[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 25651]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     SENATOR CONNIE MACK'S RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES SENATE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
has made countless contributions to the state of Florida and to this 
Nation during his tenure in the United States Senate, Senator Connie 
Mack. Senator Mack has decided to retire after serving two successful 
terms in the Senate.
  Prior to his entrance into public service, Connie spent 16 years as a 
local banker. During this time, he established himself as a civic 
leader in his Florida community and helped spearhead an effort to build 
a much needed local hospital. Recognizing that as a member of Congress 
he could do much more to help not only his local community, but the 
entire nation as well, he decided to run for a seat in the House of 
Representatives.
  While serving three terms in the House, Connie built a reputation as 
someone who could get things done. It was soon obvious to many familiar 
with this aspiring politician that his talents would best serve this 
nation in the United States Senate. Running on a platform of ``less 
taxing, less spending, less government, more freedom,'' Connie Mack was 
embraced by the Florida voters and was sworn in as the junior Senator 
for the Sunshine State in January 1989.
  Senator Mack was soon recognized by his colleagues as a man with a 
solid work ethic of uncompromising integrity. In 1996, he was chosen by 
his Republican colleagues as Chairman of the Republican Conference, and 
he retained this post for the rest of his time in office. He fought 
intensely for his constituents, and they repaid him in 1994 when they 
re-elected him with 70 percent of the vote--the first Republican in 
Florida to be re-elected to the United States Senate.
  During Connie's tenure in the Senate, he has used his extensive 
banking experience to frame landmark legislation which modernized our 
banking laws and helped prepare our financial system for the global 
market of the 21st century. A fierce opponent of government waste, he 
advocates deficit reduction and cutting congressional spending.
  Connie's most admirable trait is his determination to overcome 
tragedy. His family's battle with cancer catalyzed the young Senator to 
push a legislative agenda focused on eliminating this destructive 
disease. Senator Mack is known nationwide as an advocate for cancer 
research, and both he and his wife Priscilla have been honored 
repeatedly for their work to promote cancer awareness. He has been 
instrumental in obtaining medical research funding, and his 
perseverance paid off to the benefit of the health of this Nation.
  Senator Connie Mack is an individual well respected on both sides of 
the political aisle. His legacy is one composed of honesty and 
integrity, and I feel that I can speak for all of my colleagues when I 
express my gratitude for his countless contributions to the Senate. I 
wish him and his wife Priscilla health, happiness, and success in the 
years to come.

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