[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S87-S88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING HERB KOHL

  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, over the holiday recess, the U.S. Senate 
and the people of Wisconsin experienced a profound loss: the passing of 
Herb Kohl.
  I had the pleasure of serving with Herb in the Senate for 15 years. 
He was a tremendous Senator and an even better man. Born in Milwaukee 
to two Jewish immigrant parents, Herb went to school at the University 
of Wisconsin-Madison and later earned a master's degree from Harvard 
University. He went on to serve in the Army Reserve.
  In many ways, Herb's story is the American dream personified. A 
Midwestern boy from humble roots who teamed up with his father and 
brothers to grow a family business into an iconic retail chain, 
becoming a successful businessman and philanthropist in the process. 
Herb took what he learned from the world of business--hard work, 
integrity, and humility--and pivoted to politics. Getting his start in 
Wisconsin politics in the 1970s, he went on to chair the Wisconsin 
State Democratic Party. And in 1988, he ran for the U.S. Senate. 
Unsurprisingly to all of us who knew Herb, he was a beloved candidate, 
and he faithfully served the people of Wisconsin for four terms.
  In his conduct and commitment to his constituents, Herb proved that 
the Midwest's reputation for kindness and loyalty does not stop at the 
doors of the Senate. He had a quiet manner about him, with little ego. 
In many ways, he was an anomaly. He put his head down, and he focused 
squarely on how he could improve the lives of those who entrusted him 
to serve.
  Even with his success, Herb never forgot his roots and used every 
position he found himself in to give back to his beloved Wisconsin. In 
1970, he was instrumental in bringing a professional baseball team to 
Milwaukee. When Milwaukee's professional basketball team, the Milwaukee 
Bucks, threatened to leave town, Herb purchased the team to ensure they 
remained in his hometown. When he saw educational need in his State, he 
founded the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation to provide scholarships 
and fellowships to students, teachers, and schools. When his alma mater 
found itself in need of a new athletic facility and arena, it was 
Herb's donation that helped bring it to life.
  A fellow Midwesterner, Herb and I worked together on many issues. He 
was a colleague, a friend, and above all, the resident dairy expert. I 
can still recall when Herb retired in 2013, I quickly realized I had 
lost my most trusted adviser on all things dairy. It was important to 
his constituents, so it was important to him. And no one knew more than 
Herb.

[[Page S88]]

  Notably, we also served together on the Senate Judiciary Committee, 
where we worked to confirm fair and qualified judges and pass 
legislation that made this Nation more just and equitable. 
Specifically, in 2011, he cosponsored the DREAM Act, legislation that 
is very close to my heart.
  I send my deepest condolences to Herb's family, friends, and 
constituents. With Herb's passing, we lost one of the very best of us. 
I am honored to have called Herb a friend, and I will miss him dearly.

                          ____________________