[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5301]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       CONGRESSMAN NORMAN SISISKY

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay my respects to the 
memory of my dear friend, Congressman Norman Sisisky. Like many of my 
colleagues, I was shocked and saddened at hearing the news of his 
sudden passing last Friday. We have lost a respected and treasured 
colleague; the people of Virginia have lost one of the most committed 
and effective men ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives; 
and America has lost a distinguished member of what Tom Brokaw has 
called ``the greatest generation.''
  Norm Sisisky was a classic example of the devoted public official our 
founders envisioned serving in ``the people's house.'' For Norm was a 
man of the people, someone who worked hard, played by the rules and 
maintained a steadfast commitment to his family and community.
  That he excelled in politics is no surprise to those of us who knew 
him. He genuinely liked and respected people and they returned that 
with the trust and affection. His trademark grin and infectious laugh 
drew people to him. Norm never took himself too seriously, and always 
took great delight in good-natured banter.
  But he did take his job seriously. He was an aggressive advocate for 
his constituents in Virginia's 4th Congressional district for the past 
18 years. He never forgot his roots, and never wavered in his 
commitment to fighting for the little guy, and he never lost sight of 
his role as their voice in our great system.
  But of all his many and important public accomplishments, Norm 
Sisisky was probably proudest of his service in the U.S. Navy, and of 
his advocacy in Congress for our servicemen and women. Those of us who 
have had the privilege of watching Norm battle on behalf of our armed 
services from his position on the House Armed Services Committee were 
always impressed by his extensive knowledge and his keen insight. And 
we were inspired by his determination to keep our defenses strong, even 
if we in the Senate occasionally had to face his formidable presence in 
disagreement in conference.
  I will forever remember Norm Sisisky as a man of considerable skill, 
devotion, humor, and honor. He leaves behind a loving family, devoted 
friends, and a strong nation. That is his proud legacy.

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