[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7979-S7980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BILL NELSON

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Senator Nelson is the only Member of this 
body to see the Earth from space. Perhaps that is why he has been a 
champion of our environment, our climate, clean air and water, both 
here in the United States, and for the entire planet.
  Senator Nelson has said that seeing our little planet suspended in 
the infinity of space imparted him ``with a profound sense of 
obligation to become a better steward for our planet Earth.'' He has 
never shirked that obligation. Whether urgently warning about the 
dangers of a quickly warming planet or about the importance of 
conserving wildlife and our natural spaces, Senator Nelson has long 
understood that the health of our children and grandchildren depends on 
our responsible stewardship of our planet today. What is more, Senator 
Nelson understands that confronting climate change is not

[[Page S7980]]

only good for the planet but crucial for his constituents. Florida has 
already begun to feel the effects of extreme weather made worse by 
warmer temperatures, and Senator Nelson's work on the issue reflects 
his deep commitment to Floridians.
  In addition to his global outlook, Senator Nelson has shown his 
willingness and ability to accomplish small changes that can have big 
benefits for his constituents. In the aftermath of horrific shootings 
in Florida, he didn't just offer condolences to the victims; he got to 
work to call attention to gun violence, and he issued calls to action. 
He partnered with me to introduce legislation that would give law 
enforcement agencies the tools they need to modernize efforts to combat 
gun violence. The small technical fix in this legislation--allowing the 
ATF to digitize its records--would make a world of difference to police 
trying to solve crimes across the country. I wish his calls to action, 
like so many of ours, were heard by Congress.
  Senator Nelson has devoted his career to public service, and his role 
in elected office started back in the Florida House of Representatives 
in 1972. Since then, he has faithfully represented the State of 
Florida, and we have been fortunate to have him here in the Senate. I 
am sad to see him go, and the Nation will miss his strong voice on 
environmental issues. I wish Senator Nelson and his wife, Grace, the 
best.

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