Senate are very different places in which to work--and make
progress but Tom has managed to do it--and he has the results to show
for his efforts.
Thank you, Tom, for all you have done to make our Nation a better
place to live. We are grateful for your service, for your vision for
America and most of all, your commitment to the future of Oklahoma and
our Nation. Please keep in touch with us. I am going to keep your
number on speed dial in my office so I'll have it when one of those
days comes along when I need a thoughtful word or two for a debate or a
committee session. As the saying goes facts are tough and powerful
things and when it comes to those issues in which he truly believes so
is Tom Coburn.
TIM JOHNSON
Madam President, it is a tradition here in the Senate to take a
moment before the end of each session of Congress to express our
appreciation for the service of those Members who will be retiring at
the end of the year. It is always a difficult time to lose some of our
best and brightest. One fellow Senator I know we will all miss is Tim
Johnson.
Tim has had quite a remarkable career and legacy of service to South
Dakota of which he should be very proud. He came to the Senate to work
for the people of his State and he did such a good job they kept
sending him back. It is been a mutual admiration society--the people of
South Dakota and Tim.
Tim followed a proven path of success for his service in Congress by
first serving in the South Dakota State Legislature. He had a knack for
getting things done there that it preceded him to serve in the House as
South Dakota's at-large Representative. He quickly developed a
reputation in the House as someone who had an abundance of good ideas.
As a freshman he had a list of bills he had dropped in that was longer
than any other freshman in the House. It was clear to everyone that Tim
was the kind of person who knew how to get results.
Tim and I were part of the same freshman class of the Senate. Over
the years I have enjoyed having a chance to come to know him. He has
proved to be a good friend, a great ally and someone who was willing to
work with members on all sides to get things done for South Dakota and
our Nation.
For me, it meant a great deal to have a Senator from a neighboring
State who had an understanding of our agriculture industry. As I have
often said, urban life is very different from rural life and it was
good to have someone to work with whose background made those issues
and the need for action clear to him.
That is one of the reasons why Tim has such a strong understanding of
one of the key issues of the West--water. For many of us water is
something that we take for granted. It is easy. You turn on the tap and
you can have as much as you want.
Unfortunately, for our rural communities, it is not that easy. Water
is a precious commodity--down to the last drop. In fact, just about
everyone from the West has heard the old adage, ``Whiskey is for
drinking, Water is for fighting!''
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It is a message that has stayed with Tim throughout his service in
the House and the Senate. It has been a priority for him to ensure that
good, clean water supplies are available to everyone in South Dakota
and the West. That is why you will find his legislative record of
accomplishments filled with his efforts to pass infrastructure projects
to ensure our water supplies would be both reliable and available.
I could go on about his other accomplishments and our work together
on agriculture issues but I would be here for quite a long time and not
begin to make a dent in what he has been able to achieve during his
career. Let me just say that the work Tim began in the State
Legislature and continued when he came to Congress has helped to make
South Dakota what it is today. I think by any standard he has done a
good job and made the people of his home State proud.
Through the years, Tim has had some health problems, but he never let
them stop him or slow him down in his work for South Dakota. Sometimes
I think of him as a warrior--a quiet one--who is blessed with a spirit
to work for the people of South Dakota that just can not be diminished.
When I think of Tim I will always think of him as someone who leads
the best way, by example. I have learned a lot from him over the years
and I think we have made a difference together in our shared commitment
to our Nation's agriculture industry. We have worked on a lot of bills
together and by placing both our names on a bill we made it a
bipartisan effort that I would like to think drew a lot of other
Members to our side to work with us.
Thank you, Tim, for your service, not only to South Dakota but to the
West and to all our Nation. You have a lot to look back on with the
satisfaction that comes from having done a job and done it well. Diana
joins in sending our best wishes to you for your hard work and
determined effort to address the problems and challenges of our Nation.
Thanks, too, for your friendship. Good luck on the next chapter of the
great adventure of your life.
Carl Levin
Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I wanted to speak today about Senator
Carl Levin and his years of service to the Senate and the people of
Michigan. Senator Levin has served 36 years and is Michigan's longest
serving senator.
John F. Kennedy once said that ``leadership and learning are
indispensable to each other.'' Senator Levin's time here has been an
illustration of that statement, and I have experienced this firsthand
ever since I arrived in the Senate in 2007 and sought his guidance on
difficult issues like the war in Iraq. He is one of the best informed
and knowledgeable members of the Senate.
Carl Levin has been a leader for years on the Senate Armed Services
Committee and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Senator
Levin has served as the Democratic leader of the Armed Services
committee since 1997, a term that overlapped with several defining
events for U.S. national security, including the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001, the beginnings of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
the operation against Osama bin Laden and the current conflict against
the terrorist group ISIS. Chairman Levin has guided our caucus through
the National Defense Authorization Act process every year, working to
ensure members have an opportunity to include their priority issues in
the bill. I am grateful for Senator Levin's support of my efforts to
ensure Afghan women and girls remain at the forefront of our
Afghanistan policy through this transition period. One of Senator
Levin's most important legacies will be his thoughtful and principled
opposition to shifting attention away from the fight against al Qaeda
in Afghanistan to Iraq. Our caucus will miss Carl Levin's steady hand
guiding us through these important matters.
At the helm of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senator
Levin has led the charge against some of the worst abuse and corruption
occurring in our country. Under Senator Levin's leadership the
subcommittee conducted an eighteen month investigation into the causes
of the financial crisis that culminated in four hearings in April 2010.
The hearings brought forth information that helped craft the Wall
Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. He also led an
investigation into abusive and unfair practices of the credit card
industry, which would lead to the Credit Card Accountability
Responsibility and Disclosure Act, along with investigations into tax
shelters, offshore tax havens and Federal contractor tax delinquency,
among other issues. In 2012, the National Journal wrote that ``the
Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations is one of the few institutions
in Congress that's still working. Carl Levin is a big reason why.''
Carl Levin's legacy can be summed up in one word: integrity. His
commitment to our security and our servicemembers is incomparable. We
wish him well as he returns to Michigan and moves on to new challenges
and I thank him for his service.
Tom Harkin
Madam President, I also wanted to speak about my colleague Tom Harkin
who will be retiring at the end of this Congress. I commend him for his
40 years of service in Congress for the people of Iowa.
Senator Hubert Humphrey once said that the moral test of government
should be how it treats those in the dawn of life, our children; those
in the twilight of life, our older citizens; and those in the shadows
of life, people with disabilities, among others. Tom Harkin's work in
the House and Senate has been a testament to what Senator Humphrey
said. Senator Harkin has never hesitated to stand up and fight for
those without power. He is also proud of the legacy of the Great
Society under President Lyndon Johnson and never shies away from
reminding us of the work that was done then, or how much more we still
have to do.
When it comes to protecting and championing people with disabilities,
there is no equal to Tom Harkin. He helped write the Americans with
Disabilities Act, ADA, of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.
These bills did for people with disabilities what the civil rights acts
of the 1950s and 1960s did for African-Americans. He authored the
Television Decoder Circuitry Act to create universal closed captioning
and he expanded services for children with disabilities under the
Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, IDEA. Under the
Workforce Investment Opportunity Act, he enhanced employment
opportunities for young people with disabilities and under the
Affordable Care Act he created the Community First Choice Option to
give states that offer services to people with disabilities outside of
nursing homes extra federal funding.
Senator Harkin pushed the issue of prevention and the health and
wellness of Americans long before those issues became national themes.
Senator Harkin wrote the prevention title in the Affordable Care Act
and introduced the first bill that allowed the Food and Drug
Administration, FDA, to regulate tobacco. He is also the reason the
word ``Prevention'' is included in the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's name. Child labor is another area where Tom was ahead of
the curve. The Clinton Administration's Executive Order, ``Prohibition
of Acquisition of Products Produced by Forced and Indentured Child
Labor,'' was backed by Senator Harkin and he helped obtain the adoption
and Senate ratification of United Nations Convention 182, a treaty that
called for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
On a personal note, I want to express my appreciation to Chairman
Harkin and his staff on the HELP Committee for their help in getting
three bills I introduced this Congress passed into law--the Children's
Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act, the Emergency Medical
Services for Children Reauthorization Act and the Traumatic Brain
Injury Reauthorization Act. Without the efforts of Chairman Harkin and
his team, these bills would not have moved forward.
The late Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota, once said that
``Politics is not just about power and money games, politics can be
about the improvement of people's lives, about lessening human
suffering in our world and bringing about more peace and more
justice.'' Tom Harkin is a living example of those words. Our Nation
and our world are better today because of his life of service.
Jay Rockefeller
Madam President, as the 113 Congress comes to a close, the time has
come to
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say goodbye to several colleagues and friends who will leave at the end
of this Congress. Today, I would like to pay tribute to our friend and
colleague, Jay Rockefeller. Senator Rockefeller has served the people
of West Virginia for 50 years, the last thirty of them in the United
States Senate.
While Senator Rockefeller has accomplished many notable things in his
decades of service, you can really sum up much of what he did for our
country in one word--kids. Nelson Mandela once said ``There can be no
keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats
its children.'' Jay Rockefeller worked tirelessly to ensure that we
never lost sight of our children as we worked on issues large and
small.
One key example of his advocacy is the Children's Health Insurance
Program or CHIP as it is better known. In the 1990s, members like Jay
Rockefeller came together and created CHIP to ensure low-income
children of working parents had access to health care. When my father
was governor of Pennsylvania, he signed into law the CHIP program that
initially insured over 50,000 children across the state and served as a
model for the national program. On a personal level, I thank Senator
Rockefeller for helping to expand this program to children around the
country and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure CHIP
remains strong for children in the years ahead.
In 2009 health care reform was on the agenda again and Jay
Rockefeller played a key role in getting a number of important
provisions included. He pushed to expand Medicaid and to make sure
insurance companies actually spent the bulk of dollars on health care
and not administrative costs. He also worked to ensure that information
provided to consumers buying insurance on the exchange could be
understood by all, and, of course, he led the charge to protect CHIP
kids and make sure they did not end up with the short end of the stick.
Senator Rockefeller's work extends far beyond health care and
children. Coal miners and their families have had no better friend in
the Senate than Jay Rockefeller. He has tirelessly fought and won
battles to protect their health, safety and pensions while also
protecting and preserving Black Lung benefits for workers made sick by
doing their jobs. His advocacy in this body will be missed. Now it is
up to the rest of us to carry the torch.
Senator Rockefeller is quoted as follows in the Charleston Daily Mail
last year:
``Rockefeller said he knew all the Kennedys well but liked Bobby
best. `Because he struck me,' Rockefeller said. `He had a soul, and
there are a lot of photographs of him in West Virginia later when he
ran for president sitting on a slag heap, looking mournful, looking off
into the distance, thinking, `Why does this condition exist, what can I
do?' ''
Jay Rockefeller also has a soul and he has spent his life asking
those same questions and finding ways to make things better. We will
miss him in the Senate. We will miss his conscience and his voice, but
we will never forget his example. I thank him for his decades of
service and wish him well.
Mary Landrieu
Ms. HEITKAMP. Madam President, I honor my friend and colleague from
Louisiana, Senator Mary Landrieu, who is departing the Senate at the
end of this year. Her career in public service began 34 years ago when
she was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives. During that
time and in her service in the United States Senate, she has proved
time and again that the people of Louisiana could not have asked for a
better advocate and fighter on their behalf.
It is tough to describe someone like Senator Landrieu. Senator
Landrieu is selfless, dedicated, tenacious, and resilient, but these
are just words that, while accurate, fail to truly capture who this
woman is and what she stands for. It is only by looking at Senator
Landrieu's significant accomplishments that someone can truly begin to
understand the depths of her selflessness, dedication, and resiliency.
During my time in the Senate, I have seen Mary embody these words like
few others in this body.
Senator Landrieu and I both come from large families. I know the
impact being one of seven children had on me growing up and I am sure
Senator Landrieu can attest to how big of an impact being one of nine
children had on her. During her time in public service, Senator
Landrieu has worked hard to ensure that all children can benefit from
having a family to call their own. Senator Landrieu has worked
extensively with the Angels in Adoption program since its inception,
and cochaired the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the
Congressional Foster Care Caucus. Senator Landrieu's work has changed
the lives of children across Louisiana, the country, and around the
world. Because of her work, there are countless children who are now
able to feel the love and benefits of having a family.
In 2005, Louisiana was victim of one of the worst natural disasters
to ever hit this country. Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and
Louisiana the likes of which this country has rarely seen. With one of
the country's great cities devastated and in ruins, it was Mary
Landrieu who took the lead on recovery efforts. It was Mary Landrieu
who held FEMA's feet to the fire to better serve Louisianans. It was
Mary Landrieu who helped direct billions of dollars in recovery funds
to the State. It was because of Mary Landrieu that the great State of
Louisiana has bounced back strong as ever.
Senator Landrieu's leadership did not end with the recovery and
rebuilding efforts. Following the passage of the Biggert-Waters Flood
Reform Act in 2012, Senator Landrieu was one of the first to recognize
and sound the alarm on the impending problems homeowners would face
with unreasonably high flood insurance rates. Because of her early
recognition of these problems and her proactive approach to finding
solutions, Congress was able pass a bill preventing thousands of people
across the country from being forced to pay disastrously high flood
insurance premiums.
I have also had the privilege of working with Senator Landrieu on
energy issues. There is no better advocate in the Senate on energy than
Senator Landrieu. I came here with the intent of learning everything
that I could from Senator Landrieu. My only regret is that there was no
way to fully take in all of her knowledge in the brief time that I have
been here. That is a testament to the incredible work that she has done
over her career to advance a pragmatic energy policy for this country,
work that I hope to continue in the years ahead building upon the
energy legacy that Senator Landrieu will leave behind. A word you hear
often when people describe Senator Landrieu is tenacious, and this was
never more apparent than on her work to advance the Keystone XL
Pipeline. Anyone who watched Senator Landrieu work that bill and work
behind the scenes to get the votes knows that she will fight to the
very last second for what she believes in and that the word ``can't''
doesn't exist in her vocabulary. Senator Landrieu single-handedly
forced this bill to the Senate floor and brought us closer than we have
been in 6 years to approving this project once and for all. Senator
Landrieu's pragmatic approach to this issue and willingness to embrace
solutions over politics stands as an example for the rest of the Senate
to strive for.
Senator Landrieu always looked out for the energy interests of her
State, while recognizing the need to provide and protect her gulf coast
communities. She has pushed for increased LNG exports that would bring
new jobs and significant investment to her State. She also has been
instrumental in expanding oil exploration and production in the Gulf of
Mexico, but while doing so she has made sure that her coastal
communities receive a bigger share of the royalties and revenue to
mitigate any impacts from the development. Working for jobs and
economic development and protecting those most impacted by this
development, that is a pretty good legacy to leave behind in Louisiana.
The Landrieu family name comes with a long history of public service
in Louisiana. The Landrieus, known for their big personalities that are
eclipsed only by their accomplishments in office, can rest easy knowing
that Mary has more than lived up to the family name. The Senate,
Louisiana, and the country, are better off because of the work Mary
Landrieu has done in the
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Senate. I know I am not alone in saying that we will miss having her
here. I also know I am not alone in saying that I am sure her work is
not done. I wish her luck in this next chapter of her life and look
forward to seeing the tremendous work she will accomplish outside of
this Chamber.
Mark Pryor
Madam President, I also wish to honor my colleague, Senator Mark
Pryor, who will be leaving the Senate at the end of this Congress.
Senator Pryor has been a tireless champion for the people of Arkansas
for 12 years in this legislative body. However, his commitment and
dedication to the State of Arkansas is reflected not only in his work
here, but in the public service he and his family have given for
decades.
As the son of the former Governor and U.S. Senator, Senator Mark
Pryor grew up in a family which embodied public service, instilling his
interest and desire to do the same in his career. After attending the
University of Arkansas and working in the private sector as an
attorney, he turned his sights to public service. While serving as a
member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and then as attorney
general for the State of Arkansas, Senator Pryor honed his
understanding of the needs of the State and developed strong
connections through its institutions which served him well throughout
his career. It was here that I first met Mark. He was serving as
attorney general in Arkansas at the same time I was serving as attorney
general in North Dakota. I was immediately impressed with this young
public servant and grew to understand that he is intelligent and
principled in how he approaches his life and career. In 2003, Senator
Pryor was elected U.S. Senator from Arkansas, reclaiming the seat his
father once held.
As a Senator, he served on various committees which allowed him to
fight for the priorities of Arkansas, pass legislation and champion
initiatives which helped this Nation. During his tenure on the Armed
Services Committee, Senator Pryor protected the interests of Arkansas
servicemembers and their families. His work on the Appropriations and
Commerce Committees created opportunities for growth in transportation,
rural broadband, energy, and agriculture, all critical interests for
Arkansas. Leading these issues with bipartisan proposals and working
closely with his colleagues on marshalling these efforts Congress after
Congress, Senator Pryor earned the respect of his colleagues for his
quiet devotion and steadfast commitment.
Mark is a Senator who promotes common sense solutions--solutions that
seek strong support and address some of the more important needs of
this Nation's citizenry. During my short time in the Senate, we served
together on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Small
Business Committees. I very much enjoyed working with him and serving
together for the benefit of others. I continue to find him to be a man
of great honesty and integrity. This type of stewardship is to be
admired and appreciated by those inspired to serve on the local, State
or Federal level.
I applaud my colleague for his years of tireless commitment in
defense of his home State, for his service in the Senate and this
Country. I wish the very best to him and his family in the years to
come.
Mark Begich
Madam President, finally I pay tribute and recognize the
accomplishments of a trusted ally and dear friend, Senator Mark Begich,
who will be leaving the Senate at the end of the term. Mark has been a
tenacious and steadfast advocate for his constituents and the State of
Alaska and a strong moderate voice during his years in the Senate.
I have had the honor and privilege to work with Senator Begich on
both the Indian Affairs and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committees. As someone who represents one of the most rural States in
America, he has an impressive understanding and compassion for the
unique challenges rural communities face.
As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, he played a major
role in postal reform negotiations. He understood rural citizens rely
most on the Postal Service for critical deliveries of prescription
medicines, time sensitive bills, and other important communications. He
knew that without a rural post office, many small, rural communities
would cease to exist.
During his tenure on the Indian Affairs Committee, he was dedicated
to confronting and addressing the unpleasant truths about the Federal
Government's treatment of Native people in our country. He understood
the threats facing subsistence rights, native languages, and rich
cultural traditions, and fought to ensure they were given parity and
respect. Senator Begich also knew far too many Native women today
experience violence and sexual assault, particularly in remote areas,
and so he fought for the tribal provisions in the reauthorization of
the Violence Against Woman Act--VAWA--and advanced his Safe Families
and Villages Act to extend those protections to Native women in Alaska.
He has also been a fighter for American Indian and Alaska Native
veterans and worked hard to increase their access to care at both
Indian Health Service and Veteran Affairs facilities. His compassion
for indigenous issues extended to tribes in the lower 48 States and
Native Hawaiians, and I know Native people across the country feel they
have lost a true champion with his departure.
Anyone who knows Senator Begich knows he is an intellectually curious
and energetic person. He always approached issues from a solutions-
oriented mindset, which meant he was more tied to outcomes than to
rhetoric, and the Senate was well-served by his presence. Senator
Begich is also a devoted family man to his wife Deborah and young son
Jacob. I remind myself that our loss is their gain, as I am sure they
are excited to have him home more. I truly enjoyed working alongside
him and look forward to when our paths cross again. I wish him
incredible happiness and success in the next chapter.
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