[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21107]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATIONS, SENATOR LAUTENBERG

  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, I congratulate our friend and 
colleague, Frank Lautenberg, on reaching a historic milestone: With the 
last vote, Senator Lautenberg became only the fourth New Jersey Senator 
in history to cast 6,500 votes in the Senate. Not bad for a freshman.
  That incredible accomplishment is a reflection of Senator 
Lautenberg's deep commitment to his State, to his Nation, and to this 
Senate. One of the many reasons we are grateful he decided to end his 
retirement and return to the Senate is, over one 3-year period, 
covering the second session of the 101st Congress and both sessions of 
the 102nd Congress, Senator Lautenberg did not miss one vote. Out of 
876 cast, he did not miss 1 single vote. The following year, he missed 
only 1 of 394 votes cast. He is what we all know to be a workhorse.
  I am not sure if we should call him New Jersey's senior Senator or 
New Jersey's junior Senator, but there is no doubt he is a remarkable 
Senator.
  I congratulate him again on this milestone. I look forward to seeing 
him cast many more votes in this Chamber. Congratulations.
  I ask unanimous consent that Senator Lautenberg be recognized for a 
couple of minutes to respond.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG. I thank our leader, the Democrat leader, for the kind 
comments, and my colleagues, some of whom are more accustomed to 
differing with me than applauding for me, but I respect their views 
when they register a vote and I am sure the feeling would be returned.
  I thank all of my colleagues for their many indulgences and their 
encouragement and willingness to take me back because here I stand in 
probably another record, maybe the oldest freshman who ever served in 
the Senate. I feel fresh, and I am glad to be here. I thank all of my 
colleagues for their friendship.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah.
  Mr. HATCH. I compliment my colleague from New Jersey and am very 
proud of him for having cast those many votes.
  I ask that my remarks be as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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