[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.

                          ____________________