[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18] [Senate] [Pages 25797-25802] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 293, S. 1652. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the bill by title. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 1652) to designate the Old Executive Office Building located at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, District of Columbia, as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, I am pleased that today the Senate is considering S. 1652, legislation I have introduced with Senator Baucus and others that would name the Old Executive Office Building, OEOB, after Dwight D. [[Page 25798]] Eisenhower. This bipartisan bill would honor both an architectural landmark and a great American leader. The OEOB, located at the corner of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, is a familiar sight to my colleagues. Yet its history and architectural importance may not be as well-known. Its existence grew out of the dire need for executive office space near the White House during the 19th century. After the British burned the first pair of office buildings in 1814, the State, War, and Navy Departments had to make do in cramped quarters for several years. Finally, in the late 1860s, the Grant administration proposed a new building to house those agencies, and Congress appointed a commission to select a site and an architect. The architect selected by the Commission was Alfred Mullett, the Architect of the Treasury. To the surprise of some, his winning design was not Greek Revival (like the Treasury Building), but instead French Second Empire--a style that was perhaps more flamboyant and exuberant than Washington had seen until that point, but that reflected the optimism of the post-Civil War period. Ground was broken in 1871, and seventeen years later the building was completed. Today, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and ranks first among historic buildings in the inventory of the General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service. As planned, the building first was occupied by the State, War, and Navy Departments. For years, these Departments carried out their work there. Indeed, the building has housed 16 Secretaries of the Navy, 21 Secretaries of War, and 24 Secretaries of State. But many other prominent national leaders have carried out their work there as well: Both Presidents Roosevelt (Theodore and Franklin), as well as Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Johnson, Ford, and Bush, had offices in the OEOB before becoming President. And Vice Presidents since Lyndon Johnson have maintained offices there. Some little-known historic trivia about the building: Apparently the building once had wooden swinging doors at its doorways, but it is said they were removed after an eager staffer cannoning through the doors ran into Winston Churchill, knocking the famed cigar from his mouth. And it is said that after a slip on the stairs, Secretary of War Taft had installed the extra brass stair railings. By the way, once Taft became President, his family cow, Pauline, grazed on what is the OEOB's South Lawn. Eventually, however, the building's original tenants left, with the State Department the last to vacate in 1947. Once State moved out, and the President's staff began moving in, the OEOB lost its moniker as the ``State, War & Navy Building,'' and instead was known simply as the Executive Office Building. When a new office building was built across the street, the OEOB became the ``Old'' Executive Office Building, and that undistinguished name has remained to this day. Among those who worked in the building was a young Dwight Eisenhower. My colleagues certainly are well aware of the career of our 34th President. Born in Denison, TX, and raised in Abilene, KS, Dwight Eisenhower spent a life in public service to this country. A graduate of West Point, he had the privilege of being assigned to some of our best-known military figures: Generals Pershing, MacArthur, and Marshall. Later, at the height of his military career, he was appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during WWII. He commanded the Normandy invasion, which led to the end of WWII. In peacetime, he served as president of Columbia University, and also as the head of the NATO forces in Europe. In 1952, America again called him to national service, and ``Ike'' became our 34th President. For all that he did to secure democracy and peace in this century, Dwight Eisenhower stands as one of this country's great leaders. What my colleagues may not have known is that Dwight Eisenhower had a special personal connection to the Old Executive Office Building. As chief military aide to General MacArthur (then Army Chief of Staff), a young Dwight Eisenhower worked in the OEOB from 1933-35. Later on, when he himself became Army Chief of Staff, Eisenhower again was based in the OEOB. And on January 19, 1955, the first televised presidential press conference was held by President Eisenhower on the fourth floor of the OEOB. Indeed, Susan Eisenhower tells us that her grandfather often spoke fondly of the building and his years in it. It is not surprising, therefore, that Eisenhower played a key role in the building's preservation. In the late 1950s, his Advisory Committee on Presidential Office Space recommended that the building be torn down and replaced with an expensive modern office building. White House historian and scholar William Seale reports that the architect in charge tried to persuade President Eisenhower, who recently had suffered a heart attack, that a new building would not have as many stairs to climb. ``Nonsense,'' said the President, ``My doctors require that I climb so many steps a day for the good of my heart!'' The tide turned at that point, and the building was saved. Designating the Old Executive Office Building as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Office Building would be a fitting honor to a great American leader in war and in peace, and a fitting recognition of a grand American building. For that reason, this naming is supported by Stephen Ambrose, the well-known Eisenhower biographer; William Seale, the author of the White House Historical Association's history of the White House; Senator Bob Dole, World War II veteran and distinguished public servant; and the Eisenhower family. It is no wonder that S. 1652 has garnered strong and bipartisan support. Let me extend my appreciation to the Senate leadership for setting aside this day to consider S. 1652. I look forward to its passage by the Senate today, and its ultimate enactment by Congress this year. I thank the Chair. I ask unanimous consent that letters from Stephen Ambrose, William Seale, and Bob Dole, and an editorial by Jim O'Connell, be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Ambrose Tubbs, Inc. Helena, MT, September 7, 1999. Senator John Chafee, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Senator Chafee: I am eager to join Bob Dole, John Eisenhower, Susan Eisenhower and the many others who are supporting naming the Old Executive Office Building after General and President Eisenhower. Almost a decade ago I was on a committee to do something to recognize Eisenhower's 100th birthday. Andrew Goodpaster was the chairman. At our first meeting I said we need a statue of him or a building in Washington named for him. I was about laughed out of the room. I was told there was no way the Democrats were going to honor Eisenhower in our nation's capital. I protested--if a statue, put him in uniform, I said: if a building, call it General Eisenhower. Plus which, I said, every general from the Civil War has a square in the nation's capital named for him, usually with a statue. Why not Ike? You can see how far I got. Renaming the Old Executive Office Building for him would be appropriate as well as much deserved. He served in the building in the early 1930's as an aide to General Douglas MacArthur, then Chief of Staff, U.S. Army. In the late 1950's, as President, Eisenhower saved the building from demolition. Eisenhower was the leader in war and in peace of the men and women who saved our country and democracy. Surely something can be done in Washington to pay at least a bit of our eternal respect and gratitude to this great man. Sincerely, Stephen E. Ambrose. ____ Alexandria, VA, January 13, 1998. Mr. James J. O'Connell, Vice President, Ceridian Corp., Washington, DC. Dear Mr. O'Connell: Thank you for your letter of December 18 about the OEOB. I am interested that you propose that it be named for President Eisenhower. Long ago, Congressman Howard W. Smith told me about a meeting he had with a committee charged with the ``problem'' of that building. An architectural firm was determined to demolish it, and had at least a thousand reasons why the old building needed a new replacement (doubtless in steel and aluminum). The committee was not really happy about it, but listened. Then they had a meeting President Eisenhower attended, fresh from heart- attack recovery. The architect made a very [[Page 25799]] great point about the terrible stairs in the building and how hard they were on heart patients. Eisenhower suddenly interrupted and said something like, ``Nonsense. My doctors require that I climb so many steps a day for the good of my heart.'' Somehow, the tide turned at that point and the old building was saved. Judge Smith concluded with, ``It was a perfectly good building. Well built. No need to destroy it.'' You have a good idea and a perfectly valid one. When in the company of that great structure, and all its complex architectural detailing, I like to think of all the lives that have passed through it, all the great men and even unknown great men and women that make up its story. Do you think you will have competition from General Grant? The building is usually considered the best example of the ``General Grant'' style of American architecture. I prefer Eisenhower, because it would appear that he was the one who saved it, even before the era of preservation really began. I appreciate your kind remarks. Certainly I have been lucky to have the White House as a vehicle for my history studies. Every best wish, Sincerely, William Seale. ____ Washington, DC, August 23, 1999. Hon. John H. Chaffee. It was good to talk to you last week and I'm delighted you support naming the Old Executive Office Building after President Eisenhower. It's something that will touch the heart of every World War II veteran, indeed of every American who remembers Dwight D. Eisenhower as one of America's greatest 20th century leaders in peace and war. Our 34th president is virtually unrecognized in the Nation's Capital. Eisenhower biographer Stephen Ambrose agrees fully that no fitting tribute to Eisenhower exists in Washington, DC. Dr. Ambrose supports naming the OEOB after Ike and would be pleased to write a letter voicing this support. The OEOB, called the ``State, War & Navy Building'' from 1888 until 1947, is Washington's most distinguished office building. Eight future Presidents served in the building before becoming President--Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretaries of the Navy; William Howard Taft, as Secretary of War; Herbert Hoover, as chief of the post-WWI allied relief operations; and Vice Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford and George Bush. Twenty-four secretaries of state served in it. General Eisenhower himself served in the building from 1929-1935, as senior aide to General Douglas MacArthur and as Army Chief of Operations. Furthermore, noted architect and foremost White House historian William Seale tells us that former Congressman Howard W. Smith credited Eisenhower with saving the building from demolition in the late 1950s. Seale is the author of ``The White House: The History of An American Idea.'' The present name of this 19th century masterpiece is largely an historical accident. After State vacated in 1947, the building became known simply as the ``Executive Office Building.'' When a new executive office building opened on 17th Street in 1965, the Executive Office Building became the ``Old'' Executive Office Building. Naming the OEOB for Dwight Eisenhower would give us the opportunity to honor the former State, War and Navy Building with a proper name. At the same time, it would pay a unique tribute to Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose contributions to our nation are symbolized by this building that served him well during both his military and presidential careers. I spoke last week with Susan Eisenhower about this proposal, which was brought to her for the family's consideration. Susan, her father John, and other family members are supportive. They were deeply touched that the idea has been suggested and that the Nation might honor President Eisenhower in this way. Because OEOB is an ``office'' on the GSA Public Buildings Survey, I understand that the Committee on Environment and Public Works would have jurisdiction over legislation to name OEOB after Eisenhower. For many reasons, therefore, you are the best person to champion this legislation in the Senate. I predict many co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle This year we mark the 30th year since Eisenhower's death. More and more World War II vets are retiring from Congress. We need to act quickly to introduce a bill, report it out of Committee and encourage timely action in the House. I hope you will be able to introduce legislation shortly after the Senate reconvenes in September. I will do everything I can personally to help you round up co-sponsors. And we will get letters of endorsement from individuals and organizations to support your leadership. I would be delighted to put your staff in touch with a few people who have done the preliminary research on the OEOB. Maybe this would be helpful as your staff works to draft appropriate bill language. We can also provide assistance in drafting a floor statement and a ``Dear Colleague'' letter and lining up cosponsors when you have a draft bill that can be circulated among your Senate colleagues. I look forward to hearing from you soon and providing any help you need with this important legislation to recognize the leader of The Greatest Generation. This would be particularly appropriate as the American century draws to a close and we enter the new millennium. Sincerely, Bob Dole. ____ [From the Washington Post, Aug. 10, 1997] A Building by any Other Name than the OEOB (By Jim O'Connell) Now that Congress and the White House have reached agreement on balanced budget legislation, they can turn their attention toward addressing another overdue issue: a new name for the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB). Washington's most remarkable office building, perhaps the finest example of French Second Empire architecture in America, has a name remarkable only for its blandness--and that came to it by default. The 19th century Victorian masterpiece was begun in 1871 and completed in 1888. Originally, it was called the State, War and navy Building after its first occupants. Twenty-four secretaries of state served there, and the former State, War and Navy libraries recall that illustrious past. Today, the OEOB houses the offices of the vice president. In 1947, after the last secretary of state vacated the premises, White House offices moved in, and the building came to be known as the Executive Office Building (EOB). That nondescript label reflected the new executive branch tenants--the National Security Council and the Budget Bureau (now the Office of Management and Budget). Never mind that the town had plenty of other executive office buildings. But in 1965 EOBers faced a dilemma: A new executive office building was about to open just north of the EOB. If the 1965 structure was ``new,'' then the 1888 vintage building must be old. With Washington's fascination with acronyms, the building soon became known as the OEOB. What would architect Alfred B. Mullet have said to that? This 19th century treasure merits better--much better. Given its role and its location beside the White House, it should have a name that honors one of our presidents. Five possibilities came to mind: The Roosevelt Executive Office Building. On the plus side, both Roosevelts worked in the building as assistant Navy secretaries. On the minus: Both are memorialized already, Franklin recently in West Potomac Park and Teddy in the woods at Roosevelt Island. The Grant Executive Office Building. Ulysses S. Grant was president when the groundbreaking for the building occurred in 1871. Also, Second Empire architecture reached its zenith during his presidency--indeed it was sometimes called the ``General Grant Style.'' While the Union general is memorialized at the west front of the Capitol, Washington had no monument to Grant the president. The Cleveland Executive Office Building. Grover Cleveland was president at the 1888 completion of the building. After four years of living next to the construction project, our 22nd president took a one-term hiatus--coming back to be our 24th president. The Truman Executive Office Building. President Truman occupied the White House in 1947, when the State Department moved out. At that point, the building's name had to be changed, and the bland EOB name came into use. It seems only fitting that consideration be given to naming the building after ``Harry,'' even if he did call the building ``the greatest monstrosity in America.'' The Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Long before becoming commander of allied forces in Europe in World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower worked in the building as Army chief of operations and military aide to Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur. The five-star general's distinguished Army career echoes the building's military past--two bronze Spanish cannons captured in 1898 are still in place at the Pennsylvania Avenue entrance. And Eisenhower no doubt played a role in helping the building survive a 1957 recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Presidential Office Space that EOB be replaced with a modern office complex. The Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater is faint praise indeed for this American hero. After a half-century, it's time to honor the old State, War and Navy Building with a new name and in so doing pay lasting tribute to a former president. Myself--I like Ike! Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I thank the authors of this legislation for working to bring this bill to the floor. I had the privilege of working under President Eisenhower as Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior and Solicitor of the Interior Department. I am proud to have served under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1947 President Eisenhower said of our democracy: The American system rests upon the rights and dignity of the individual. The success of [[Page 25800]] that system depends upon the assumption by each one of personal, individual responsibility for the safety and welfare of the whole. No government official, no soldier, be he brass hat or Pfc., no other person can assume your responsibilities--else democracy will cease to exist. This sentiment is still true today. It speaks to the timelessness of President Eisenhower's thoughts and efforts and it offers us a glimpse of how he approached his duties and his life in general. Ike was a good soldier who got most of his insight into government from his experience at West Point. His focus was on duty, honor and country. To him, the role he was given by the American people is outlined in the Constitution and he followed the language of the Constitution to the best of his ability. Also known as an ``internationalist'', he believed in friendship and peace. Ike ran for President because of concern that too many people were afraid of other countries and believed that if we were to have peace in the world then we need friendships with other countries. Eisenhower as our leader made many decisions that we live by today. Unlike many who currently seek and obtain political offices, he was concerned with making the right decisions and not with what his legacy would be. Today's leaders should and do build on the leadership of the past--leadership that he provided and taught us to emulate. The period of Ike's Presidency was an interesting and important period in the history of our country--particularly for my State and the State of my good friend from Hawaii, Senator Inouye. President Eisenhower originally opposed statehood for Alaska in his first term. In 1950 you needed a passport or birth certificate to return to the ``south 48'' from Alaska. Today we remember the phrase ``Taxation without representation''. It was true back then, especially for those of us who fought and returned from WWII. It was demeaning and unfair. As everyone knows, we won the statehood fight and it turned out to be good for the people of Alaska and the country as a whole. In working for Alaska statehood under President Eisenhower I found the ability to work freely, but with his full support. Bill Ewald, a good friend of mine, is quoted in the book ``Eisenhower the President'': . . . in the end . . . the greatest glory must go to Eisenhower. He chose his lieutenants, gave them the freedom to think and to innovate, backed them to the hilt despite his qualms, and thus produced an outcome that, in retrospect, remains a triumph of his administration. Only 40 years later Alaska provides 25 percent of all U.S. oil production, and 50 percent of fish consumed in the United States is caught off Alaska's shores. Eisenhower believed that a modern network of roads is ``As necessary to defense as it is to our national economy and personal safety''. Under his leadership, the Federal Aid-Highway Act of 1956 authorized 41,000 miles of highways (later adjusted to 42,500) by 1975. By 1980, 40,000 miles were completed. Today there are more than 42,700 miles in the system. Citizens of no nation on Earth can equal the mobility that is available to the majority of Americans via our National Highway System. A study in 1994 found that the fatality rate for interstate highways is 60 percent lower than the rest of the transportation system and the injury rate is 70 percent lower. The U.S. Army cited the Interstate Highway System as being critical to the success of the Desert Shield-Desert Storm Operation because it allowed for the rapid deployment of troops and equipment to U.S. ports for deployment overseas. In the area of defense, Ike's efforts could not be eclipsed. His leadership in pushing for adequate funding of our defense system led to the successes we enjoy today. With the strongest military power on Earth, and with new and effective weapon systems in our arsenal, we should look to the past and give Ike credit for his vision on our national defense. In his 1961 farewell address, President Eisenhower said: America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world . . . America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment. It was President Eisenhower's hope as we all pursue our careers, regardless of the path we take, that we would remember his words and would do our best to be a ``foot soldier'' in his battle to ``wage peace.'' I still consider myself one of Eisenhower's ``foot soldiers''. Naming the Old Executive Office Building after President Eisenhower is a fitting tribute to the man who save the world and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation. Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I join the chorus of voices calling for the Old Executive Office Building to be renamed in honor of Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower had a direct connection to the building. He worked there as an aide to Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and as Army Chief of Operations. As President, he saved the building from demolition. But of course the reasons for commemorating President Eisenhower in this way are far more profound than his historical connection to the building. At the close of this century, America is the world's lone superpower--due in large part to the leadership of President Eisenhower from 1953-60, the years when the course to our current position of supremacy was being charted. A world power structure going back several centuries was shattered by World War II. America had made a grave mistake after World War I by retreating into isolationism. Fortunately, after the Second World War, the United States recognized its responsibility to assume leadership of the free world in the global confrontation with communism. The man most responsible for solidifying America's postwar position was Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower, former supreme allied commander in World War II and then supreme commander of the new North Atlantic Treaty Organization, understood perhaps better than any man of his time how the world was interconnected--and how America's destiny was intertwined with the destinies of its friends and enemies throughout the world. He was not afraid to lead in foreign policy. Nor was he afraid to lead in domestic policy, especially in race relations. We think of the 1960s as the decade of civil rights, but it was President Eisenhower who ordered the complete desegregation of the Armed Forces. It was President Eisenhower who sent Federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to guarantee compliance with a court order for school desegregation. Naming the Old Executive Office Building for Dwight D. Eisenhower is a fitting way to honor the many ways he contributed to the building of the greatest nation the world has ever seen. Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise in strong support of the Environment and Public Works Committee legislation to name the Old Executive Office Building after one of Kansas' sons, former President Dwight David Eisenhower. Although Congress is portrayed in the press as mired in gridlock over budget caps and campaign finance reform, the Senate does rise above the daily political battles and pass commonsense bipartisan legislation that the American public is often unaware of because it lacks the sizzle for front page headlines or evening news sound bites. The Senate passage of S. 1652 formally recognizes former President Eisenhower's dedication and faithfulness to the United States. This Kansan rose from his commission as a second lieutenant of Infantry at West Point to Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, where he directed one of the most ambitious invasions in military history. At the end of his military career, Eisenhower embarked on his successful candidacy for President of the United States. Eisenhower's biographer, Stephen Ambrose, wrote in his introduction to ``Eisenhower The President'' that ``Dwight Eisenhower is one of only two Republicans (the other was Grant) [[Page 25801]] to serve two full terms as President. Along with the two Roosevelts, he is the only twentieth-century President who, when he left office, still enjoyed wide and deep popularity. And he is the only President in this century who managed to preside over eight years of peace and prosperity.'' America liked Ike. We in Kansas are always honored when we can share our admiration for Dwight David Eisenhower with the rest of the Nation including the Dwight David Eisenhower National Highway System and the Eisenhower Presidential Center in Abilene, Kansas. My own family has strong ties to Ike and the Eisenhower years. My father, Wes, played a key role in Eisenhower's presidential nomination and his election. He served as Republican national chairman for Ike. Naming the Old Executive Office Building after former President Eisenhower is fitting because this building is almost as historic as the White House. Former Presidents Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Taft, Johnson, Ford, and Bush, and Eisenhower himself, all had offices in this building before becoming President. This ornate building is one of the most impressive buildings in Washington and some believe its style epitomizes the optimism and exuberance of the post-Civil War period when it was constructed. Throughout his government career, Ike also conveyed these feelings to his troops and the American people therefore this recognition is well-deserved. I am glad that my Senate colleagues agreed to expedite the passage of this bill and hope the other body takes quick action. It builds on last week's celebration in Kansas of former President Eisenhower where the State of Kansas made his birthday Dwight D. Eisenhower Day in Kansas. More importantly, our state leaders provided schools with curricula on Eisenhower to teach and remind children of this great leader. For my colleagues reading and information, I ask unanimous consent that an editorial from the Topeka Capital Journal be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the editorial was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Dwight D. Eisenhower Finally Gets His Day It is not hyperbole at all to say this: Dwight D. Eisenhower stands as one of the 20th century's towering figures--and among what may have been history's most heroic generation, he was a giant. This Kansas-reared man's memory is still celebrated today in the hamlets of Europe he helped free from Nazi oppression and occupation as supreme Allied commander in World War II. Meanwhile, in a wax museum dedicated to all the U.S. presidents in Gettysburg, Pa., Eisenhower's likeness has been lifted out of its chronological place and given its own spotlight for visitors to appreciate. His life, his career, his achievements, his impact on the world were that significant. Yet, the state that claims him, and which he claimed as a youth and at his death in 1969, has done precious little to observe his honored place in history. Until now. This week, Abilene, site of the Eisenhower Library and Museum, feted the 34th president in a three-day celebration ending today with a conclusion of a Veterans of Foreign Wars vigil at 8 a.m., wreath layings at 10:30 and 11 a.m., a children's bicycle parade at 1:30 and the unveiling at 2 p.m. of a statute of a boyish Eisenhower at the downtown mini- park. Thursday, on his birthday and officially Dwight D. Eisenhower Day in Kansas, schoolchildren released balloons, heard music and speeches (including one by Ike's granddaughter, Anne Eisenhower) and celebrated with a birthday party and concert that night. Just as important, curricula on Eisenhower was sent to schools statewide. It's hard to believe we've gone this long before proclaiming a day for Eisenhower--the state's most famous and celebrated figure. ``He really is a world-renowned figure,'' said state Sen. Ben Vidricksen, R-Salina, who sponsored the legislation leading to this long-overdue observance. Though born in Denison, Texas, Eisenhower spent his formative years in Abilene, Kan., where they regard him as a local boy who grew to become a hero. ``He was a wonderful role model,'' said Kim Barbieri, education specialist with the Eisenhower Foundation. ``Even his critics never questioned his honesty and sincerity,'' said one author. ``As a general, he commanded the greatest army in history. As a president, he dedicated himself to fighting for peace.'' Indeed, though a product of the military, Eisenhower once warned the American people to guard against ``the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.'' Though his was one of the poorer families in Abilene, it was predicted in the Abilene High School year-book in 1909 that Eisenhower would go on to be president--Dwight's brother, Edgar Eisenhower, that is. Dwight was supposed to go on to be a history professor at Yale. The prediction was off slightly, of course. And because of that, the world is a better place--and millions of people are free today. Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I rise today to add my support to S. 1652, a bill to designate the Old Executive Office Building located at 17th and Pennsylvania, here in the District of Columbia, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. I remind my colleagues of the many accomplishments and selfless contributions of our 34th President. His strong character and remarkable achievements have made him a role model for many young people worldwide. As a native of Kansas myself, it is an honor to commemorate this fellow Kansan by associating his name with a remarkable architectural landmark like the Old Executive Office Building. Born 25 years after the end of the civil war, Dwight David Eisenhower was the third son of David and Ida Eisenhower. He spent his formative years sharing a crowded house with five brothers in Abilene, Kansas. He sought and received an appointment to West Point. In 1927 he entered Army War College here in Washington, DC. His early Army career saw rapid advancement through the ranks. Within 11 years, he was chief military aide to Gen. Douglass MacArthur and by the age of 43 served as Army Chief of Operations. While holding these positions, Eisenhower occupied several offices in the Old Executive Office Building and spent many hours walking the white marble tile corridors. On June 6, 1944, he was Supreme Commander of the D-Day Normandy invasion. Through his actions and duties, his name became synonymous with heroism. Just 6 months later, he was promoted to U.S. Army's highest ranking, General of the Army. After the war, Eisenhower's popularity with the American people soared. In 1948, he was offered the nomination for President from both political parties but declined the honor. Instead, he became the president of Columbia University in New York City. Fear of communist built-up and disappointment with the mismanagement of the Korean war, convinced Eisenhower that he had a duty to run, and in 1952 he received the Republican nomination for President. Eisenhower's two terms as President of the United States saw many progressive and important accomplishments. After inauguration, he signed a truce that brought an armed peace along the border of South Korea and effectively ended the war. In 1956, he sponsored the first civil rights bill since Reconstruction. Eisenhower signed legislation creating the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and witnessed Alaska and Hawaii become States. His public works programs included the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1954 and the Interstate Highway System in 1956, the largest construction project in history. Perhaps Eisenhower's greatest feat during his presidency was making and keeping the peace with communist countries. Eisenhower seldom boasted, but he once summed up one of the proudest accomplishments of his presidency in these words: ``The United States never lost a soldier or a foot of ground in my administration. We kept the peace. People asked how it happened--by God, it didn't just happen, I'll tell you that.'' Dwight D. Eisenhower attributed his success and good fortune to ``. . . a lifetime of continuous association with men and women . . . who . . . gave others inspiration and guidance.'' His parents, church, and community were first among them. The small town environment of Abilene, Kansas taught him ambition without arrogance and self-dependence with a concern for others. President Eisenhower never forgot where his strength or that of the Nation came from. In June of 1954, an amendment was made to add the words [[Page 25802]] ``one Nation under God'' to the Pledge of Allegiance. Eisenhower remarked, ``In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage of future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war.'' So, in renaming this most historic structure, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of President Eisenhower, but the strong, loving family and nurturing community of his youth which helped propel him to greatness. These are the values with which we attempt to equip our children and prepare great leaders for our future. Many of the young people of our country have little or no idea who this great American was or what his leadership in both war and peace meant to the nation and the world. It is my hope that when Americans visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive office Building, a curiosity about his heritage is evoked in children and adults alike, and people are inspired by his example. I encourage all Senators to support this bipartisan legislation and honor our former President and wartime leader Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the Record. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 1652) was read the third time and passed, as follows: S. 1652 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING. The Old Executive Office Building located at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, District of Columbia, shall be known and designated as the ``Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES. Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the building referred to in section 1 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building. ____________________