[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 22731]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JEAN CARNAHAN

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
distinguished colleague from Missouri, Senator Jean Carnahan. After 
losing her husband and eldest son in a tragic plane accident, Missouri 
called upon Mrs. Carnahan to fill the remainder of her husband's Term. 
Senator Carnahan answered the call of duty and did it with a fair, 
courageous hand.
  Senator Carnahan was Missouri's first member of the Armed Services 
Committee in over 25 years. She also served on the Small Business 
Committee, the Governmental Affairs Committee, the Commerce Committee, 
and the Special Committee on Aging.
  Senator Carnahan made a strong economy her top priority. Her ability 
to secure defense projects for Missouri and safeguard funding for 
family farmers hurt by flooding and drought clearly shows Senator 
Carnahan's desire to bolster Missouri's economy, provide good jobs for 
Missouri workers, and support our Nation's effort in the war against 
terrorism.
  Senator Carnahan also knew that a highly skilled workforce required 
equal educational opportunities. Her Quality Classrooms Amendment 
allowed local schools greater flexibility in deciding how to utilize 
Federal dollars. She also worked to secure over $1.3 million for 
programs boosting postsecondary education assistance to low-income 
students. These initiatives illustrate Senator Carnahan's deep 
commitment to a better education and a brighter future for all Missouri 
students.
  Filling the seat of her late husband, Senator Carnahan led with 
dignity and courage as Missouri's first female Senator. She took office 
at a time of personal loss and hardship, yet prevailed and proved to be 
a strong leader for Missouri. I would like to join my colleagues in 
wishing Senator Carnahan and her family the very best in the future.

                          ____________________