[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SCOTT LAUGHLIN

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, for nearly 20 years, Scott Laughlin lit up 
the radio, welcoming WJBC listeners in the Bloomington, IL, area to a 
new day. It has been a few years since I have had the pleasure of being 
on the radio with Scott since he retired in 2019, but I would like to 
take a moment to wish him a happy birthday. We used to catch up monthly 
on his show, chatting about the big news of the day or the latest Cubs 
game. I like to think he had as much fun during those interviews as I 
did.
  On the air, I could always count on Scott to ask me thoughtful 
questions about the on-goings in Washington. And he was never shy about 
letting me know where he stood. On more than one occasion, he let me 
know I voted against his opinion. But with each political discussion we 
broached on the radio, he did so with the utmost respect and 
willingness to understand the other side--and with a good sense of 
humor, too. He was a gracious host to both his guests and listeners.
  Sadly, Scott cut his time at WJBC short, retiring a year ahead of his 
own schedule, when he discovered he had kidney cancer. In the 4 years 
since his diagnosis, Scott has fought hard, and his resolve continues 
to serve him today. His story, along with those of the nearly 82,000 
Americans who receive this same diagnosis annually, reminds us why we 
faithfully advocate for medical research funding in hopes of finding a 
cure for cancer.
  While he has many fans from his time as a radio host, Scott's 
favorite listeners have always been his wife Lori; his two kids Casey 
and TJ; and his granddaughter Lucy. In his retirement, he has enjoyed 
extra time with them, sometimes spent on the golf course or 
relentlessly cheering on his teams: the Chicago Cubs and Bears, as well 
as the Illinois State University Redbirds.
  I miss chatting with Scott over the radio, but I am sure he has found 
new joy in retirement. As his birthday approaches--July 5th--I am 
wishing Scott a very happy birthday, hopefully spent celebrating with 
friends and family, and maybe a round of golf or two.

                          ____________________