[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING SENATOR SLADE GORTON ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 30, 2018

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my dear 
friend and mentor, Senator Slade Gorton, on recently turning 90 years 
of age. On January 8th, Senator Gorton celebrated this special day, and 
I join him in this celebration of a rich life full of achievements and 
service.
  Born on January 8, 1928, Senator Gorton has dedicated his life to 
serving my home state of Washington and our country. He started his 
lifetime of service to this country in the United States military, 
serving in the Army, as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, and as a Colonel 
in the Air Force Reserve.
  Senator Gorton began his career in politics in 1959 when he was first 
elected to the Washington State House of Representatives. He served in 
the State House for ten years and was chosen by his peers as majority 
leader from 1967 to 1969.
  He left that role to serve Washingtonians in a different capacity as 
State Attorney General for twelve years until 1981. Never willing to 
give up a fight for what he believed to be right, Senator Gorton argued 
14 cases before the United States Supreme Court. During his term as 
Attorney General, on October 17, 1975, I had the great honor of 
receiving the Law Enforcement Award of Commendation from Attorney 
General Gorton as a young Sheriff's Deputy.
  But he wasn't through fighting for the interests of Washingtonians. 
He was elected to the United States Senate in 1981, dedicating eighteen 
years to representing Washington on some of the most impactful 
committees in the chamber including Appropriations; Budget; Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation; and Energy and Natural Resources. Well 
respected by his colleagues, Senator Gorton served in Republican 
leadership as counsel to the majority leader.
  Following his service in elected office, Senator Gorton has continued 
to serve the people of Washington and the United States. In 2002, he 
was asked to be on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon 
the United States (9/11 Commission) established by Congress and 
President George W. Bush. This commission published a report on the 
circumstances of the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country 
and included recommendations for how to guard against future attacks.
  After an exceptional career in public service, Senator Gorton 
continues to mentor and educate the rising leaders of the next 
generation through the Slade Gorton International Policy Center.
  I am privileged to consider Senator Gorton a close friend and am 
honored to celebrate his accomplishments and distinguished career. As I 
started my own career in politics, Senator Gorton took the time to 
share with me his experiences and expertise. I am better for his 
support and encouragement. He was a wonderful example and influence to 
me, as I took office, on how to best serve the people from our home 
state of Washington. I am forever grateful.
  I join with his family, friends, and Washington's Eighth District in 
congratulating him on this special occasion and wishing him a wonderful 
90th.