[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 24009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          THE SENATE CHAPLAIN

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, while the majority leader is on the floor, I 
was thinking of the words spoken by the Chaplain this morning. It came 
to my mind that there haven't been enough accolades extended. There 
were others involved, but the two I know involved were you and Senator 
Mikulski, working to have this fine man brought here as the Senate 
Chaplain.
  I have been able to visit with him on a couple of occasions and of 
course every morning to hear the wonderful prayers he utters on behalf 
of the Senate and the country. I simply want to extend thanks to 
Senator Mikulski and you and any others involved in this selection. 
Here is a man who is qualified to do so many different things. There 
aren't many people who can be referred to as ``doctor,'' ``chaplain,'' 
``admiral,'' but Dr. Black can be, because he is all three and probably 
a lot more.
  So I think, even though so much goes unsaid around here, this is 
something that should be said. This is a great addition to the Senate 
family. I, on behalf of the entire Senate, extend my appreciation to 
you and Senator Mikulski, who was so enthused about this man when she 
told us who the chaplain was going to be.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I very much appreciate the comments by the 
assistant Democratic leader. I will just briefly add to that, because 
so many of our colleagues do have the opportunity to be with the 
Chaplain in many ways that America doesn't see. Just two nights ago we 
were at an event for adoption from foster homes. Our colleagues and 
others see the Chaplain open this body every day. That is something 
that is apparent. What they don't see is the fellowship, the 
contributions, the nights, like two nights ago, where the Chaplain 
represented, yes, the Senate; yes, the Congress; but indeed the United 
States at events at night, giving the invocation before 900 people, 6 
blocks from here in the Reagan Building.
  He is the 62nd Chaplain, a great heritage to follow. We are delighted 
to be able to have his fellowship, his leadership, and his counsel as 
we go forth each day.

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