[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 154 (Monday, December 15, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6827-S6828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to Saxby Chambliss

  Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, it is a great pleasure but a 
bittersweet moment for me to rise on the Senate floor to pay tribute to 
a dear friend and an esteemed colleague, Senator Saxby Chambliss.
  After 20 years in Congress--8 in the House and 12 here in the 
Senate--Senator Chambliss retires from this phase of service to Georgia 
and to our Nation with a well-deserved reputation as a true statesman.
  At a time when the coarsening political discourse across our Nation 
and here in Congress is a growing concern, Senator Chambliss is a 
shining example of expertise and ability combined with civility and 
respect. He leaves Congress not only with many friends on both sides of 
the aisle, but also with many accomplishments to his credit.
  His leadership in national security and intelligence in both Chambers 
has been a great asset to our Nation. From agriculture to armed 
services, Senator Chambliss has been an informed and effective advocate 
for his constituents and for the American people.
  The golfers here might consider the hole-in-one he famously scored in 
a foursome with President Obama last year to be worthy of mention. 
Personally, as the founder and cochair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, I 
would consider his dedication to the cause of juvenile diabetes to be a 
true highlight.
  I have also had the great pleasure of serving with Senator Chambliss 
both on the Intelligence Committee, where he is the vice chairman, and 
previously on the Senate Armed Services Committee. I saw firsthand his 
extraordinary grasp of complicated issues that are so critical to the 
security of our Nation. I also witnessed how he would listen carefully 
to the views of others, whether on the Republican side of the aisle or 
from the Democratic Members on both committees.
  But if there is one shining moment that stands out for me, it would 
be Senator Chambliss's leadership in the Gang of 6 during the 2011 debt 
ceiling crisis. At a time when it was far easier to stand back, point 
fingers, and fix blame, Senator Chambliss, along with Senator Mark 
Warner, led the way in producing a framework to provide a bipartisan, 
comprehensive, and balanced way to put our Nation on a stable fiscal 
path. The fact that our national debt has grown from $16 trillion to 
$18 trillion since then makes it all the more imperative that we 
continue the effort, with the leadership that was shown by Senator 
Chambliss and that he so courageously helped to start.
  The fact that this dedicated and wise leader cited Washington 
gridlock and partisan posturing as the driving force in his decision to 
retire from the Senate should give us all cause to reflect.
  Senator Saxby Chambliss has always been a voice of reason. No matter 
how bitter the debate, he has always engaged in thoughtful discussions 
that result in solutions. As he returns to private life, his advice 
will continue to be sought after and I hope heeded. His knowledge and 
insight will still be valued, and the example of decency and civility 
he has set should guide us all. I know his beloved wife, his children, 
and his grandchildren will be happy to have more of Senator Chambliss's 
time, but for those of us who have been privileged to serve with him in 
the Senate, his decision to retire is a great loss.
  The people of Georgia, the people of America, and those of us who 
have been privileged to serve as Saxby Chambliss's colleagues are 
grateful for his service. I wish him all the best in the years to come, 
both on and off the golf course.
  Thank you, Madam President.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.

[[Page S6828]]

  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call 
be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                     Tributes To Departing Senators