[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 136 (Thursday, August 16, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5672-S5673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING PAUL LAXALT

  Mr. HELLER. Madam President, I come to the floor today to pay tribute 
and honor to one of the great Nevadans of our lifetime--Senator Paul 
Laxalt. Last week, Senator Laxalt passed away at the age of 96, having 
forever changed the State of Nevada and this country. The State motto 
in Nevada is ``All for our Country,'' and Senator Laxalt exemplified 
that principle every day by giving his all through public service for 
every Nevadan.
  Paul Dominique Laxalt was born on August 2, 1922, and grew up in my 
hometown of Carson City, NV. His parents had both emigrated from the 
Basque region in Europe and brought their values and traditions to 
northern Nevada. Even today, Basque influences, like chorizo, lamb, and 
sweetbreads, are still staples of life in northern Nevada.
  As the son of a Basque sheepherder, Paul made his mark early in life 
by attending Carson High School, playing on the 1938 State championship 
basketball team, and as a student body president--which is significant, 
and I will share more in a few minutes.
  Paul would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army as a medic 
during World War II, and he saw action in the Philippines. After the 
war, like many Americans, Paul started a family. He married Jackalyn 
Ross in 1946, and they had six children: Gail, Sheila, Michelle, Kevin, 
Kathleen, and John Paul.
  Paul began his career in public service when he served as a district 
attorney for what was then Ormsby County, NV. He then won his first 
statewide race, serving as Lieutenant Governor from 1963 to 1967. 
During his term, Paul made the decision to run for the U.S. Senate in 
1964 and challenged then-Senator Howard Cannon. In one of the closest 
races in Nevada history, Paul lost his bid for the Senate by just 48 
votes. A result like that could break a lesser man, but Paul picked 
himself up and won the Nevada governorship just a few years later.
  Under Governor Laxalt, Nevada began growing and turning into the 
State we know today. He helped establish the community college system 
and the first medical school in Nevada. Under his guidance, Nevada's 
gaming industry was transformed, and his vision for our State's future 
is now enjoyed by millions of tourists each year who visit Nevada for 
our world-class attractions, our services, and our entertainment.
  It was during that time that Paul started to become friends with 
another famous Governor in neighboring California--Ronald Reagan. 
Together, they worked to protect and preserve Lake Tahoe for future 
generations. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency--the TRPA--is the 
premier bistate compact to save the lake, and in 2020 we will celebrate 
its 50th year.
  After his work as Governor, Paul decided the time was right to make 
another run for the U.S. Senate. This time he won, and he served the 
State of Nevada from 1974 to 1987. As a U.S. Senator, he continued his 
faithful dedication to his friend Ronald Reagan and served as his 
Presidential campaign chairman in 1976, 1980, and 1984. He also served 
as general chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1983 to 
1987.
  Senator Laxalt was famously called ``the first friend'' of President 
Reagan's. Together, they helped each other

[[Page S5673]]

set our country down a new path of prosperity and freedom.
  Senator Laxalt was a hero and a mentor to me and many others who grew 
up in Carson City.
  Like Paul, my mother, my children, and I also went to Carson High 
School. I played on the basketball team, and my daughter Emmy was the 
student body president, following in Senator Laxalt's shoes.
  Before my daughter Emmy took office, she reached out to previous 
Carson High School student body presidents to ask for their advice. 
Senator Laxalt was gracious and told her the following:

       When I was elected as student body president, Franklin 
     Roosevelt was the President of the United States. With World 
     War II looming on the horizon, my fellow classmates and I had 
     no idea how dramatically our lives would be altered in the 
     next few years. Of course, the school itself was much 
     different. I doubt there were more than 30 students in my 
     entire class. Until my senior year, all classes--K through 
     12--were in the same building!

  He then said:

       I'm not entirely comfortable offering advice, particularly 
     to someone who knows more than me! I would just tell you to 
     have fun and enjoy every single day, remember those who 
     elected you, and always do what you--Emmy Heller--think is 
     right.

  I know Emmy has never forgotten that advice.
  Senator Laxalt set a high bar for all us kids who went to Carson High 
School but also showed us all the possibilities of what could be 
achieved as Nevadans.
  When I was sworn in as a freshman Member of the House of 
Representatives, Senator Laxalt was there for me on day one. I will 
never forget his support and his advice: Always stay close to family, 
friends, and your constituents. They will never lead you astray.
  Having been a Presidential campaign adviser to President Reagan, 
President Bush, and Senator Dole, Senator Laxalt's advice carried great 
weight, and I knew I needed to listen to every piece of advice he was 
willing to give me.
  Senator Laxalt also had a profound impact on many of my colleagues in 
the Senate. It didn't matter whether you were a Democrat or Republican, 
Senator Laxalt would be your friend. In fact, on my very first day as a 
Senator, I remember my colleague Senator Leahy telling me about all of 
his work and his fond memories of his friend Senator Laxalt.
  Senator Laxalt showed us all what true friendship is. His character 
and warmth that he shared with all of us will never be forgotten. I 
extend my deepest condolences to Senator Laxalt's wife Carol and to 
their entire family. I will miss my friend Senator Laxalt. His 
colleagues in the Senate will miss their friend, and the people of 
Nevada will miss their friend.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.

                          ____________________