[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S17-S18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BEN SASSE

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish that every American could have 
heard the speech that was just delivered by our friend and colleague 
from Nebraska, Senator Ben Sasse. It reflects his intellect, his 
intelligence, his integrity, his imagination. It demonstrates that he 
is both a historian and a visionary. It paints a portrait of where we 
need to do work in America, but it also holds out the promise of making 
our great country even better.
  In his speech and in a recent op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, 
Senator Sasse said:

       This country belongs to the optimists, the innovators and 
     the builders.

  Those words by Ben Sasse perfectly describe the qualities that he has 
brought to this Chamber and that he will bring to his new leadership 
position at the University of Florida.
  As he leaves us to assume the presidency of the University of 
Florida, I want to thank my friend from Nebraska for his service and 
congratulate him on this exciting, new opportunity to make a positive 
difference once again.
  Ben came to the Senate in 2015 with a remarkable record of 
accomplishment as an educator, as a consultant to businesses and 
nonprofit organizations, and as the president of a university. His work 
for the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Health and Human 
Services prepared him well for the issues he addressed here. 
Consistently, Ben took a thoughtful approach that was defined by his 
commitment to the facts, by his genuine desire to understand opposing 
points of view and find common ground, and, most of all, by his 
integrity.
  He is the author of two best-selling books that reveal much about his 
character. In one, he offers advice on how we can strengthen our 
children's self-reliance, work ethic, and civic responsibility. In the 
other, he provides remedies for the societal alienation that drives us 
apart--and of which he spoke today--that infects everything from our 
local communities to national politics. In confronting these 
challenges, Ben does not scold his readers. Instead, he puts forth 
thoughtful, practical, inspiring solutions.
  I was pleased to hear Ben mention today his work on the Intelligence 
Committee, and I have thought the same thing that he said today so many 
times. If the American public could see what goes on behind closed 
doors, I think it would restore their faith in this institution because 
there are no cameras; no one is performing; everyone is asking serious, 
thoughtful questions in trying to get to the answer--to the nub of a 
problem.
  I have really enjoyed working with Ben on that committee, and I have 
always looked forward to hearing his very thoughtful, probing 
questions. He has been a leading advocate for improving cyber security 
to better protect government, businesses, and critical infrastructure 
from hostile actors. He has worked to remove unnecessary roadblocks and 
supply actionable intelligence to Ukraine to aid in its defense against 
the barbaric invasion by the Russians.
  Here at home, Ben has stood firm against efforts to repeal the 
filibuster--eloquently arguing that it would destroy the spirit of 
consensus building and compromise that is the very heart of the Senate.
  He was a strong ally in our bipartisan work to reform and modernize 
the archaic Electoral Count Act of 1887 to prevent the flaws of this 
outdated law from undermining future Presidential elections. In fact, I 
well remember the night before we were to introduce the bill. There 
were 15 of us, including, obviously, Ben, who had worked so hard to 
craft this legislation, including Senator Portman, who is standing 
right next to Senator Sasse on the floor. Ben, in being the thorough, 
careful Senator he is, had some deep, insightful questions, and I think 
I spent half the night answering them as we texted and called back and 
forth--he wanting to make sure that we were not infringing on the 
legitimate role of State governments or State courts as we attempted to 
strike exactly the right balance. And at 4:30 in the morning--which is 
when Senator Sasse gets up, but it is not when I am usually awake--a 
text that I welcomed very much came across my phone saying that he 
would cosponsor the bill. And I knew then that we had truly gotten it 
right, because he is so thorough in his approach, and I knew that he 
had read every single word.

  As Senator Sasse departs us, it is my hope that the words that he 
spoke, the advice that he gave us today, will fill the hearts and minds 
of all who have the privilege to serve here. As he said, ``now, perhaps 
more than ever, it is our job to stop giving ear to political arsonists 
who would burn down our institutions and intensify our divisions.

[[Page S18]]

Now is the time for us to think together over the long term how we 
renew those institutions.''
  Like Ben Sasse, I am optimistic that we can do just that.
  It has been such an honor to serve with Senator Sasse. I am grateful 
for his efforts to strengthen our institutions, elevate our national 
discourse, and bring people together while recognizing that we are 
always going to have vigorous debates on the proper path forward for 
our Nation.
  I have learned so much from him.
  In a recent column, Ben wrote that ``America was the best home 
freedom has ever had, and it still is. Let's build together anew.''
  I know that Ben Sasse will continue to build toward this bright 
future when he leaves the Senate. I wish him, Melissa, and their family 
all the best in this next chapter of their lives.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Alaska.

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