[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 198 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LAMAR ALEXANDER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to say a few words 
following today's announcement from our dear friend, the senior Senator 
from Tennessee.
  The great State of Tennessee has been generous to the U.S. Senate 
over the years. A number of the State's Senators from both parties have 
enriched this institution through especially distinguished service and 
built reputations as national leaders.
  Nobody embodies this legacy more fully than Lamar Alexander. While I 
am sure he will accomplish even more over the next 2 years, Lamar is 
already one of the most consequential Senators on domestic policy in 
memory. Lamar was a success long before he became a Senator. He had 
already been a popular and accomplished Governor and a brilliant 
Secretary of Education, but fortunately for this body and for our 
Nation, 16 years ago the Volunteer State saw fit to continue that 
career of excellence by sending Lamar here.
  He has chaired the Republican conference. He has chaired the HELP 
Committee. For his colleagues in both parties he is a go-to expert on 
some of the most critical subjects that directly impact Americans' 
lives, particularly American families, healthcare, and our children's 
schools.
  The Every Student Succeeds Act and this year's landmark opioids 
legislation are two perfect examples of signature Lamar Alexander 
accomplishments. They tackle challenging issues in a thoughtful and 
substantive way. They tangibly improve Americans' lives, and they 
passed both Houses of Congress with big bipartisan majorities.
  So the Senate will be lesser without Lamar's wisdom, collegiality, 
and expertise when he retires. I am glad that day is 2 years away and 
grateful we will keep benefiting from his leadership through the 116th 
Congress.

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