[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 24213-24225]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I know the hour is getting late and others 
want to be heard, but I briefly want to express some thoughts about our 
colleagues who are leaving this wonderful body. Today we have heard 
some very compelling speeches, particularly the one given by my good 
friend, Tom Daschle of South Dakota, our Democratic leader.
  I was pleased to see so many of our colleagues remain on the floor to 
listen to the departing Democratic leader. The words he expressed about 
his State, his staff, his colleagues, his feelings about the country, 
and the future, are instructive. I know it can sound repetitive when 
people hear us talk about our colleagues this way, but I think it is 
important for the public to note that while they might hear only about 
the bickering, the part that you do not often see is the deep respect, 
affection, and caring that goes on among the Members of this body. This 
affection comes despite the differences that exist in red States and 
blue States, or being strongly conservative or strongly liberal.
  There is this weaving of a common denominator through each and every 
one of us, particularly after years of common service in this 
remarkable institution we call the Senate. There is a deep and abiding 
respect for those who have come here, those who have served here, those 
who have tried to make a difference for our country.

[[Page 24214]]

  It may seem like it is inside discussion, but I hope the public 
understands how deeply felt these comments are about colleagues who 
will no longer have the pleasure of spending each and every day in this 
Chamber, but whose friendship and collegiality will continue in the 
years ahead as we encounter each other in different walks of life.


                            Ernest Hollings

  First, Fritz Hollings has now served with two generations of my 
family. He served with my father briefly, and over the last 24 years we 
have served together in this Chamber. I have not had the pleasure of 
serving with Fritz Hollings, except once on the Budget Committee for a 
few years.
  We have become very good friends though. We have traveled together. 
We have spent a lot of time together. I have been to his State. I have 
gone to South Carolina at his invitation to speak to South Carolinians. 
Inviting this swamp Yankee from Connecticut to come south of the Mason-
Dixon line was a source of tremendous joy and pleasure, especially to 
be with Fritz Hollings, his lovely wife Peatsy, and their constituents 
not too many months ago, on a St. Patrick's Day event in Charleston, 
SC.
  Fritz Hollings has done a remarkable job for his State of South 
Carolina, as well as for his nation, beginning with his career in the 
military, serving in North Africa and in Europe during World War II. He 
was awarded the Bronze Star and seven campaign ribbons; elected to 
South Carolina's House of Representatives at the age of 26, the 
youngest Governor in that State in the 20th century; and during his 4 
years as Governor, balanced the State budget, dramatically improving 
South Carolina's economy.
  He was elected to the Senate in 1964. His resume included an 
incredible list of legislative accomplishments. Anyone who would have 
accomplished any one of these things could have considered their career 
a successful one. He was the author of the Women, Infants and Children 
Program, the WIC Program. During my early years in the Senate, I had 
the pleasure of working with him on the famous Gramm-Rudman-Hollings 
Act in 1985, which was called by the Brookings Institution one of the 
most significant pieces of legislation in the 20th century.
  He wrote the first law designed to protect our coastal wetlands, and 
initiated a nationwide effort to encourage women to screen themselves 
for breast and cervical cancer.
  Over the past few years he spoke forcefully about the dangers facing 
this country due to the outsourcing of jobs.
  Senator Hollings has always been a strong and loud voice against 
fiscal irresponsibility in our Government and in favor of creating 
American jobs.
  Fritz is an American original. The Senate is not likely to see his 
like here again. Whatever else you may have thought, he was direct and 
forceful, and spoke with great passion about the things he believed in. 
It is the kind of public service and the kind of stewardship in this 
body that others could duplicate in years to come. They would do well 
to follow the example of Fritz Hollings, a wonderful Senator, a 
delightful friend. I shall miss his service here, but I am very 
confident I will see him over and over again in years to come. And I 
wish, as my colleagues have, that he, Peatsy, and his family have many 
years of joyful retirement.


                               Bob Graham

  Bob Graham is also leaving the Senate. I would like to recognize him 
and the State of Florida for sharing Bob Graham with us. He served for 
18 years in the Senate. Prior to his election to this body, he served 
as a Governor for 8 years in Florida, and served previously in both the 
Florida State Senate and the House of Representatives. He is without a 
doubt one of the most respected and popular public figures who have 
ever represented the State of Florida. He is well known in Florida for 
working over 400 days alongside his constituents, as others mentioned 
this afternoon, giving him a unique perspective on the issues and 
problems they deal with each and every day.
  But not only was he doing it for Floridians, those 400 days he spent 
working along with others became a national symbol of someone who went 
out of his way to understand and learn how other people work and live 
every single day.
  He has been a tireless advocate for priorities that affect Florida's 
citizens, including prescription drug coverage for seniors, and 
preservation of the Everglades and the Florida coastline. I have been 
privileged to work with him on several occasions. I particularly 
appreciate his work for the people of Haiti.
  Since the attacks of September 11, Senator Graham has shown an 
unyielding and passionate commitment to making our Nation stronger, 
safer, and far more secure. In particular, he has spoken out forcefully 
and candidly in favor of reforming our intelligence agencies.
  As chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence during the 
previous Congress, he was the primary author of sections of the USA 
Patriot Act that require greater information sharing among intelligence 
and law enforcement agencies. He has been outspoken about what our 
Nation could have done before 9/11 to protect itself, and how it is 
just as important that we do everything in our power to make this 
country safer in the 21st century.
  Bob Graham leaves this body as one of its most respected Members, and 
one of the most well liked public servants in his State and in this 
Chamber. We will miss him in this body and I wish Bob and his lovely 
wife Adele and the rest of their family all the best in the years to 
come.


                              John Breaux

  Our colleague, John Breaux of Louisiana, follows a great tradition of 
some remarkable people who served that State in this body. For 35 
years, John has been, first a staff member, then a House Member for 14 
years, and for the past 18 years a Member of the Senate. John Breaux 
was elected to the Senate to fill the seat of the late Russell Long, 
considered one of the most capable and effective men ever to serve in 
this body. In fact, my father, who served with Russell Long, as I did 
for some time, saw Russell Long as a great and dear friend.
  I am proud to call John Breaux a friend as well. Without a doubt, 
Senator Breaux has ably filled the imposing shoes of Russell Long 
during his service here.
  John Breaux has won great respect on both sides of the aisle for his 
ability to reach across party lines and bring Senators together. He is 
a legislator's legislator. We don't often celebrate legislators. People 
often run to serve in this body by promising to be independent, to be 
their own person, to not compromise. It is an appealing political 
argument. But all of us who serve here know that our ability to get 
anything done requires our ability to compromise with one another.
  We are 100 coequals serving in this great legislative body. The only 
way anything ever happens is if people are willing to compromise and 
work together. John Breaux understood that from the day he arrived here 
and never failed to seek out the means to achieve those goals during 
his 18 years of service.
  He is a wonderful example of what Senators need to do if they are 
going to be successful. If I could offer any words of advice to the 
incoming class of Senators who will be arriving on January 4, it is to 
follow the model set by John Breaux. I don't care what your politics 
are, if you want to succeed, if you want to help your State, if you 
want to make a difference for your country, then find out ways to work 
with people across the political aisle. If you do not, you may enjoy 
your service here but you will accomplish very little.
  John Breaux accomplished great things because he understood the 
importance of reaching out to people, people with whom he disagreed but 
he would constantly seek them out if there were some common ground 
about which they could agree. As a result, his accomplishments were 
significant. Many times the accomplishments don't bear his name. You 
might not find John Breaux's name on the bill, but ask anybody who was 
around when the bill became law, and they will tell you it happened 
because John Breaux brought people together.

[[Page 24215]]

  I will miss him. This body will. He had some wonderful 
accomplishments here which made a huge difference, and I wish him and 
his family the best in the years to come.


                              John Edwards

  John Edwards, as well, is leaving the Senate. What a remarkable 6 
years. Short in some ways but rather significant considering what he 
was able to accomplish. He brought enthusiasm, optimism, and eloquence 
that won him voters and supporters in his first effort to seek election 
in the State of North Carolina. He was a powerful voice for the 
Democratic Party throughout the Democratic primaries. He was a powerful 
voice for our party this past year as a Vice Presidential candidate. 
That is a rather remarkable set of accomplishments in 6 short years.
  He distinguished himself, of course, by exceeding expectations in 
many cases. He rose from a background of modest means. As we have heard 
said, he became the first in his family to go on to higher education, 
then law school, becoming one of the most successful attorneys in 
America, not only in his home State of North Carolina.
  He won difficult cases motivated by trying to see to it that people 
who had little means to protect themselves would have an advocate when 
he represented them in a court of law.
  Here in this body he took a leading role on the Patients' Bill of 
Rights. He brought a compelling and compassionate message to America. 
He talked about two Americas: the America of those who have, and those 
who lack the good things in life, who lack the essentials and basics. 
John spoke of the real moral values shared by mainstream America. He is 
a young man whose voice will be heard, I will predict, in the coming 
months and years.
  He spoke of our moral obligation to honor hard work, to lift 
Americans out of poverty, expand health care, break down racial and 
economic barriers, to enact fair tax policies to make sure that all 
Americans pay their fair share. He spoke honestly and directly about 
some of the widening gaps in our society. America listened, paid 
attention, and rewarded him their respect.
  I certainly believe he would have been an asset to his country had he 
stayed in the Senate. I am sorry he is not going to be here. He made 
the decision when he sought the Presidency to leave the Senate. I 
believe John Edwards would have made a tremendously fine Senator in the 
years ahead had he stayed here. He has decided to take another path. I 
am confident, as I said a moment ago, he will find a way to continue to 
be heard.
  I also want to take a moment to express my best wishes and those of 
my wife Jackie to his wife Elizabeth. America knows and deeply 
appreciates Elizabeth. As we all heard a few weeks ago, the family now 
faces a very different kind of fight. I am certain I speak for everyone 
in this body, across the country, regardless of their political views 
and how they voted on election day, when they heard that Elizabeth 
Edwards had breast cancer, every single person in this country prayed 
to the dear Lord that Elizabeth Edwards will be rid of this dreadful 
disease, and that she and her young children will have years and years 
of good health ahead.
  I am confident that will be the case knowing what a fighter she is 
and what a fighter her husband is.
  We all wish them and their family nothing but the best during this 
difficult time.


                        Ben Nighthorse Campbell

  Mr. President, I also want to take a few minutes to speak about 
another dear friend, Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
  Ben and I have served together for a while on the same side of the 
aisle. Ben made a decision to move to the other side of the aisle a few 
years ago. We talked at great length about his decision. I recall how 
it was very difficult. In fact, we talked into the wee hours of the 
morning about his decision to go from the Democratic side of the aisle 
to the Republican side of the aisle.
  Despite that change, we have continued our strong friendship over the 
years. I respected his decision. I was disappointed by it, obviously, 
but nonetheless, I respected the decision he made and the reasons for 
his arriving at that decision. I have great affection for him and wish 
nothing but the best in the years ahead.
  He has a compelling story. He is the son of a Portuguese immigrant 
and a Northern Cheyenne Indian. He is 1 of 44 chiefs of the Northern 
Cheyenne Indian Tribe. He is the first American Indian to chair the 
Committee on Indian Affairs. Without a doubt, Senator Campbell's 
heritage has enabled him to bring a unique perspective to this body, a 
perspective I know all of us have valued over the years.
  Throughout his 12-year tenure in the Senate, Senator Campbell has 
represented not only his constituents in Colorado but Native Americans 
all across our Nation. For some years, he, along with Dan Inouye of 
Hawaii and others, have worked hard to establish the National Museum of 
the American Indian. Finally, this past September, the dream finally 
became reality. It never would have happened had it not been for Ben 
Nighthorse Campbell and Dan Inouye.
  As a result of their determination over the years to see that there 
would be adequate recognition for America's Native peoples, the museum 
would not have happened.
  Ben Nighthorse Campbell has been involved in many other issues such 
as the Helsinki Commission. But his particular contribution, I think, 
will always be raising the profile and the interests of our Native 
Americans.
  All of us, again, wish him and Linda and their family the very best 
in the years to come.


                              Don Nickles

  Mr. President, Don Nickles and I arrived here on the same day in 
January of 1981. There were 16 Republicans and 2 Democrats. If you 
think we had a sweep one way or the other a week or two ago, in 1981 
there was truly a sweep. There were 16 Republicans and 2 Democrats. The 
other Democrat was Alan Dixon of Illinois, my good friend. Of the 16 
Republicans who were elected, there will now only be 2 left in the 
109th Congress. Today there are three of the sixteen Republicans 
elected in 1980. Don Nickles is the third, and he is leaving. I always 
say 50 percent of the Democrats are still here after 24 years.
  It was an interesting class. Don Nickles certainly was a remarkable 
public servant. Here he is after 24 years. I think Don is barely over 
50. He was one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. He 
looks even younger. I think he ran the marathon just a few weeks ago, 
and is certainly in great health. He is truly a remarkable person.
  We have disagreed on issues and have different points of view on many 
questions facing our country. But there has been no tougher, tenacious 
fighter for policies which he holds so dear, particularly in budgetary 
matters.
  He has been a staunch supporter of lower taxes on business, of free 
markets, of limited government regulation. He is as tough a competitor 
as you are ever going to find.
  I will tell you that when the battle is over--again, this is my 
advice to the new Members coming in, if you want a real role model to 
look to on how to serve--you could have one of the most fierce debates 
in your life out here on the floor with Don, but the minute that debate 
was over, you wouldn't have a better friend when you walked off the 
floor. He knew how to separate differences on public policy and not 
have it contaminate personal relationships.
  Again, the new Members arriving here, as you get involved in debates, 
if you have disagreements with your colleagues on matters, don't let it 
become personal. That very colleague you are having the fight of your 
life with today, tomorrow may be your most significant ally on another 
issue. Don Nickles is a wonderful example of that kind of stewardship 
in the Senate.
  So to Don, Linda, and their family and children, we wish them the 
very best in the coming years. I am confident one way or the other that 
Don Nickles is going to be directly and deeply involved in the public 
debate and discourse in our country in the coming years.

[[Page 24216]]




                            Peter Fitzgerald

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, Peter Fitzgerald is also a good friend. He 
has represented his State of Illinois and is leaving after only one 
term.
  Again, as Senators from the opposite sides of the aisle, Senator 
Fitzgerald and I often disagreed. We found some common ground on some 
issues, including the Patients' Bill of Rights, the gun show loophole, 
and campaign finance reform. I wish him good luck when he returns to 
the private sector where he has been an extremely successful attorney 
in the banking industry. I caution him not to do too well. I am on the 
Senate committee responsible for overseeing that carefully. I say that, 
of course, with tongue in cheek.
  I certainly wish he, Nina, and Jake all the best in the years to 
come.


                              Tom Daschle

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I want to share a few thoughts about our 
Democratic leader.
  I mentioned at the outset of these remarks that I was so deeply moved 
and impressed today by the words of Tom Daschle. I hope all of our 
colleagues, if they were not here, will read his remarks. It was about 
as good a speech as I have heard given in this body in a long time. It 
laid out some pretty important standards for all of us to keep in mind, 
particularly those of us serving here--the notion of hope that he 
talked about; the notion of not forgetting where you come from no 
matter how important you think you are at any given moment; to remember 
your staff; to remember the people who helped make us successful and 
who deserve great credit for their tireless contributions; remembering 
people who work in the Senate, arrive here in the wee hours of the 
morning to make these buildings operate; and remembering his 
constituents and his family. It was as eloquent a farewell address as 
you are ever going to hear in the Senate.
  Tom Daschle, of course, has served with me in the Senate since 1987. 
He has served as Democratic leader for the past decade. He has been a 
very able leader and spokesman for our party and our beliefs on the 
Senate floor or on national news programs.
  Anyone who has observed Tom Daschle over these past 18 years knows he 
is generally not one to raise his voice. But beneath his gentle 
demeanor and soft tone and human decency is a fierce determination to 
do what is right for both his constituents in South Dakota and the 
American people. His service to the people of South Dakota has been 
outstanding.
  I noted earlier that Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland quoted some 
editorials from newspapers of South Dakota talking about his service to 
their State over these past 26 years in the House and the Senate.
  As a Senator from our Nation's third smallest State in terms of area, 
I am somewhat spoiled by the ease with which I am able to meet with my 
constituents. Tom, on the other hand, has represented a State of over 
77,000 square miles, smaller I might add than the State of the 
Presiding Officer of Montana, but nonetheless daunting if you come from 
a State such as Connecticut which is so much smaller. You have counties 
in your State of Montana which are larger, I think, than the State of 
Connecticut.
  Each year Tom set aside time to drive to each of the 66 counties in 
the State alone in his car with no staff, just arriving in town, seeing 
people and talking to them regardless of the lofty position he held 
here on the Democrat side of the aisle. He always took that time out 
each year to go back to reconnect with the roots of South Dakota and to 
meet with his people at home is one of the reasons why he never was 
confused by the title of ``leader.'' He was always very firmly planted 
on the ground and why he would fight as leader not only for our 
national issues but for State issues.
  He was completely understanding of other Senators who would come to 
him and talk about the needs in their own States. Because he was so 
rooted in understanding of his own constituent needs, he was deeply 
sympathetic to other Senators as they lobbied on behalf of matters that 
were important to their constituencies.
  He championed legislation to provide disaster relief for farmers, 
expand health care services in rural area, expand health care to Native 
Americans, and the list goes on.
  In his role as Democratic leader Tom Daschle has stood for the values 
that are the bedrock of our Nation, such as a strong middle class, a 
foreign policy that keeps America strong by working with our allies, 
fiscally responsible economic policies that invest in critical national 
priorities such as jobs, education, and health care.
  During President Clinton's term he helped advance the agenda that 
created over 22 million new jobs in our Nation, the longest period of 
economic expansion in American history.
  Over the past 4 years, he has led our party's efforts to return to 
more responsible policies that can make our Nation stronger both at 
home and abroad.
  On a personal level, I will miss Tom Daschle very much. I am the 
individual who lost to him by one vote 10 years ago. I remember that 
day very well as we competed to become Democratic leader. Many people 
assume when anyone goes through a battle like that, an intense battle 
of some 24 days, that it may cause a permanent divide in a 
relationship. We quickly got over that. I certainly did, and Tom did. 
He reached out to me directly, invited me to be part of a circle that 
would help shape positions within our party. He is a gracious human 
being. We have become very good friends, and we will retain that 
friendship.
  I would be far less than candid with my colleagues or my constituents 
if I didn't tell you I will miss this man very much. He is as decent a 
human being as I have ever known in my life, in public or in private 
life. He is a good, good man. Whatever he does, he will bring great 
integrity, great honor, and great decency to any endeavor that he 
becomes involved in.
  I look forward to many years of good friendship with him and Linda. I 
wish he and his family the very best in the years to come.
  I apologize for taking this extra time. It is important that the 
public hear Members talk about each other, even those who disagreed on 
matters, that they understand why this institution works more than 230 
years after the Founders created it.
  I, as a Senator from Connecticut, take unique pride in the Senate 
because it was Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth, both of Connecticut, 
who offered at the Constitutional Convention the idea of the Senate 
representing small and large States. Arguing over a unicameral system, 
Sherman and Ellsworth said, how about having a second body with equal 
representation, regardless of the size or the population of the State. 
As a result, this institution was created. It has been a great place 
that has served our Nation for so long and I am confident it will in 
the future.
  We have been blessed by the participation of those who are leaving. 
All of us wish each and every one of them the very best in the years to 
come.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Burns). The Senator from Alabama.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I thank Senator Dodd for his comments. 
My relationship and experience with Tom Daschle was a man who was a 
straight shooter. Every time I asked him something, I got a legitimate 
answer. If he committed to do something to help me, he did it. He was a 
gentleman at all times. We never had a harsh word. We may disagree--and 
we did disagree over policies, we all did--and debated and argued and 
fussed, as we do in this Senate, but there is something special about 
this body.
  Senator Dodd, a son of a Senator himself, has deep connections and 
many years here and understands it better than most. It is important 
that we recognize the humanity, the skill, the dedication of each 
Member of the body, whether we agree politically, whether we are in the 
same party, and we recognize that.
  Senator Dodd, thank you for the comments. It means a lot to the body, 
as does your leadership.

[[Page 24217]]




                              Don Nickles

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. president, the year was 1980. Inflation was 13 
percent, mortgage rates were hitting 15 percent, unemployment was 7.1 
percent, and the economy was suffering its fourth year of recession in 
10 years.
  The Soviet Union was on the march in Afghanistan, its puppets were 
leading insurgents in Central America and South Africa, and U.S. 
Embassy officials were being held as hostages in Iran.
  ``Stagflation'' and ``malaise'' were the new words of the American 
lexicon.
  Then the Reagan revolution swept across this Nation and into this 
town. And while Ronald Reagan was the leader, he was not alone. Across 
this broad Nation, ordinary people came to this city with similar 
vision and they helped President Reagan accomplish extraordinary 
things.
  One of these ordinary people was a young businessman from Ponca City, 
OK. At the tender age of 31, Don Nickles was the youngest Republican 
ever elected to the U.S. Senate.
  But while he might have been young, it didn't take long for the 
Senate to discover that this young man--a former janitor who worked his 
way through college--was wise beyond his years and as solid as the Rock 
of Gibraltar.
  Freedom has had no greater defender than Don Nickles. He has been a 
strong proponent of the free enterprise system. On budget, tax, debt 
matters--in fact on almost every conceivable question of fiscal policy, 
Don Nickles was dead on target.
  He was absolutely committed to the bedrock Republican principles of 
cutting taxes, reducing the size of the Government, and slaying the 
budget deficit leviathan.
  And to these seemingly insurmountable goals, he brought a relentless 
yet cheerful determination.
  He has served this Nation and the people of Oklahoma so very well, 
with distinction and unwavering courage.
  Too often, public servants come to Washington to drain the swamp 
until they see it as a hot tub. Not Don Nickles. He changed Washington 
rather than letting Washington change him.
  When he came to the Senate, he wanted to rein in Government so people 
could keep their hard-earned dollars, and when he leaves now, his 
belief is the same today as it was when he placed his hand on the 
Bible.
  That is the way it was then and now, and every day of his almost 
quarter of a century of Senate service. And he still looks like he is 
31.
  Back then, he fought to eliminate the inheritance tax on spouses and 
now he works to eliminate the inheritance tax altogether.
  Back then he fought natural gas price controls which contributed to 
our energy crisis and now he fights price controls on prescription 
drugs.
  Back then he fought the windfall profits tax and now he fights to 
ease the tax on profits and wages of businesses and families alike.
  Mr. President, there isn't a Member of this body who doesn't respect 
Don Nickles as a man of strong conviction, character, and deep faith.
  I think there is good reason why he is seen that way. When the 
Founding Fathers designed the Senate to be one of the central pillars 
of American democracy, I think Don Nickles is exactly the sort of 
citizen legislator they envisioned.
  He has been a strong but happy warrior, and used the rules of this 
body to bring honor to the Senate and good service to our country. He 
loves the Senate and it showed every time he spoke. And we grew to love 
him in that process.
  Through it all, he has never forgotten where he came from, or the 
people who put him here 24 years ago, or those who supported him, 
especially his wonderful wife, Linda and his four children.
  He will be remembered as the ``keeper of the conservative flame,'' 
and like Ronald Reagan, should enjoy the legacy of freedom and economic 
prosperity he has created for all Americans in the years to come.


                            peter fitzgerald

  Mr. President, I rise today to bid farewell to the Senator from 
Illinois.
  Peter Fitzgerald came to the Senate 6 years ago already a champion. 
He was the first Republican to win a Senate seat in Illinois in 20 
years. He was the only Republican challenger to defeat an incumbent 
nationwide that year. And upon his arrival 6 years ago, he was the 
youngest member of the U.S. Senate. So expectations for this new 
Senator were high.
  Senator Fitzgerald exceeded those expectations. From the beginning, 
he fought to cut wasteful Government spending, fraud at the public 
till, and mismanagement of the people's money. He led the fight against 
the recent corporate scandals that damaged our economy.
  Senator Fitzgerald has been a leader in bringing government into 
cyberspace by sponsoring successful bills to allow farmers to work with 
the Agriculture Department online. He has also been a champion for 
improving child nutrition, by making it possible for consumers to use 
food stamps to make purchases online. He has focused on consumer safety 
by requiring stricter standards for child car seats and car safety 
features.
  Illinois, where Senator Fitzgerald was born and raised, is the State 
that sent Abraham Lincoln to the White House. Abraham Lincoln was one 
of America's greatest Presidents, and the first President of the 
Republican Party. The great State of Illinois is known as ``The Land of 
Lincoln.''
  But I am a little jealous of Illinois's claim on this great American. 
Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hodgenville, KY, my home 
State, and we Kentuckians like to think of him as one of our own.
  I have welcomed Senator Fitzgerald to my home State before, and he is 
welcome again in the Bluegrass State anytime, especially Hodgenville.
  Senator Fitzgerald had a long career of public service even before 
joining this body, and I have no doubt he will continue to serve the 
people of Illinois when he returns to the Prairie State. Most of all, 
he will enjoy the company of his wife, Nina, and their young son, Jake.
  Because Senator Fitzgerald is a passionate Chicago Cubs fan, I 
suspect Jake will be going to a lot more games. The Senate's loss is 
Jake's gain, and a gain for the Fitzgerald family and the people of 
Illinois. I thank the Senator from Illinois for his service to his 
State, the Land of Lincoln, and to the Nation.


                        ben nighthorse campbell

  Mr. President, I rise today to bid farewell to the Olympian from 
Colorado.
  Forty years ago, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell carried the American 
flag in the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. He 
was the captain of the U.S. judo team and already a Gold Medalist in 
the 1963 Pan-American Games. For most men, that would be accomplishment 
enough for a lifetime. But for Ben Nighthorse Campbell, it was only the 
beginning.
  Every one of us who has been privileged to serve in the Senate knows 
that we will never again see anyone quite like Ben Nighthorse Campbell. 
He is probably the only Senator equally comfortable driving a truck or 
a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He has been both a Democrat and a 
Republican, although he is now a Republican, and I remind the President 
that wisdom blooms with age.
  In 1995, Senator Campbell heroically subdued and handcuffed a man who 
had assaulted the late Senator Strom Thurmond in the Capitol subway. I 
suspect many Senators became a little more inclined to vote for his 
amendments after that.
  Senator Campbell has consistently fought to reduce the burden the 
Federal Government places on American families by cutting taxes and 
spending. Hailing from the home of the Rocky Mountains, he has led the 
Republican Party in preserving our environment. He was instrumental in 
establishing the National Museum of the American Indian on the National 
Mall, which opened this fall. He is the only Native-American Indian 
Senator currently serving, and only the eighth in the history of 
Congress.

[[Page 24218]]

  And the Senate is not the only exclusive club in which he claims 
membership. He also is on the Council of 44 Chiefs for the Northern 
Cheyenne Tribe of Lame Deer, Montana.
  Senator Campbell is an honest, straightforward man who likes simple 
pleasures. He served his country with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean 
War. He and his wife of over 35 years, Linda, have two children and 
three grandchildren.
  He has designed award-winning jewelry and trained champion quarter 
horses. And being from Kentucky, the horse capital of the world, he has 
my special appreciation for that. I have welcomed him to my home State 
before, and he is welcome again in the Bluegrass State anytime.
  In 2001, Senator Campbell rode a motorcycle specially designed in 
red, white, and blue in the Inaugural Parade. I, for one, would not be 
surprised to see him ride that bike all the way from here to his 
hometown of Ignacio, CO, now that his 12 years with us draws to a 
close. It has been an honor to share this Chamber with him, and I 
salute his service, tenacity, and integrity.
  But most of all I salute his courage. He stood tall as one of 100, 
and he stood just as tall alone.


                            ernest hollings

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, for the past 38 years, Senator Hollings 
has served the state of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate with honor, 
grace, and, most famously, a fiery wit. It is an understatement to say 
that the Senate will not be the same without him. During his 38-year 
career, he has been an outspoken champion of fiscal discipline, an 
early proponent of maintaining Social Security solvency, and a fighter 
against trade agreements that put the domestic textile industry at an 
unfair disadvantage.
  I will particularly miss Senator Hollings whenever I attend meetings 
of the Budget Committee. Senator Hollings is the only serving Senator 
who has served on the Senate Budget Committee since it was created in 
1974. As the last of the original members of the, committee, his 
institutional knowledge and passion for fiscal discipline will be 
missed.
  Budget issues have always been a passion of Senator Hollings, and he 
shares my penchant for using charts to prove a point. Senator Hollings' 
favorite chart shows gross debt, and I am sure he will be taking it 
with him when he leaves. Senator Hollings was tireless in his efforts 
to educate his Senate colleagues and the public on the dangers of gross 
Federal debt and the need to use honest numbers in describing our 
budget outlook. His dedication to bringing truth to budgeting was 
unsurpassed.
  Senator Hollings also relentlessly defended Section 13301 of the 
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990--requiring official budget 
numbers to exclude Social Security. As a number of OMB and CBO 
Directors came to discover, Senator Hollings was not one to sit quietly 
through a Budget Committee hearing while they attempted to obscure 
deficit figures by including Social Security revenues in their budget 
calculations.
  Perhaps most of all, Senator Hollings will be remembered for his 
efforts to protect Social Security, long before protection of this 
entitlement became fashionable. As we move into a new debate over the 
future of this vital program, the Nation will surely regret that we did 
not earlier pay heed to his warnings to prepare for the baby boom 
retirement by paying down Federal debt. Senator Hollings will be missed 
in the coming discussion over Social Security, but I am sure he'll make 
his views well known with his uncanny ability to describe complex 
issues in simple and straightforward terms.
  Finally, I will remember Senator Hollings for his fierce criticism of 
trade agreements that threatened the textile and agricultural sectors 
of South Carolina. He spoke out against GATT and NAFTA, and continued 
to fight for fair trade throughout his service. His strong opposition 
to unfair trade agreements will be sorely missed by the workers and 
farmers for whom he fought.
  Given his long history in the Senate, and his penchant for speaking 
out with a cutting wit on important issues, I know that Senator 
Hollings will continue to fight for the causes in which he believes. 
However, his individuality, his respect for learning the complexities 
of issues, and his dedication to South Carolina and the U.S. will be 
missed in the Senate. I wish him well as he heads home to Charleston, 
and thank him for his many years of hard work.


                              john breaux

  Mr. President, the State of Louisiana has grown accustomed to sending 
its Senators to Washington and keeping them there for a long time. By 
the standards of his illustrious State colleagues like Allen Ellender, 
Russell Long, and Bennett Johnston, some might think Senator Breaux is 
making an early exit after only three terms. However, add in the 14 
years that he represented his States's 7th Congressional district in 
the House of Representatives and that comes to 32 years of 
Congressional service for the people of Louisiana.
  During a period when it has become increasingly difficult to work 
across party lines, I admire Senator Breaux's determination to continue 
pursuing bipartisan efforts. He has a genuine respect for the 
Senatorial traditions that can still help this body reach consensus, 
even on difficult issues.
  Since I became a member of the Finance Committee in 1993, the 
gentleman seated to my left has been John Breaux. I know firsthand his 
commitment to the Social Security and Medicare programs and how deeply 
he cares about their long-term stability. He also made effective use of 
his position as chairman and ranking member of the Special Committee on 
Aging to highlight the importance of these programs to seniors both 
today and in the years to come.
  Just over a decade ago, Senator Breaux was one of a handful of 
moderates who came together to seek a bipartisan approach to health 
care reform. When the budget process stalemated a few years later, 
Senator Breaux went to our late colleague, Senator John Chafee, to 
develop a centrist approach to fiscal discipline. As a founding member 
of what came to be called the Chafee-Breaux group, I saw how Senator 
Breaux worked to expand participation and come up with compromises on 
the key sticking points of tax and entitlement policies. In 1996, we 
put forward an alternative budget that got 46 votes despite the active 
opposition of both the Democratic and Republican leadership. This 
effort directly laid the groundwork for the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, 
which put us on the track to balance the moral budget in fiscal year 
1998 for the first time since fiscal year 1969.
  Senator Breaux put the same energy into Medicare reform. He refused 
to be discouraged by the slings and arrows of partisans on both sides 
who complained that his approach did not sufficiently adhere to either 
side's vision of ideological purity. His tireless efforts paid off last 
year when Congress adopted the most far-reaching changes to the 
Medicare since its inception. Due in large part to the efforts of 
Senator Breaux, Medicare for the first time will provide prescription 
drug coverage to our seniors.
  I also had the privilege of working closely with Senator Breaux on 
the Finance Committee to protect the interests of our highly efficient 
sugar industry. As co-chair of the Senate sweetener caucus, Senator 
Breaux was a zealous advocate for the Louisiana sugar cane industry. We 
joined together to fight misguided provisions of the NAFTA that would 
have threatened the U.S. sugar industry and succeeded in getting the 
Clinton administration to renegotiate this part of the agreement. More 
recently, Senator Breaux has taken a lead role in opposing the Bush 
administration's efforts to trade away the future of our sugar industry 
in ongoing trade negotiations with Central America, Australia, and 
other countries.
  Senator Breaux already has one lasting legacy firmly in place as one 
of the creators of the Wallop-Breaux Aquatic Resources Trust Fund. This 
far-sighted and innovative idea resulted in a funding mechanism for 
programs to promote recreational boating safety and

[[Page 24219]]

sport fish restoration by using proceeds from the excise taxes on 
motorboat fuel and fishing equipment, along with duties on related 
imported goods. The beneficiaries are the more than 70 million 
recreational boaters and sport fishing enthusiasts across the country.
  I doubt that Senator Breaux will be out of the public policy business 
for long. Someone with his experience and ideas will be a valuable 
asset wherever he decides to go after leaving the Senate. We will miss 
him as a colleague, but I would not be surprised to see our friend John 
Breaux back here often.


                         ben nighthorse campbell

  Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague and friend 
Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
  Since his election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Campbell has been 
the only Native American in this body and only the eighth to serve in 
Congress. Senator Campbell's road to the Congress took many interesting 
turns--a truck driver, veteran, athlete, jewelry designer, and trainer. 
He served honorably in the Air Force during the Korean War. He 
represented the United States as captain of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Judo 
Team. Later, he built a successful jewelry business as well as bred and 
trained quarter horses.
  During our time in the Senate, I have come to know Senator Campbell 
best as a fellow member of the Committee on Indian Affairs. Senator 
Campbell has served as Chairman and Ranking Member of that committee 
since 1997. In that capacity, he proved to be an outspoken leader and 
tireless advocate for all Native Americans. He invested the time to 
learn about the diverse interests impacting tribes across the country 
and worked across party lines to develop workable solutions to those 
problems.
  Senator Campbell often focused on developing and refining Federal 
programs that would provide a hand-up and build reservation economies 
to help make sure all Native Americans share in the prosperity other 
Americans have seen. He was also instrumental in securing a National 
Museum for American Indians, an effort that started more than 15 years 
ago and culminated with a museum opening this September along the 
National Mall.
  I particularly appreciated Senator Campbell's role in helping the 
tribes in North Dakota make sure the, Federal Government fulfilled its 
longstanding commitment to compensate them for the infrastructure lost 
due to the construction of the Missouri River dams. Senator Campbell 
has helped me shepherd legislation through Congress that would fulfill 
one of these vital promises to the Three Affiliated Tribes, the 
replacement of its hospital. I truly appreciated his support.
  Senator Campbell has been a true champion for Native Americans. His 
compassion and conviction will be missed in the U.S. Senate.


                               bob graham

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I want to pay tribute to Senator 
Bob Graham, a man who has served in the U.S. Senate with great 
distinction for the last 18 years. The people of Florida have been 
fortunate to be represented by a man who is as thoughtful, as tough-
minded and as independent as Bob Graham.
  When I first came to the Senate, I was proud to work with Senator 
Graham to bring the deficit under control. Senator Graham was a leader 
for fiscal responsibility in the Senate, and he helped to focus our 
efforts to cut wasteful spending and institute budget reforms that 
brought the deficit under control, and ultimately created a budget 
surplus. His leadership will certainly be missed in this area in the 
next Congress, as we must come to terms with the largest deficit in our 
Nation's history.
  Senator Graham was also a voice for fiscal sanity on the Finance 
Committee, a committee that in recent years has too often promoted 
policies that have deepened our fiscal problems. It isn't easy to go 
against your colleagues, whether in a committee or in a caucus, to 
stand up for what you believe is right. But that's exactly what Bob 
Graham has done throughout his time in the Senate, and I greatly admire 
him for it.
  His independence has also extended to his work in the fight against 
terrorism, where he has been an unyielding voice for a stronger, more 
focused war on terror, and I thank him for his outspoken leadership on 
this critically important issue.
  Here in the Senate, we will miss Bob Graham's thoughtful leadership, 
his unfailing civility, and his unstinting friendship. I thank him for 
his service to the State of Florida and to this country, and wish him 
all the best in his retirement.


                              don nickles

  Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, the decision of the distinguished Senator 
from Oklahoma, Mr. Nickles, to retire from the Senate will deprive this 
body of one of our most trusted and insightful leaders. I will miss 
very much the pleasure of serving with such an honest, forthright, and 
diligent colleague.
  He brought to the Senate the valuable experience of running a family 
business which was translated through the use of his legislative skills 
into public policies that strengthened our economy by improving our tax 
and labor relations laws.
  As chairman of the Budget Committee he was successful in his efforts 
to curb unnecessary spending. He was fairminded in his dealings with 
Senators on both sides of the aisle.
  He was a true friend to me in the Senate and a great help as a coach 
on the golf course. I wish him and his wife, Linda, much happiness and 
success in the years ahead.


                        BEN NIGHTHORSE CAMPBELL

  Mr. President, I regret that my friend from Colorado, Mr. Campbell, 
is retiring from the Senate. He and his wife, Linda, have become good 
friends who will be truly missed.
  I enjoyed serving for a few years on the Committee on Indian Affairs 
with him, and I have had the pleasure of traveling with him on official 
business of the Appropriations Committee.
  His service in the Senate has been exemplary. He has taken his 
responsibilities seriously, and he has reflected credit on his State.
  I did worry about his motorcycle riding. But it was an asset when the 
new King of Jordan visited the Senate and asked to go for a ride.
  I hope we will continue to look to Senator Campbell for advice and 
counsel in the years ahead, especially on the finer points of self 
defense as an Olympic Gold Medal winner in judo.


                              ZELL MILLER

  Mr. President, as I think about the retirement of our colleague from 
Georgia, Mr. Miller I am reminded of the song, ``Johnny, I Hardly Knew 
You.''
  It doesn't seem very long ago since I heard his maiden speech. He 
said in a strong voice that he had not come to the Senate to represent 
a political party but rather he was here to represent the interests of 
the people of Georgia. He has proven to be a man of his word. He has 
demonstrated great courage and much conviction as he has carried out 
his promise to the Senate and to the people he has represented and 
voted for here in the Senate.
  I have observed closely his work in the Agriculture Committee where 
he has been a very thoughtful and effective voice for his State and our 
Nation.
  His well-reasoned and well-informed method of approaching all the 
issues that come before the Senate is very impressive. He is serious 
minded about his responsibilities, and he works very hard to be an 
effective force for solving the problems that face our country.
  If more public servants had the character and the commitment to doing 
the right thing, whatever the consequences as Zell Miller does, our 
destiny would be assured.


                              john breaux

  Mr. President, it is hard to believe that my good friend from 
Louisiana, John Breaux, is retiring from the Senate. We served in the 
other body together when we were very young, and we have been friends 
ever since, even though he almost always beat me on the tennis court.
  John Breaux always took his responsibilities in the House and in the 
Senate very seriously but he was always humble and courteous to his 
colleagues. His pleasant manner, his quick wit, and his diligence were 
great assets which he has used over the years to fashion an impressive 
legislative record.

[[Page 24220]]

  His service in the Senate has been truly outstanding. I will miss him 
greatly. I wish for him and his wife, Lois, much happiness and 
satisfaction in the years ahead.


                             fritz hollings

  Mr. President, the retirement of our colleague from South Carolina, 
Mr. Hollings signals the end of an era in Southern politics. He 
succeeded as few in our section of the country did in leading us 
through a troubled time of transition. From segregation to integration 
in our public schools, and from an agrarian economy to a more modern 
and diversified industrial economy, he led with political courage and 
keen insight about what was right and what was wrong, and what was 
hopeless and what was possible.
  I have always admired Fritz Hollings because he acted on his 
convictions. But, he was not a gadfly. His efforts to enact new budget 
rules under the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings bill were an example of his 
effective leadership to impose restraints on Federal spending.
  He was an effective leader on the Budget Committee, the 
Appropriations Committee, and the Commerce Committee in a wide range of 
issues including national defense, trade, communications, ocean policy, 
budget policy, education, and foreign relations.
  I always enjoyed hearing Fritz tell stories about his fellow Southern 
Governors. He will be missed for many reasons, but especially for 
always being himself, without pretense or apology.


                              Tom Daschle

  Mr. President, I congratulate the distinguished Senator from South 
Dakota, Mr. Daschle, on his remarkable career in the U.S. Senate.
  Soon after he was elected to the Senate, in 1986, my wife, Rose, and 
I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Russia with Tom and his wife, 
Linda. We thoroughly enjoyed their company; and, in spite of the 
difference in party affiliation, I have had a feeling of respect and 
appreciation for the Democratic leader ever since.
  We have served together on the Agriculture Committee and worked to 
help farmers solve their problems. I have admired his dedication to the 
Senate and his intensity of motivation as the opposition leader. He has 
been a very effective leader, and I wish him and Linda much happiness 
and satisfaction in the years ahead.


                            PETER FITZGERALD

  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, It truly has been a privilege to serve in 
the Senate with my good friend Peter Fitzgerald. As many Illinois 
newspapers wrote when Peter announced he would not seek re-election, 
his decision to retire from the U.S. Senate is a true loss for the 
people of Illinois. I could not agree more.
  In the 1998 race for his Senate seat, Peter proved himself to be an 
exceptional campaigner, defeating a well-known incumbent in a State 
that had not elected a Republican in 20 years. And in that year, he was 
the only Republican challenger in the country to defeat an incumbent 
Democratic Senator. But Peter's vision, message and leadership 
resonated with Illinoisans, and they elected him by a 6 point margin.
  Arriving in Washington as the youngest member of the Senate, Peter 
hit the ground running as a strong voice for Illinois. He has been a 
steadfast advocate for taxpayers, consistently backing efforts to cut 
wasteful spending and reduce taxes. And he has been a proponent for 
consumer safety issues, focusing on areas such as improving car safety 
and child booster seats.
  I have the utmost respect for Peter. His courage and determination, 
even when faced with a daunting challenge, are remarkable. He has gone 
up against unscrupulous corporations and political corruption. He has 
had significant roles in investigating corporate accounting fraud, and 
Peter also has fought political corruption across party lines, leading 
the Chicago Tribune conclude that ``no one person has done more for 
political reform in Illinois than Peter Fitzgerald.''
  I have been privileged to serve alongside Peter on the Senate 
Agriculture committee, working together on issues important to our 
strong agriculture States. As an advocate for increasing hunger 
awareness myself, I admire his work to make food stamp benefits for 
low-income families more easily accessible, including making program 
benefits available over the Internet.
  Peter and I share many similar views, but what is not widely known is 
that we look for the same qualities in our extraordinary staff members. 
In fact, managing the Fitzgerald office is chief of staff Greg Gross. 
Greg is a very talented member of his team, and I can attest to this 
because Greg also did such good work with me at the American Red Cross. 
I thank Greg for all his counsel during my first 2 years in the Senate.
  It is widely known that Peter Fitzgerald is a principled and 
independent leader. He has time after time proven that he will go 
against the flow, go against what is popular, because he is loyal to 
his own ideals and doing what he believes is right for the people and 
families he represents. Peter is a refreshing elected official; a 
devoted family man to his wife Nina and son Jake; and a diligent public 
servant. It goes without saying, people in Washington and people in 
Illinois will sorely miss Senator Peter Fitzgerald.


                              TOM DASCHLE

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I am pleased to pay tribute to Senator 
Tom Daschle, who has served South Dakota, and the Senate, with dignity 
and devotion during his tenure in this body.
  I am proud to have worked with him on a wide range of issues over the 
years, but perhaps most of all I thank him for his work and leadership 
to reform the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is a fight that will 
go forward in the next Congress, where we will build on Senator 
Daschle's hard work and commitment to this important issue.
  I also want to take a moment to recognize Senator Daschle's 
leadership, as both majority and minority leader, here in the Senate. 
He has led the Democratic caucus, and the Senate as a whole, through a 
time of great change and many difficult challenges: through a closely 
divided Senate, through the tragedy of 9/11, and through the anthrax 
attack on the Senate, which so personally affected both of our offices. 
Through all of this, Senator Daschle has inspired us with his 
dedication and ability to work through tough problems, to guide the 
policies of our party, and to provide steady leadership when we needed 
it most.
  Finally, I also want to extend my thanks to many of Senator Daschle's 
staff, who were especially helpful to my office over the past 12 years, 
and in particular, were so thoughtful and generous with their time in 
the wake of the anthrax attack on our offices. It is often the case 
that a Senator's staff reflect the personality of the Senator for whom 
they work, and I believe that is certainly the case with Senator 
Daschle and his staff.
  I thank Tom Daschle for his leadership and his service to South 
Dakota and our country, and I wish him all the best as he moves on to 
begin a new chapter in his distinguished career.


                            peter fitzgerald

  Mr. President, today I take a moment to recognize the contributions 
that Senator Peter Fitzgerald has made to this Senate, to the State of 
Illinois, and to the Nation.
  As a fellow Midwesterner, I have always appreciated Senator 
Fitzgerald's honest and fair-minded approach to the issues. From the 
moment he arrived here in the Senate, it was clear that he would keep 
his own counsel, doing what he thought was best for the people Illinois 
without regard to powerful interests on either side of the aisle.
  Above all else, I appreciate Senator Fitzgerald's unfailing 
commitment to reforming our campaign finance system. He was among that 
steadfast group of Republican senators who stood firm in their support 
of the McCain-Feingold bill, despite enormous pressure to do otherwise. 
His support of our bill took a great deal of personal and political 
courage, and it is something that I truly admire, and for which I will 
always been grateful.
  As he moves on from the Senate, Senator Fitzgerald can be assured

[[Page 24221]]

that his friends and colleagues here will long remember the 
contributions he made, and the dignity with which he served. I wish him 
all the best as he moves on to a new phase of his career.


                              don nickles

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I am reminded of the words of Will Rogers, 
that great Oklahoman whose statue is a few steps removed from the old 
Senate chamber, who once said, ``The income tax system is the only 
thing that has made a liar out of more of the American people than golf 
has.''
  Coincidentally, the tax system and golf are passions of another great 
Oklahoman who I am proud to honor at the end of this Congress--our 
friend and colleague Don Nickles.
  Don has accomplished a great deal during his 24 years in the Senate. 
Chief among them is the fact that he somehow has managed to look almost 
exactly like he did when he first entered the Senate at the ripe old 
age of 32 in 1981.
  But the accomplishment of Don that I admire the most is remarkable 
record of success he has achieved in putting more money in the pockets 
of America's families by reducing their taxes and by restoring some 
fairness to the system.
  To paraphrase Will Rogers, Don never met a tax he liked. And from 
reducing and then repealing the death tax to equalizing the tax system 
for the self-employed to being the guiding force behind the child tax 
credit, lowering the capital gains tax, and reducing tax rates for all 
Americans, no Senator has done more in the past 20 years to earn the 
enduring respect of our hard working taxpayers than Don Nickles.
  Don will be greatly missed as a legislator, but he will also be 
greatly missed as a friend. I have long believed that you can learn a 
lot about someone by playing golf with them, and I've been privileged 
during my 8 years in the Senate to play a little bit of golf with Don.
  And it should come as no surprise that his actions on the golf course 
are very much like his actions in the Senate.
  He is good, very good, at both.
  And yes, there are times on the golf course like here in the Senate 
where he can be found on the right, the far right, but for the most 
part he plays it straight down the middle.
  It is on the golf course where Don and I became more than colleagues, 
we became friends. And I know I am not alone in saying that I will miss 
Don's friendship, and the friendship of his wife Linda, on a day-to-day 
basis. When tragedy befell my family last year, Don was at my house 
within the hour. Don and Linda have been incredibly kind and supportive 
to Sharon and me.
  Don, as a taxpayer I thank you for your service, as a golfer I thank 
you for more good memories than I can count, and as a friend, I thank 
you for being there when I needed you most.
  I know your contributions to your state and your country are far from 
complete, and all your colleagues join with me in wishing you and Linda 
Godspeed as you begin this new chapter in your life.


                              TOM DASCHLE

  Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I honor the long and dedicated service that 
Tom Daschle has given to our country. He has been a true leader 
throughout his life in public service, and South Dakota and the entire 
Nation are better off because of his efforts.
  For 29 years, South Dakota has been fortunate to have Tom Daschle 
represent their interests--first as a Senate staffer, then as a Member 
of the House of Representatives, and finally as a United States 
Senator. He has worked tirelessly to make sure that the people of South 
Dakota have a strong economy, access to quality, affordable health 
care, and the highest quality education system. He has worked with 
unfailing determination to enchance the quality of life in rural 
communities across South Dakota and the Nation. Throughout his service, 
Tom has always kept the interests of his State and his constituents as 
his top priority.
  Tom Daschle has been a wonderful leader for South Dakota, for the 
Democratic party, and for all Americans. I deeply respect and applaud 
his lifelong commitment to public service, and his leadership and his 
friendship will be missed by many in the Senate. I know he moves on to 
the next phase of his career as a happy and wise man who will continue 
to make important contributions to our country long after he leaves the 
Senate. He is a true patriot who has always served and will always 
serve his country. I want to thank Tom for his dedication and his 
service, and I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.


                              tom daschle

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, in these final working days of the 108th 
Congress, we are saying farewell to a number of retiring colleagues. A 
most painful farewell will be to my friend Senator Tom Daschle.
  These days, there are fewer and fewer bipartisan agreements in this 
body. But there is bipartisan agreement about the senior Senator from 
South Dakota. We respect his decency, his fairness, his courage, his 
leadership, and, of course, his extraordinary capacity for hard work.
  I cannot imagine a more difficult job in the Senate than being leader 
of the Democratic caucus. We've all heard Will Rogers's quip that he 
belonged to no organized party, he was a Democrat. Well, those 
independent, hardheaded habits flourish within our caucus. But, for the 
last decade, Tom Daschle's amazing skills and unlimited patience have 
brought us together as a team. And that is an accomplishment he can be 
very proud of.
  The President of the United States has the persuasion of power. The 
leader of the Senate's Democratic caucus has only the power of 
persuasion. And I can't imagine anyone more persuasive than Tom 
Daschle. He has always been willing to talk with us, to accommodate us 
whenever possible, and to do whatever it takes to forge a consensus and 
move us forward. I am grateful for his leadership, and for the 
diligence and race that he has unfailingly brought to his job as 
leader.
  I cannot emphasize too much Tom Daschle's sense of fairness as 
leader. He has been unfailingly fair to others. And he has demanded 
fair treatment in return. When Democrats were in the majority, majority 
leader Daschle was respectful of the rights and prerogatives of the 
Republican minority. Conversely, as minority leader, he has steadfastly 
defended the rights and prerogatives of the Democratic minority.
  In the heat of a partisan campaign, some have tried to label this 
obstructionism. But that characterization is incorrect. The duty of the 
opposition party is to oppose, and to do so fairly, forthrightly, and 
within the rules of the Senate--to protect the rights of the minority. 
That is exactly what Senator Daschle has done--with great skill and 
persistence.
  I also have enormous respect for the way Senator Daschle has 
advocated for his constituents back home in South Dakota. No one has 
fought harder for the revitalization of rural America than Tom Daschle. 
No one has fought harder to bring health care, good schools, and 
economic opportunity to Indian County. No one has fought harder to 
increase the income level of family farmers, and to give them a fair 
shake in the marketplace.
  Another jewel in the crown of Tom Daschle's legacy is the emerging 
ethanol industry in the United States. Since Tom arrived in Congress in 
1978, he has been a relentless champion of ethanol. I know because I 
was there, too, during those early years. People said that those of us 
who were advocating the expanded use of ethanol didn't have a chance 
against big oil. But Senator Daschle used the 1990 Clean Air Act to put 
in place policies that spurred the ethanol industry. And he has 
continued to promote tax incentives and a renewable fuel standard to 
advance ethanol and to move our country in the direction of energy 
independence. So, no doubt about it, Senator Daschle's leadership on 
ethanol will be greatly missed.
  It has been a privilege to serve in this body with Senator Tom 
Daschle. I will miss him as a colleague. Most of all, I will miss him 
as a friend. The good news is that there are important

[[Page 24222]]

chapters yet to be written in the life of Tom Daschle. I wish Tom and 
his wonderful wife Linda the very best in the years ahead.


                              John Edwards

  Mr. President, I rise to express my respect and admiration for the 
retiring senior Senator from North Carolina, John Edwards.
  We will miss his uniquely skillful and persuasive voice in debates 
here on the Senate floor. Time and again, we have seen his knack for 
taking complex arguments and making them accessible and persuasive to 
ordinary people. Time and again, his skills have carried the day. So I 
fully understand the advice of one of our Republican colleagues: 
``Never yield the floor to John Edwards.''
  Over the last year and a half, people in my state of Iowa have gotten 
to know John and his wonderful wife Elizabeth very, very well. John has 
been in every one of Iowa's 99 counties. He's been in our schools, in 
our coffee shops, in our living rooms. In fact, if it weren't for that 
Southern accent, Iowans would think John was one of us. We Democrats 
are proud of his race for the nomination and his conduct as VP nominee.
  He always comes across as ``just folks''--which is what you'd expect 
from a person raised in very modest circumstances, the first in his 
family to go to college. This humble background is an enormous strength 
for John Edwards. It's a strength we saw last night. It allows him to 
understand people. It also allows him to communicate powerfully with 
ordinary people. And people respond in kind. They just plain like John 
Edwards. People trust him.
  But if Iowans and other Americans see a ``just folks'' John Edwards 
on the campaign trail, Senators have been privileged to see a different 
side of him, hard at work in this body. John has been in the Senate for 
only one term. But he has made his mark.
  He made his mark by challenging an incumbent Senator and single-
handedly taking on the Jesse Helms machine in North Carolina--and 
beating it.
  He made his mark as a lead cosponsor of the Patients' Bill of Rights 
in the Senate, along with Senators Kennedy and McCain. John managed the 
bill on the floor. And he was the lead negotiator in hammering out a 
bipartisan consensus on the bill.
  He made his mark by sponsoring--and passionately advocating for--a 
bill to speed up approval of generic drugs.
  And, in my State of Iowa, John Edwards made his mark--and won 
people's hearts--with his big smile, his friendly manner, and his 
boundless optimism. At the same time, he won our respect with a 
campaign that was always positive. Even under provocation, even when 
the stakes were highest in the final weeks of the campaign leading up 
to the caucuses, John never wavered from his positive message of hope 
and opportunity for ``ordinary'' Americans.
  So here at the end of this 108th Congress, we say farewell to Senator 
John Edwards. But, clearly, we have not seen the last of this 
remarkably able person. I wish John the very best. And, of course, we 
all pray for the full recovery of Elizabeth. We will miss them both 
here in Washington, but our friendship will continue.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to some of my 
colleagues who will be leaving the Senate at the end of this session.


                              tom daschle

  I particularly want to pay tribute to a great Senator, someone who I 
am proud to call a friend, our leader, Tom Daschle.
  Senator Daschle is truly one of the giants in the history of the 
United States Senate and it has been a privilege to serve with him for 
the last 4 years.
  Tom Daschle has given his entire life to public service. After 
serving in the Air Force, he came to Washington to work for South 
Dakota Senator James Abourezk. A few years later, he won election to 
the House and later won three terms in the Senate.
  Senator Daschle has been through some tough elections and tough 
battles on the floor of this Senate. But he has always conducted 
himself with grace, integrity and respect for his opponents. He has 
been a leader in the Senate on health care, veterans' benefits, 
ethanol, agriculture and rural development and has fought hard for the 
people of South Dakota.
  He is known all over South Dakota for his down-to-earth manner and 
the personal relationships he has with his constituents.
  Every year, Tom Daschle would go on a driving tour of all 66 counties 
in South Dakota, stopping in at diners, bowling allies, Elks clubs and 
feed stores. He would talk to his constituents on a one-on-one basis 
and really feel the pulse of different communities.
  Therefore, when he debated an issue here on the Senate floor, he knew 
firsthand what his constituents thought. He represented them so well, 
the way our founding fathers would have envisioned a model Senator.
  He was also a great leader. He worked with all members of our caucus 
and did the hard work to develop a consensus on many difficult issues. 
And he was always willing to listen.
  Tom Daschle would work across the aisle to get things done for his 
State and the country. I remember how he rose to the occasion after 
September 11th and worked hand-in-hand with President Bush to protect 
our country, rebuild New York and keep the airlines from going 
bankrupt.
  If you were trying to get something done here in the Senate, you 
always wanted Tom Daschle on your side.


                             fritz hollings

  The Senate is also losing a legend with the retirement of Senator 
Fritz Hollings. For 38 years, he has fought for South Carolina, 
bringing home jobs and economic development, and he has made a lasting 
impression on the lives of Americans across this country.
  Senator Hollings helped start the Women Infants Children-WIC program, 
one of the most successful Government health care measures ever 
undertaken, helping reduce infant mortality, low birth weights, and 
premature births nationwide.
  He is the father of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration--NOAA. Senator Hollings pushed through the legislation 
that created NOAA during his very first term as a Senator.
  And he co-authored Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, the landmark legislation 
that broke budget gridlock in the mid-80s. By making automatic spending 
cuts, it reversed 20 years of increased Federal spending and cut tens 
of billions from the budget deficit.
  Senator Hollings strong leadership and sense of humor will be deeply 
missed in this chamber.


                               bob graham

  We will also miss the leadership and service of Senator Bob Graham.
  Senator Graham has dedicated his life to public service, serving in 
the Florida State house and State senate, and as Governor of Florida 
before his 18 years here in the U.S. Senate.
  Senator Graham and I share a passion for healthcare. And he has been 
a tireless advocate and leader on the need for a prescription drug 
benefit for America's seniors.
  As founder of the New Senate Democrats, Senator Graham has worked to 
bring together coalitions on issues ranging from education to the 
national debt and fiscal responsibility.


                              john breaux

   The Senate will be saying goodbye to another great centrist, Senator 
John Breaux. Senator Breaux has a well-earned reputation on the Hill of 
being able to bring both sides together and forge bipartisan 
compromises.
  In a time of blue States and red States, Senator Breaux has been a 
leader in bringing Americans together in the mainstream middle, instead 
of dividing Americans with the ideological extremism.


                              john edwards

  And finally, Mr. President, the Senate is also losing a champion for 
America's working families with the retirement of Senator John Edwards. 
Senator Edwards is the embodiment of the American dream.
  Raised in a small town in North Carolina by hard-working parents--his

[[Page 24223]]

father was textile mill worker for 36 years--Senator Edwards learned 
the real American values of getting a good education, of hard work, 
fairness and playing by rules.
  He was the first member of his family to go to college. And after 
graduating from law school, he fought for the values his parents taught 
him and by working for justice on behalf of those who couldn't fight 
for themselves--working families and their children who were seriously 
injured by irresponsible corporate actions.
  I was proud to work with Senator Edwards on the Patients' Bill of 
Rights where he brought that same passion to help working families by 
ensuring that doctors and not HMOs make our medical decisions.
  I know Senator Edwards will continue to fight for working families 
and be a national leader on these important issues.
  I also want to wish his wife Elizabeth the best at this difficult 
time. She is a strong, amazing woman and a fighter like her husband, 
and the entire Edwards family is in my thoughts and prayers.
  I am proud to have served with these great Senators and I know that 
they will be remembered long after the tribute speeches are given and 
the farewell parties end, because of their leadership, their 
compassion, and their hard work on behalf of all Americans.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to take this opportunity to 
honor our departing colleagues who are leaving the Senate. Almost each 
new Congress a different group of 100 men and women come together from 
different backgrounds and political philosophies, representing 
different interests and constituencies, but through all our 
differences, we develop respect and admiration for each other. Many 
times we step across the aisle and work together on legislation and 
often times genuine friendships are created. As I pay tribute to these 
departing Senators, whether they have been here 1 term or 7, they are a 
remarkable group and we thank them for their honorable service.


                              Ben Campbell

  Ben Nighthorse Campbell has been more than just a neighbor Senator 
from out west, but a close friend and colleague.
  I have worked with Senator Campbell on the Senate Appropriations 
Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Indian 
Affairs Committee. During his 18 years in the United States Congress, 
Senator Campbell has earned the respect of members on both sides of the 
aisle as being a statesman and staunch advocate for the State of 
Colorado. In addition, he is the sole American Indian serving in the 
Senate, and he is also a Northern Cheyenne tribal chief. His work on 
behalf of tribes is legendary, and I know he will be sorely missed by 
the American Indian people.
  Senator Campbell has been a recognized leader on public land and 
natural resource policy. Since New Mexico and Colorado face similar 
challenges, we have worked closely on these matters, and it has been a 
privilege to work with someone so passionate about improving land 
management policies.
  Senator Campbell is a veteran, Olympian, and public servant, and he 
has selflessly devoted himself to serving his State and country for 
over half a century. Senator Campbell is a unique individual who I call 
a friend. His love of nature, his family and his roots is continually 
evident. As a father, grandfather, and Senator, I know that Senator 
Nighthorse Campbell and his loved ones will be glad to have more time 
for family activities.
  He proudly represented Colorado and its people. His leadership and 
presence will be greatly missed by all. I wish him the best of luck in 
all of his future endeavors.


                              John Breaux

  John Breaux is retiring after serving 3 terms in the Senate. I would 
like to take this time to acknowledge a friend, colleague, and 
dedicated public servant.
  Senator Breaux was elected to the House of Representatives in 1972 at 
the age of 28, and at that time, he was the youngest member of 
Congress. After serving 14 years in the House, the people of Louisiana 
elected John Breaux to the Senate in 1986.
  I have had the pleasure of working closely with Senator Breaux on 
many energy matters over the years. During this time, I have admired 
his ability to find common ground between those who hold disparate 
views. His uncanny ability to bring industry leaders, policy makers, 
and administration leaders together is unique, and I will always 
appreciate his candor in resolving energy policy differences. John was 
always someone I could reach across the aisle to work with on the 
Budget Resolutions.
  It is well known that Senator Breaux is passionate about improving 
health care for all Americans. He worked tirelessly on welfare and 
health care issues, and took an active interest in the elderly as a 
member of the Finance Committee and a leader of the Special Committee 
on Aging, just last year he played an integral part in drafting the 
Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. This historic 
legislation will provide relief to the millions of people struggling to 
pay for prescription drugs and he should be honored for his dedication 
to this bill.
  Senator Breaux's work has touched the lives of a great many 
Americans, and his talents and unrivaled sense of humor will be sorely 
missed in the Senate. Just as importantly, he has been a great advocate 
for his home State of Louisiana, and his State has been lucky to have 
his service for so many years.
  In the course of working together for so many years, I have developed 
genuine respect for Senator Breaux. I thank him for years of 
distinguished service, and wish him the very best in all his future 
undertakings. I will miss Senator John Breaux.


                              Zell Miller

  I wish to take this time to honor a great senator and a true American 
patriot, Zell Miller. He is a man who has served Georgia with dignity 
and honor these past 4 years in the United States Senate.
  Zell Miller embraced public service early on in his life. His mother 
served as one of Georgia's first female mayors. She taught him early on 
about public service and a strong work ethic, which he has exemplified 
throughout his career.
  In the late 1950s, Zell Miller served as mayor of his hometown of 
Young Harris, GA. He then went on to serve as a State Senator, 
Lieutenant Governor, and eventually served in the highest power in the 
state of Georgia as Governor. Not surprisingly, Zell Miller was named 
by the Washington Post in 1998 as the most popular governor in America 
and the Governing Magazine named him Governor of the Year in 1998. 
These career paths finally led him to the United States Senate in 2000.
  While Zell Miller was invested in politics, he was also dedicated to 
education and students. Throughout his career, Zell Miller was a 
professor of political science and history at the Emory University, 
University of Georgia, and Young Harris College.
  Senator Miller has continuously reached across the aisle to work with 
Republicans, but it is probably best stated in his own words when he 
pointed out that while he is a lifelong Democrat, he pledged to serve 
all 8.5 million Georgians and no single party in the Senate. Through 
this approach, Zell Miller has been a supporter of a broad range of 
issues such as tax cuts, improving education, strengthening national 
security, and fighting the global war on terrorism. While in the 
Senate, he dutifully served on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry 
Committee, the Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee, and 
the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
  His time here has been all too brief, but Senator Miller has made a 
difference and I will miss him. While he may be leaving the U.S. 
Senate, I do not doubt that we have not heard the last of Zell. I bid 
him farewell and extend my best wishes to him and his family.


                              Tom Daschle

  I would like to pay tribute to a respected colleague who is leaving 
the

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Senate after a long and distinguished career. Senator Tom Daschle 
worked hard, for 8 years as a Member of the House of Representatives 
and for 18 years as a United States Senator, to represent the interests 
of voters across the State of South Dakota.
  As the leader of his party for the past 10 years, Senator Daschle has 
proven himself to be a capable legislator and moreover, an advocate for 
his State's and party's interests. During the 108th Congress, Senator 
Daschle served on four committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry, Finance, and Rules and Administration; and today he serves as 
the Senior Senator and the Democratic Leader of the Senate.
  Influenced by his formative experiences during the Vietnam War as an 
intelligence officer in the Air Force, Senator Daschle worked hard to 
serve the interests of veterans across this great country. His most 
notable achievement in this field was the enactment of legislation 
securing benefits for those soldiers exposed to Agent Orange.
  During his tenure, Senator Daschle also developed a reputation for 
being a shrewd legislator on issues related to agriculture and South 
Dakota's farming community. He was always apprised of even the most 
minute issues at stake and thus ensured that all of his constituents 
were represented at the negotiating table.
  Senator Daschle fought tirelessly for his beliefs throughout his time 
in the Senate. I wish Senator Daschle and his family the very best in 
the years ahead.


                               Bob Graham

  I have a great affection for the departing Senator from Florida Bob 
Graham. After 18 years of dedicated service to his country and to the 
people of Florida, all of us in this Chamber will certainly miss the 
Senator as he retires from elected office.
  I had the pleasure of serving on the Energy and Natural Resources 
Committee with Senator Graham during the past 9 years. During that 
time, I had the opportunity to work with Senator Graham on a number of 
important issues. He proved to be a sound leader for his party and a 
member committed to bipartisan solutions.
  Senator Graham's brief tenure as Chairman of the Select Intelligence 
Committee, came during one of the most trying times our Nation has 
faced, the attack on our country by terrorists on September 11, 2001. 
Senator Graham worked closely with his House counterpart, and current 
Director of Central Intelligence, Porter Goss to lead a joint Senate-
House inquiry into the attacks on our nation.
  Although he was first elected to the Senate in 1986, Senator Graham 
has been serving the people of Florida since 1966 when he was first 
elected to that State's House of Representatives. After serving in the 
House for 4 years and in the State Senate for 8 years, Senator Graham 
was elected the 38th Governor of the State of Florida.
  In spite of these accomplishments, it is fair to say that Senator 
Graham will perhaps be most memorable for instituting the ``Workdays'' 
he began in 1974 and continued during his time in the Senate. Senator 
Graham began the ``Workdays'' by teaching a semester of civics courses 
at a Miami area high school.
  I wish Senator Graham, his wife Adele, and his children and 
grandchildren the very best in the coming years.


                            Ernest Hollings

  Ernest ``Fritz'' Hollings devoted his entire adult life to public 
service. He admirably served 7 terms as a U.S. Senator and today he is 
the fourth most senior member of the Senate, and he also hold the 
distinction of being the longest serving junior Senator in history.
  His service to our country began immediately after he graduated from 
The Citadel in 1942 when he received a commission from the U.S. Army. 
Throughout his honorable military service Senator Hollings received the 
Bronze Star and seven campaign ribbons. He served as an officer in the 
North African and European campaigns during World War II.
  After returning from the war, Fritz attended the University of South 
Carolina School of Law where he completed his Juris Doctorate in less 
than 3 years. At the age of 26, Fritz Hollings launched his public 
service career when he was elected to the South Carolina House of 
Representatives. He went on to become Speaker Pro Tempore, Lieutenant 
Governor, and at the age of 36 Governor of South Carolina becoming the 
youngest man in the 20th century to be elected Governor of South 
Carolina.
  It has been a great honor to work with Fritz Hollings over these many 
years. We were able to work together while serving on the Senate Budget 
Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee together. He 
consistently fought for fiscal responsibility and a reliable Government 
for the people.
  As a principal author of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Senator 
Hollings was a perfect candidate to serve as the ranking member on the 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during the 108th 
Congress. Through this position, Senator Hollings developed legislation 
to strengthen national security for our nation's port, railroad, and 
aviation systems.
  Senator Hollings has served the Senate in so many ways over the past 
42 years it is impossible to know where to begin showcasing his 
contributions. Therefore, I would just like to say that he has 
continued over the years to work to better not only the lives of South 
Carolinians, but all the people of our nation.
  Senator Hollings will certainly be missed around here. I bid him 
farewell and extend my best wishes to him and his family.


                            Peter Fitzgerald

  Senator Peter Fitzgerald is retiring from the Senate after 6 years of 
service to his home State of Illinois.
  Prior to joining the Senate, Senator Fitzgerald was a commercial 
banking attorney and in this position played a significant role in 
investigations of corporate accounting fraud, mutual fund industry 
abuses, chronic under-funding of employee pensions, and waste, fraud 
and mismanagement in various Federal agencies. In 1993, he embarked 
upon his public service work when he began serving as an Illinois State 
Senator until his election to the U.S. Senate in 1998 at the young age 
of 38.
  Peter was the first Republican in Illinois to win a Senate race in 20 
years. Even though his time here was brief, he has been able to 
establish himself as a fiscally responsible Senator. He has 
consistently backed efforts to control spending and reduce taxes. 
Through these actions, Senator Fitzgerald has received many awards from 
taxpayer watchdog groups such as the Americans for Tax Reform, who has 
repeatedly named him a ``Hero of the American Taxpayer.''
  While serving as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer 
Affairs and Product Safety, Peter has also led a successful fight to 
improve outdated consumer safety regulations. These regulations brought 
about higher testing and safety standards for child car seats and 
improved car safety features that benefit all Americans.
  Senator Fitzgerald will be missed, though I'm sure he is now looking 
forward to spending more time with his wife Nina and their son Jake. I 
wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.


                              John Edwards

  Finally, I would like to acknowledge my retiring colleague from North 
Carolina, Senator John Edwards.
  Senator Edwards was the first in his family to attend college, 
working his way through North Carolina State University and later 
earning his law degree from the University of North Carolina. 
Afterward, John Edwards established himself as a distinguished and 
successful lawyer. These accomplishments alone are quite striking and 
aptly demonstrate the intelligence and determination of Senator 
Edwards.
  During his time in the Senate, Senator Edwards served on four 
committees: Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, the Judiciary, the 
Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and the Select Intelligence. He 
continually championed for issues affecting the daily

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lives of regular people in North Carolina and the nation.
  I am sure Senator Edwards will find success in any endeavor he now 
chooses to undertake and I join with my colleagues in wishing him the 
best.

                          ____________________