[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23570]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO PAUL AND SHEILA WELLSTONE

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today in memory of Paul and Sheila 
Wellstone. It is hard to believe that on this date 3 years ago, the 
lives of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, and others, were taken in a plane 
crash in Minnesota. On that day, I lost a good friend, the Senate lost 
a leader, and the American people lost an advocate who was never afraid 
to stand up and speak for those who had no voice.
  Today I honor my friend and colleague, Senator Paul Wellstone, who 
inspired so many people to speak up and to serve. Even as I stand here 
today, I cannot imagine that when I turn around I won't see Paul 
standing at his desk, his arms flailing in the air, making his point 
with great passion.
  Paul inspired me to run for the U.S. Senate. His brilliant example 
reminded me that you don't need to be powerful or rich to make a 
difference. You just need to have an honest concern for others, an 
optimistic spirit, and the courage to act. Paul embodied these traits.
  I am grateful for the time we had with Paul. He and I worked on 
everything from domestic violence and education to providing health 
care to veterans and protecting families from asbestos.
  As the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 
draws to a close, there is much the Senate has accomplished on this 
issue. The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, which contains 
many improvements to the current law, has passed the Senate. But the 
absence of the Wellstones has truly been felt. Paul and Sheila were 
such champions for victims of domestic violence, especially in the area 
of economic security.
  Paul knew that it is important to address the economic barriers that 
trap women in violent homes or relationships. That is why he and I 
worked together to introduce bills to provide economic protections for 
victims. I am proud to carry on the legacy of Paul and Sheila 
Wellstone, and in their honor I have introduced the Security and 
Financial Empowerment, SAFE Act, which will protect and even save the 
lives of victims of domestic or sexual violence and their families.
  We are all poorer for the loss of Paul Wellstone, his wife Sheila, 
his daughter Marcia, the members of his staff, and the pilots who were 
taken from us on this day 3 years ago. But I continue to hope that each 
one of us who are here will take on part of Paul's legacy--for example, 
the spirit to speak out for the underprivileged or for the woman on 
welfare because of domestic violence who is trying to get back on her 
feet.
  If we can remember to fight for all Americans no matter what 
challenges they face, and do so with respect and dignity, then Paul's 
legacy will live on in the Senate, as it lives on in our hearts and 
minds. In the name of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, I pledge to carry on 
their legacy throughout my time in the Senate.

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