[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 36 (Monday, February 28, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING RICHARD C. BLUM

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, first, I was deeply saddened this 
morning to learn of the passing of my friend, and our dear colleague, 
Dick Blum, husband of over 40 years to our friend and colleague Senator 
Feinstein. Senator Feinstein is our Senate colleague, but Dick Blum was 
also a colleague because he was a friend and adviser to so many of us.
  In his 86 years, Dick truly led a remarkable life. He was a force of 
nature, gifted with a winning smile and keen intellect that he applied 
to the benefit of California, America, and even international causes, 
including the American Himalayan Foundation, because he cared so much 
about those folks. Every now and then, he would call me with his 
frequently insightful--often brilliant--ideas. The only problem was his 
enthusiasm was so intense, it was sometimes hard to get him off the 
phone.
  He was a strong and wonderful partner to Senator Feinstein, and he 
fought valiantly against illness in the final chapters of his life--a 
life so well lived.
  Our thoughts are with our friend Senator Feinstein. She and he were 
so close. She was so dependent on him and he on her. And so our 
thoughts are with her during this time of mourning. We join her in both 
our grief and in remembering Dick's wonderful legacy.
  I talked with Senator Feinstein this afternoon. And I told her that 
when my father passed away a few months ago, I felt a loss, but some of 
the pain--a little bit--was sad because I would feel I was so close to 
him, he is still with me. And I told her that is how I believed Dick 
will be with her. And she told me that gave her a little solace, so 
that made me feel OK.

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