[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20671]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR FRED THOMPSON

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Tennessee 
Senator Fred Thompson, a stalwart conservative with a long and colorful 
career in both the private and public sectors. Senator Thompson has 
always been a vocal and active proponent of reducing the role of the 
federal government, lowering the tax burden on Americans and allowing 
individuals the freedom to make their own choices. His remarkable rise 
to a position of influence among his fellow lawmakers is a testament to 
the passion of his beliefs. Senator Thompson has been a valuable member 
of the Senate, and his presence will be missed when he retires at the 
end of the 107th Congress. I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend my fellow Southern colleague for his dedicated work on behalf 
of the people of Tennessee and wish him the best of luck as he leaves 
the Senate.
  Born in my home state of Alabama, Senator Thompson grew up in 
Lawrenceburg, TN. He worked his way through undergraduate school at 
Memphis State University and then law school at Vanderbilt. Two years 
later, he was named an Assistant United States Attorney in Nashville, 
where his outstanding record brought him to the attention of then 
Senator Howard Baker, who tapped him to be the minority counsel to the 
Senate Watergate Committee. Following two years on the Committee, 
Senator Thompson continued his high profile law career when he was 
appointed by incoming Governor Lamar Alexander to investigate outgoing 
Governor Ray Blanton. Senator Thompson added to his growing reputation 
by uncovering a cash for clemency scheme that ultimately sent Governor 
Blanton to jail. Over the next several years, Senator Thompson 
continued to practice law in Nashville and in Washington. He also 
continued his work with Congress, working as Special Counsel to the 
Senate Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Committee on Foreign 
Relations.
  With an open election looming to fill the last two years of former 
Sen. Al Gore's term in 1994, Senator Thompson decided to enter the 
race. He championed his Tennessee roots, conservative values and desire 
to reform the Federal Government. His message resonated with the 
voters, who overwhelmingly supported him in the general election in 
1994. In 1996, Senator Thompson was elected to a full term in the 
Senate, receiving more votes than any previous candidate for any office 
in Tennessee history.
  Since joining the Senate, Senator Thompson has tirelessly worked to 
promote his conservative values. A fierce critic of federal 
bureaucracy, he has introduced legislation and held hearings aimed at 
producing a smaller, more efficient, and more accountable government. 
Through his work on the Finance Committee, he has focused his energy on 
reducing taxes, reforming the tax code and restoring Social Security 
and Medicare programs to long-term solvency. Admirably, he has always 
remained thoroughly independent and committed to his beliefs.
  I have truly enjoyed working with Senator Thompson here in the 
Senate. He is a tremendous asset to the people of Tennessee and 
valuable member of the Republican party. I thank him for his many years 
of service and wish him the best in all future endeavors.

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