[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 24831-24832]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO RETIRING SENATOR CONNIE MACK

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
career of Connie Mack as he retires from the Senate. Senator Mack has 
served the people of Florida with distinction during his two terms in 
the Senate, as well as during his three terms in the House of 
Representatives. Throughout his career in public service, Senator Mack 
has been willing to address complex issues and help move the debate 
forward.
  On matters of fiscal policy, Senator Mack and I have not often 
agreed, but I have admired his willingness to engage these issues in a 
serious way that fosters the kind of discussion we need in the Senate 
to deliberate on the difficult questions before us.
  Senator Mack has been a steadfast advocate for increased NIH funding, 
and I have been proud to support his efforts, including his proposal, 
passed as an amendment to the fiscal year 1998 budget resolution, to 
double funding for NIH over the next five years. I share his belief 
that increasing funding for biomedical research is one of the most 
important ways we can improve

[[Page 24832]]

the quality of life for America's families. Groundbreaking research, 
development of drug therapies and new medical procedures, all of these 
steps move us closer to life-saving medical breakthroughs that can 
detect, prevent, and eliminate life-threatening disease.
  I have also been pleased to support Senator Mack's effort, along with 
Senator Graham, to restore the Everglades. His work to preserve and 
restore this unique and beautiful area, home to fragile habitats and 
many endangered species, will undoubtedly be one of his greatest 
legacies.
  It has been a pleasure to serve with Senator Mack over the last seven 
years. As he leaves the Senate, I wish him all the best and thank him 
for his many years of distinguished public service.

                          ____________________