[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 8, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                        Remembering Robert Pear

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I begin this morning with a heavy 
heart, having heard of the abrupt passing of New York Times journalist 
Robert Pear.
  It just so happens that Robert lived on my floor in college during 
freshman year. While everyone else in those days had long hair and wore 
bell-bottoms, Robert had a flattop, was always studious, inquisitive, 
polite, and very decent, earning him the nickname ``The Deacon.'' He 
was the first to go into the library and the last to come out late at 
night. The Deacon was different from most of us but earned all of our 
respect.
  Robert maintained the qualities of studiousness and inquisitiveness, 
politeness and decency throughout his personal and professional life. 
In my view, he represented the very best of America.
  When Robert's byline appeared on a story--and so often, his stories 
were on the front page, above the fold of the New York Times--the 
reader knew the reporting would be both important and authoritative.
  His death is a loss for journalism itself. I send my condolences to 
his family in this moment of profound grief.