[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 27159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   TRIBUTE TO SENATOR SPENCER ABRAHAM

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute and recognize 
the accomplishments of a colleague, Senator Spencer Abraham of 
Michigan. Since joining the Senate in 1995, he has served with honesty, 
dedication, and integrity.
  As members of the Budget Committee, I had the opportunity to work 
with Senator Abraham on a number of important issues. A fiscal 
conservative, Senator Abraham work to balance the federal budget and 
cut government waste. He has also been a champion of keeping our Social 
Security dollars locked away. This is an interest in which Senator 
Abraham and I share a keen interest.
  Most recently, Senator Abraham was the lead sponsor of the American 
Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, legislation that will help 
ensure our nation's continued growth and leadership in information 
technology (IT). The bill authorized visas for 195,000 high-tech 
professionals to work in the U.S. to meet the growing demand for 
skilled IT workers throughout our economy. During consideration of the 
bill, I was pleased to work with Senator Abraham and his staff to 
include in the legislation long-term initiatives to ensure that 
Americans of all ages are trained to fill critical IT positions in our 
Information Age economy.
  During his time in the Senate, Senator Abraham also worked to curb 
unfunded mandates, stiffen sentences for cocaine dealers, and advocated 
stronger privacy protections for consumers on the Internet. His work 
has been thoughtful and our nation is a better place because of his 
efforts.
  Mr. President, it has been a pleasure to serve in the Senate with 
Spence. I have the utmost respect for my friend and colleague from 
Michigan, and appreciate all of his contributions to the United States 
Senate and our nation. I would like to join with my colleagues in 
wishing the Senator and his family the best in the future.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of my colleague and friend, Senator Spencer Abraham 
from Michigan.
  Senator Abraham began his service in government in Washington, DC in 
1990, when he had the honor of serving in President Bush's 
Administration as Deputy Chief to Vice President Dan Quayle. In 1993, 
Spencer Abraham returned to Michigan to run for the United States 
Senate seat vacated by Senator Don Riegle who was retiring. Senator 
Abraham won that Senate seat in 1994 and became the first Michigan 
Republican elected to the United States Senate in 22 years.
  I have had the pleasure of working with Senator Abraham on a number 
of issues including high technology and immigration over the last six 
years. Not only is Senator Abraham a colleague of mine, Spence and his 
family are friends as well.
  Spence Abraham is a dedicated public servant, and he has represented 
the state of Michigan well in the United States Senate. During the past 
six years, Senator Abraham took the lead in the Senate on high tech 
issues and immigration. He has been a strong supporter of tax cuts. 
Senator Abraham has also played a prominent role in trying to protect 
our Social Security Trust Fund--having fought hard for a Social 
Security Lock Box.
  The Senate is going to miss Spencer Abraham's leadership. And, those 
of us who know him well are going to miss his friendship in the Senate.

                          ____________________