[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 23133-23137]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS


                             Fred Thompson

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, since 1994, Senator Thompson has 
represented the people of Tennessee in this body. During that time, I 
have been fortunate to call him both a colleague and a friend.
  In the last 8 years, Senator Thompson has fought hard for issues that 
are vital to Tennessee. He has made sure that his State has the 
infrastructure it needs and the resources it deserves. He has protected 
Tennessee's farmers and its workers.
  Three years ago Senator Thompson founded the Smoky Mountains National 
Park Congressional Caucus. My own State of Alaska has many national 
parks so I understand the challenges that Senator Thompson faced. His 
commitment to eliminating the National Parks Service backlog has been 
admirable.
  Senator Thompson has also served the best interests of our Nation. 
Our work on the governmental affairs committee reflects his dedication. 
As chairman of that committee he has worked to make the government 
smaller, more efficient, and more accountable. It has been a pleasure 
to work with him as we worked to create the department of homeland 
security.
  The Senate and the people of Tennessee will miss Senator Thompson's 
commitment and dedication. I am grateful for his service and wish him 
future success.


                               phil gramm

  Mr. President, for 24 years the people of Texas have had an 
impassioned advocate and dedicated public servant in Phil Gramm.
  Over the course of his career, Senator Gramm has established an 
impressive legislative legacy. He played a role in the fight to cut 
federal taxes, institute international free-trade incentives, reform 
the welfare system, set mandatory federal prison sentences for drug 
crimes, and support our armed forces. The Gramm-Leach Bliley Financial 
Services Modernization Act and the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced 
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act were ground-breaking 
legislative achievements. Through these and other efforts, Senator 
Gramm has helped lay the foundation for a new era of national 
prosperity.
  Senator Gramm has been called a man of ``frank opinions and 
unwavering convictions.'' Since he came to the Senate in 1984 I have 
been honored to call him my friend and colleague. We will miss his 
leadership and his voice in the Senate. I am grateful for his years of 
service and I wish him success in his future endeavors.


                             Tim Hutchinson

  Mr. President, Senator Hutchinson has been a committed advocate for 
the people of Arkansas and an important voice in the Senate. His strong 
leadership led me to personnally support his candidacy and I will 
greatly miss his presence here in Washington.
  I believe Senator Hutchinson leaves behind an important legacy. As a 
veteran of World War II, I am particularly grateful for Senator 
Hutchinson's work on the Veterans' Affairs Committee. As chairman of 
the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on hospitals and Health Care, 
Senator Hutchinson really watched over the VA's 173 medical centers. 
Our Nations's Veterans gave so much to ensure our liberty and freedom. 
I thank Senator Hutchinson for making sure that we fulfill our promises 
to them and reward their service. It has been said that: ``The final 
test of a leader is that he leaves behind in other people the 
convictions and the will to carry on.''
  We are thankful for Senator Hutchinson's service and convictions. I 
wish him much success.


                            FRANK MURKOWSKI

  Mr. President, Alaska's recent elections have changed our state's 
congressional delegation for the first time in 22 years. As my Senate 
colleague of 22 years prepares to be sworn in as Alaska's tenth 
governor, I recall the battles we have fought together on behalf of our 
state, and I welcome the opportunity to work with him on tomorrow's 
challenges.
  Senator Murkowski has established an impressive record of achievement 
during his time in the Senate. Since 1981, he has represented the 
citizens of Alaska and served the nation admirably.
  Throughout his career, Senator Murkowski has been a staunch defender 
of Alaska's miners, loggers, and fishermen. In 1995, he authored and 
helped pass through both Houses of Congress legislation that would have 
opened ANWR to oil and gas exploration. He has helped broker an 
agreement among major gas transmission companies that could result in 
the construction of the natural gas pipeline; that pipeline

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would bring valuable energy resources to the lower 48.
  Senator Murkowski was a driving force behind the passage of an 
omnibus parks bill that created or improved more than 100 natural 
parks, forests, preserves and historic sites nationwide. He fought to 
increase funding for Alaska's Medicare recipients. In 2001, he helped 
win passage of major education reform, bringing us closer to the 
nation's goal of providing every child with a quality education.
  Senator Murkowski's wife Nancy has been an integral part of this 
success.
  When Frank and Nancy first arrived in Washington, Nancy worked hard 
to balance their family life with their new Senate responsibilities.
  In addition to being a committed partner, Nancy has been a devoted 
public servant. She has been active in our Alaska State Society and has 
traveled extensively with Frank. She has also been a leader in women's 
health issues. Through the private charity she runs with Frank, Nancy 
has raised more than $2.3 million for breast and cervical cancer 
treatment. She cofounded the breast cancer detection center in 
Fairbanks. Annually she organizes and runs events at Waterfall, near 
Ketchikan and at Chilkoot Charlie's in Anchorage to raise funds for 
breast cancer clinics and mobile detection units for rural areas 
throughout Alaska. Our state is fortunate to have Nancy Murkowski as 
its next first lady.
  Those of us in the Senate will miss the Murkowskis. We will miss 
Frank's daily leadership on important issues and his commitment to 
public service. We take comfort in knowing that Alaska will have his 
proven leadership in the governor's office.
  Alaska and the Nation face unique challenges and opportunities in the 
coming months and years. In the future, the vision and leadership 
Senator Murkowski has demonstrated during his tenure in the Senate will 
enable Alaska to meet those challenges and leverage those 
opportunities.
  Congressman Young and I look forward to working with Governor 
Murkowski; we know he will support our work in the Nation's capital. We 
will work together in the future as we have in the past.
  It has been an honor to serve with Senator Murkowski. For 22 years we 
have worked closely on issues that are of vital importance to Alaska 
and the Nation. His career has been one of distinguished service. I 
look forward to working with my dear friend and colleague in the 
future.


                           Robert Torricelli

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I will miss my friend and colleague Robert 
Torricelli, the senior Senator from the State of New Jersey when he 
leaves the Senate at the end of the 107th Congress.
  Bob Torricelli first served from 1982-1996 in the U.S. House of 
Representatives. In 1996, he joined us in the U.S. Senate, and since 
getting here, has been a committed advocate for the people of New 
Jersey. He has worked tirelessly to protect New Jersey's natural 
resources, to improve air quality, and to protect drinking water. He 
has also worked hard to provide a comprehensive prescription drug 
benefit for seniors, and make college more affordable for parents and 
students alike.
  I have worked with Senator Torricelli in his tireless and ongoing 
efforts to close the gun show loophole and to pass commonsense gun 
safety legislation. That is a battle that I want to assure him many of 
us that he leaves behind in the Senate will continue to wage.
  Bob Torricelli served as an effective chairman of the Democratic 
Senatorial Campaign Committee and has earned a reputation as one of the 
most eloquent orators in the U.S. Senate. His books, ``In Our Own 
Words: Extraordinary Speeches of the American Century'' and 
``Quotations for Public Speakers: A Historical, Literary, and Political 
Anthology'' have become valuable resources for all of his colleagues in 
public life.
  I know my colleagues will join me in thanking Senator Robert 
Torricelli for his years of service in the Congress and wish him the 
best.


                              Jesse Helms

  Mr. President, I recognize the service of Jesse Helms.
  Before coming to the Senate, Jesse Helms served his country in the 
U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a Senate staffer, broadcast 
executive, radio personality, and banking executive.
  Senator Helms, throughout his career, has been a tireless voice for 
his conservative beliefs. Whether one agrees with Senator Helms' views 
or not, no one can deny the imprint he has made on the deliberations 
and actions of the United States Senate. Jesse Helms has always had the 
knack for carefully crafting legislative language which would put his 
supporters and opponents clearly on the record on the most difficult 
issues of conscience.
  In his capacity as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 
Jesse Helms was a powerful force in reorganizing the Department of 
State.
  In the United States Senate we are called upon to work with 
colleagues of many differing points of view. While a fierce battler for 
his conservative convictions, Jesse Helms was often willing to reach 
across party lines to work with Democrats on issues like adoption and 
increased funding for AIDS research.
  While Jesse Helms and I have frequently disagreed, I respect the 
straight forwardness which he brought to the public policy debate. And, 
Jesse Helms was always a gracious gentleman. As this Congress comes to 
an end, I know that I am joined by my Senate colleagues in wishing 
Jesse Helms and his wife, Dorothy, and their three children, the very 
best in the years ahead.


                               Phil Gramm

  Mr. President, at the end of this session of Congress, Senator Phil 
Gramm, the senior Senator from Texas will leave the Senate. For 18 
years, Senator Gramm has been a leader among the Republicans and a 
strong voice in the Senate.
  Phil Gramm is a hard worker and effective advocate. Before coming to 
the Senate, Senator Gramm was an economics professor at Texas A&M 
University and member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1978 
until 1984. After being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1984, Senator 
Gramm quickly became recognized as one of its most articulate members. 
As a member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Finance 
Committee, and the Budget Committee, he has applied his boundless 
energies and extensive knowledge of the Senate rules and precedents to 
his efforts to reduce federal taxes.
  While Phil Gramm and I disagree on many issues, I deeply respect his 
willingness to stand up and fight for his convictions and the good 
humor with which he approaches those battles. For example, on the issue 
of federal prisoner industries reform, Senator Gramm and I have locked 
horns on several occasions, but he has always been a worthy and 
agreeable adversary.
  I know my Senate colleagues will join me in wishing him every success 
as the vice chairman of UBS Warburg and in wishing our best to Wendy, 
his wife, and their two children.


                             Fred Thompson

  Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues in paying tribute 
to Senator Fred Thompson.
  Senator Thompson joined the U.S. Senate in 1994 after a successful 
career in law and even some starring roles on the silver screen. But he 
was no stranger to this body, even then, having previously served as 
Minority Counsel to the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973 and 1974 at 
the age of 30. Once he joined as a Senator, he rolled up his sleeves 
and got to work on the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee seeking to 
make our government more sensible, more responsive, and more cost 
effective.
  In 1997, he became the Chairman of the Committee and has served in 
that capacity during the 105th, 106th and 107th Congresses. Over the 
years, Senator Thompson helped oversee some dramatic investigations, 
including the campaign finance investigation in the 105th Congress and 
the Enron investigation this past year. He also worked on many less 
well known issues, including one close to my heart the effort to 
improve the way the Federal Government issues regulations.

[[Page 23135]]

  For several Congresses, Senator Thompson and I teamed together on 
regulatory reform issues, including a major regulatory reform bill. 
This legislation would have required federal agencies to consider cost-
benefit analysis when issuing major regulations and state publicly 
whether the agency found that the benefits of a regulation justified 
the costs. If they did not, then the agency would have to explain why 
it was issuing the regulation despite that finding. We also required 
federal agencies to conduct risk assessments where appropriate. We had 
a heck of a battle on that legislation, and in the end we failed to 
pass it. But the fight was worth it; I believe we were right; and it 
was great to have Senator Thompson fighting with me at my side to bring 
common sense to our regulatory process.
  During his years at the Senate, Senator Thompson has made his mark as 
a legislator by supporting bipartisan efforts to enact reforms in the 
areas of campaign finance, sensible government regulation, and 
corporate accountability.
  While he will no longer be ``In the Line of Fire,'' Senator 
Thompson's legacy in the Senate will ``Die Hard.'' I hope his future 
roles will be as lively as those he played here for the last eight 
years. It is a pleasure to join all of my colleagues today in honoring 
and thanking him for his years of public service to his country.


                              Jesse Helms

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
American, a fellow Senator, a fellow conservative, and friend--Senator 
Jesse Helms.
  I speak today with mixed emotions. I am happy to see that after a 
long and distinguished career he will have more time to spend with his 
beloved wife of 60 years, Dot . . . as well as enjoying time with his 
children and grandchildren. But I also know that this kind of man is 
impossible to replace.
  In the words of The Weekly Standard executive editor Fred Barnes:

       Helms is an ideologue, and his unflinching devotion to 
     conservative principles has made him a powerful figure. He's 
     oblivious to the buzz, the chatter, and gossip of the press, 
     polls and the permanent establishment. He's totally inner 
     directed. He cares little for details or process. But when 
     something clashes with his conservative views . . . he steps 
     up, no matter how unpopular that makes him. He wins some, 
     loses some, but is always a player to be reckoned with, even 
     when he's acting alone.

  I recall one such occasion where Senator Helms acted alone in his 
outspoken criticism of the United Nations. He refused to approve 
payment of U.N. dues until this lavish, bloated, and unwieldy 
bureaucracy was reformed. He was highly criticized by almost every 
member of the mainstream media, chastised by activists, and mocked by 
others. He knew there were great problems at the United Nations and 
would not give until it was improved and it should be told that, in the 
end, the United Nations gave in. Reforms that will make the United 
Nations a better, more honest and viable organization, were passed.
  It seems to be one of the seldom mentioned side notes of Senator 
Helms' career in public service he often wins even when he seems to 
have lost. For instance, even though he was unable to block the 
Chemical Weapons Convention, he did win 28 of the 33 concessions he 
sought.
  Senator Helms' legislative career will not only be remembered as that 
of a foreign policy figure though. I, for one, as an Eagle Scout, will 
always remember his fights to defend the independence of the Boy 
Scouts.
  Some of the best insight into Jesse Helms as a person comes from his 
domestic policy stands. One of the most telling stories of the real 
personality of Jesse Helms and one of the most moving as well was 
shared by Senator Nickles. In the midst of a debate on a 5-cent-per-
gallon Federal gas tax hike, in which they were vastly outnumbered, 
they were seeking guidance. Senator Helms suggested that they pray 
together, and he called the Reverend Billy Graham and asked that he 
pray with them for guidance.
  That to me speaks volumes as to what truly guides Senator Helms as a 
person. He was not using his faith for a photo op, a quick sound-bite, 
a political tag line, or other earthly gains. This was simply a man who 
instinctively turns to the God for guidance.
  In the article I mentioned earlier, Fred Barnes concludes by asking 
if Jesse Helms can be replaced. His conclusion is similar to mine. That 
is a task that is ``probably more than can be hoped for''. A person as 
unique as Jesse Helms does not come along often. His presence will 
truly be missed both on and off the Senate Floor.
  Senator Helms is a provincial patriot. He has never been a part of 
the urbane crowd, the radical chic crowd. He knows it and they know it. 
It galled them that he could not be intimidated by an editorial in the 
New York Times or some such organization. He is a man of faith, a 
Baptist. He comes from the soil of North Carolina and is proud of it. 
He prefers the affection and commendation of those in his province over 
those in the great salons where the ``masters of the universe'' 
operate. In fact, he respects the people of his beloved state and 
deeply shares their values. That's what he fought for every day. The 
cynical, rootless left, the politically correct, those without 
principles, those who do not comprehend the greatness of America, were 
not for him.
  Indeed, he saw them as the problem. And, at their core, these folks 
understood. They knew his disagreement with their actions was deep and 
honest. Try as they might, his opposition would not go away. Many hated 
him because of it.
  But, Jesse Helms does not hate. He absolutely does not. He only wants 
to do the right thing for America. Because he values America over 
politics, and because he is courageous in his stand for principle, he 
often could not be moved. The left has never understood this. Some 
thought he hated them personally. He does not. He loves them and he 
wants a better life for all Americans.
  The truth is that Senator Jesse Helms is a most kind and considerate 
person. His soft spoken ways are known by all. His modesty and an 
assuming manner are plain for all to see. His wonderful wife, Dot, 
shares those same qualities and is loved by all who know her.
  He is a true Christian gentleman in the Southern style. Courtly, 
gracious, quick of wit and firm in friendships, he is a most remarkable 
person. Widely read, highly literate and a master of the language, few 
could turn a phrase better than Jesse. When he has been wrong or slow 
to understand, he has admitted it. His conversion to advocacy for a 
much stronger fight against AIDS in Africa is a very recent example.
  Finally, the career of Senator Helms cannot be discussed without 
remarking on the critical role he played in enabling the focus of 
democracy, free enterprise, and faith to triumph over the godless, 
totalitarian forces of communism. He was a constant cold warrior. He 
saw the evil in the evil empire, and his drive to overcome it never 
slacked. He was relentless, even when undergoing attacks from the so-
called opinion leaders of America. It certainly was not those opinion 
leaders and pundits who won the war. They blew hot and cold mostly cold 
on American policies. But the people in the provinces knew, they knew 
there could be no compromise with communism, and fortunately those 
people had a strong, able and true voice in Jesse Helms. He stayed the 
course, the Soviet Union collapsed. There were many close calls and 
many highlights in that Cold War. One of those critical moments came 
when Senator Helms came to believe in Ronald Reagan's view of the role 
of the United States in this struggle. Jesse worked hard and produced a 
great victory in North Carolina that gave him the Republican 
nomination. Together they persevered and the evil empire collapsed and 
the victory was won.
  Senator Helms, you played a critical role in this struggle for 
freedom and you deserve great credit for your courage and constancy.
  America and freedom are in your debt. We are much obliged for your 
service.

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                             Fred Thompson

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, the retirement of the distinguished 
Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Thompson) will leave a major void in the 
heart and soul of this body. Rarely have we seen the quality of the 
work product of a new Senator approach the level of excellence and 
importance as we have in the performance and contributions of Fred 
Thompson.
  He has stood head and shoulders above the crowd, literally and 
figuratively. It was a rare and most enjoyable privilege for me to 
serve on the Governmental Affairs Committee when he was the chairman.
  He assumed the awesome responsibility of leading the committee in its 
investigation of the election law abuses of the 1996 Presidential 
election. He was a superb chairman, fair to all, but thorough and 
diligent in his quest for the truth. He expended an enormous amount of 
time and energy in that undertaking, and he made every effort to keep 
to the subject and learn the facts. During it all, he endured 
criticism, skepticism and sometimes ostracism as he labored to 
discharge the duties of his chairmanship.
  I have no greater respect for any Senator than I have for the Senator 
from Tennessee. He has served well and reflected great credit on the 
United States Senate and the State of Tennessee. We will miss him 
greatly.


                               bob smith

  Mr. President, I have enjoyed serving with Bob Smith in the U.S. 
Senate. For the last 2 years, we have sat side by side in the Senate. 
He has occupied the desk that was used in the Senate by Daniel Webster, 
who was born in his State of New Hampshire, although he represented 
Massachusetts as a Senator.
  During votes and deliberations of the Senate we have had 
opportunities to discuss a wide range of subjects from fishing in the 
deep south to experiences in the U.S. Navy, as well as the issues under 
consideration by the Senate.
  I have grown to know and appreciate Bob Smith. I like him, and I 
respect him. He is a person who has strongly held views, and he is not 
afraid to express then, and to fight for them.
  He has been admired on both sides of the aisle for his efforts to 
protect the environment. He has been a dutiful and diligent Chairman of 
the Environment and Public Works Committee.
  As a member of the Armed Services Committee, he has been an effective 
supporter of a strong national defense. His leadership has been deeply 
appreciated by me on the issue of missile defense. He worked 
effectively to help garner the votes to pass the National Missile 
Defense Act of 1999 which I authored. He was a cosponsor of that bill 
and a very enthusiastic proponent of its passage, and its 
implementation by the administration. We met regularly with Defense 
Department officials to urge cooperation in the effort to develop and 
deploy, as soon as possible, a system, or systems, to defend the 
citizens of our country against ballistic missile attack. He mastered 
the esoteric subject matter associated with this issue and was an 
important force in the shaping and carrying out of this new national 
policy.
  I will miss Bob Smith. I wish for him and his family much happiness 
in the years ahead.


                               phil gramm

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute today to 
my dear fried and colleague, the senior Senator from Texas, Phil Gramm. 
Perhaps more than anyone in the Senate, I will miss Phil's leadership. 
In the Senate there are three kinds of relationships between Senators 
from the same State: One, they do not like each other. Two, a 
professional relationship: they get along OK, work hard together for 
their State, but are not really close. Three, they are good friends who 
have a great partnership for their State.
  Phil and I have No. 3. I recently noted that his retirement is like 
sending an older sibling off to college: Your best friend will not be 
upstairs anymore, and there is nobody to stick up for you when you get 
in a fight. But then again, you'll get the big room, and you will not 
have to share the spotlight anymore.
  When I first came to the Senate after a special election, I walked 
into an office with no staff, but Phil had sent his own staff to start 
answering the phones, and detailed one of his senior staff to help set 
up my office. That support was invaluable in those early days.
  Phil's story is one of those ``only in America'' success stories. 
Born at Ft. Benning, GA, the son of a soldier, his father died when 
Phil was a young teenager. He and his two brothers were raised by their 
mother in a modest neighborhood in Columbus, Georgia.
  His mother worked at two jobs to take care of the family, as a 
practical nurse and also in a cotton mill for $28 a week. Phil has 
often said his mother had decided before he was born that he would go 
to college.
  But after failing the 3rd, 7th and 9th grades, his mother recognized 
it was time for drastic action for her dream to be realized. She pooled 
the family's limited resources and sent Phil off to the Georgia 
Military Academy near Atlanta. Mrs. Gramm knew Phil had a good mind but 
needed encouragement and direction
  His life has been a testament to his mother's sacrifice ever since. A 
PhD in Economics from the University of Georgia led him to another 
life-changing experience when he accepted a teaching position at Texas 
A&M. If the Georgia Military Academy gave him the academic foundation 
to achieve, Texas A&M nurtured his natural talent to teach and to 
entertain. He was a sensation at A&M. Phil managed to make even the 
most complex economics courses exciting. It was also at A&M that Phil 
met and married a fellow economics professor, Wendy, who has been a 
partner and inspiration to Phil throughout his career.
  While it is one thing to test your economic principles and 
convictions in the classroom, it is quite another to have the courage 
to place your views in front of the voters. After a losing campaign for 
the Senate in 1976, he ran for Congress 2 years later and won. His 
campaign theme--``common sense; uncommon courage''--described him 
perfectly. Particularly after he decided to switch parties, from 
Democrat to Republican. He resigned from his seat, to give his 
constituents a choice to vote on his switch. He won back his seat, 
becoming the only member of Congress in the 20th century to do this. 
And after serving three terms in the House, Phil set his sights on the 
Senate again, and won this time in 1984.
  He has one of the sharpest minds in Congress. His Southern drawl and 
easy-going nature may fool some, but we know behind that accent is a 
razor-sharp mind. Phil has become one of the Senate's most important 
leaders. He has mastered the Senate, and is one of our body's 
intellectual and philosophical giants. He is a man of great character. 
He does not stand on ceremony; he stands on conviction. He is never 
been swayed by popular opinion, in fact, he has often stood his ground 
despite popular opinion. His tenacity and his passion are unrivaled. 
And even in his last days in the Senate, he's not taking a rest from 
the trenches, he has been leading the debate on the Department of 
Homeland Security, perhaps one of the most important decisions of our 
time. If there is a tough fight to be had, you can be sure Phil Gramm 
will lead the charge. If there is something difficult that needs to be 
done, you can be sure Phil will find a way to do it.
  Of course, in addition to his brilliant mind, Phil will be remembered 
for his colorful sense of humor and witty anecdotes. For example, who 
could get away with saying things like: During Gramm's bid for the 
Presidency, Larry King asked Phil if he would ever run with a woman? 
``Sophia Loren is not a U.S. citizen,'' answered Gramm. ``People of New 
Hampshire talk funny and therefore they think I talk funny.'' On 
campaign reform, ``Our problem is not bad money corrupting good men; 
our problem is bad men corrupting good money.'' ``It's always dangerous 
to send your wife ahead in your place, because then no one cares if you 
show up.''
  While he will certainly be remembered for his originality and humor, 
he is second to none as an effective legislator. Phil has always 
maintained his

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focus on fiscal responsibility, helping us get back to a balanced 
budget. He is the first person to actually do something to eliminate 
the national debt, so that our children and grandchildren will not be 
saddled with our bills. The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Budget Act was a 
masterpiece. Phil thought of it and engineered its passage, proving it 
is possible to be both smart and effective. As chairman of the Senate 
Banking Committee, Phil crafted the Financial Services Modernization 
Act, one of the most important pieces of financial legislation in 
modern years.
  When you are in a fight for survival, the most important decision you 
make is who you want in the foxhole with you. When I have ever had a 
tough fight, Phil was my first call. For two reasons: I want him on my 
side, and I sure do not want him on the other side. I can say without 
reservation that Phil Gramm is truly irreplaceable. What I admire most 
about him is his courage. Phil and Wendy have been good friends to Ray 
and me. We are friends in the Senate, and friends at home. Phil, I will 
miss you. I wish you well and look forward to having you as a 
constituent.

                          ____________________