[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12976]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  COMMEMORATING SENATOR DANIEL INOUYE: RECIPIENT OF THE CONGRESSIONAL 
                             MEDAL OF HONOR

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to join my fellow Senators 
in honoring Senator Daniel Inouye with the Congressional Medal of 
Honor. This man is a representative of our nation who has persevered 
through war, debate, and many hard fought campaigns. I have had the 
pleasure of working with Senator Inouye and applaud my colleagues for 
bestowing this great honor upon him.
  Senator Daniel Inouye is a Veteran of World War II and was a captain 
in the Army with a Distinguished Service Cross (the second highest 
award for military valor), a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart with cluster, 
and several other medals and citations. Serving in the Senate almost 40 
years, Senator Inouye is also the first Congressman from the state of 
Hawaii. His courage in combat is a testament to the Senator's true 
commitment to his country and to freedom. Serving on the Defense 
Appropriations Committee, I know how much Senator Inouye cares about 
the protection of our country and his professionalism and dedication to 
finding a balance for defensive spending. His diligence and dedication 
speak for themselves and I am proud to serve our Armed Forces with a 
man of this caliber near the helm.
  I have also had the pleasure of working with Senator Inouye on the 
Indian Affairs Committee for over 20 years and know first hand that his 
bravery did not cease on the battlefield, but still continues today. 
When he was chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator 
Inouye was highly regarded among tribal leaders for his efforts to re-
establish their sovereignty over their own people and their own 
affairs. Tribal leaders consider Senator Inouye to be a true leader and 
friend to the Indian people to this day. I thank Senator Inouye for his 
leadership and dedication to service to our country, and I thank him 
for his friendship and example.
  Mr. President, inscribed on the medal is the word ``Valor.'' Senator 
Inouye is one of the most valiant men I know. I praise the Members of 
Congress for honoring him and hope that our young people may see that 
it takes courage, bravery, and valor to enjoy the freedom which so many 
men like Senator Inouye fought to protect. Thank you, once again, to 
Senator Inouye for your example, and thank you to all of the veterans 
who have served to protect liberty and justice.

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