[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Pages 23860-23863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      HONORING SENATORIAL SERVICE


                               bill frist

 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, it has been an honor and a 
privilege to work with Senator Bill Frist for the past 12 years. Bill 
has been a solid leader for our party and he has served the people of 
Tennessee with distinction.
  Senator Frist came to politics through a nontraditional route--
through the operating room. Bill got involved in politics because he 
believed he could do even more for his patients--and the people of 
Tennessee--in the Senate. And he was right. Bill's meticulous approach 
to this job is exactly what you would expect of a person with his 
training. He never gave up on his goals and worked tirelessly to see 
them into law.
  I became President Pro Tempore of the Senate close to the time when 
Bill became our majority leader. I enjoyed working by his side and 
thank Leader Frist for including me--as President Pro Tempore--in all 
leadership meetings. Senator Frist also traveled with us to China for 
U.S. Interparliamentary Group meetings. Once our meetings were 
finished, he continued on to Africa for medical mission work.
  As majority leader, Bill carried the administration's message. He 
fought hard for the President's judicial nominees. And as we saw 
yesterday during his farewell address, Bill leaves us with great honor 
and recognition. Our leader will now return to where, in some ways, his 
heart has always been--the practice of medicine. But deep in my heart, 
I feel that public service will again call Bill to give of his time and 
talents to help preserve our democracy and our freedoms. Catherine and 
I will miss being with Bill and Karyn.


                             rick santorum

  Mr. President, yesterday I was moved by the emotional farewell of 
Senator Rick Santorum. He said he still feels the thrill of coming to 
work in this building every day. The energy he put toward his work in 
this Chamber, I will remember as one of Senator Santorum's most 
striking qualities.
  Senator Santorum's enthusiastic direction of the Republican 
conference rallied our majority. I believe he jeopardized his own 
future in Pennsylvania by urging us to think and act for the national 
good. Pennsylvania has been served well during his time in Congress and 
so has our Nation.
  Rick's energy has been of great benefit to many charities, and he has 
taken a special interest in helping those affected by autism. His 
efforts on behalf of each of these causes have been exceptional. And 
despite his many commitments, Rick's dedication to his family and 
personal convictions never wavered. Catherine and I wish Rick and his 
family well.


                              george Allen

  Mr. President, Senator George Allen has served the Commonwealth of 
Virginia with honor and integrity. George is a principled person, 
following bedrock beliefs gained growing up in a strong family.
  These principles have led George to promote and defend freedom in 
this country and around the world. His legislative accomplishments are 
aligned with this philosophy.
  Senator Allen's major accomplishments include the Internet Tax 
Nondiscrimination Act, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and 
Development Act, increased benefits for the families of fallen troops, 
funding to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure for minority-
serving institutions, and greater protections for intellectual 
property.
  In all of this, Senator Allen has not forgotten who his real boss is: 
the American people. He has always, and will continue, to put the 
interests of this country above his own. That is a true mark of a 
leader, ald all Virginians can be proud to have been represented by a 
man with Senator Allen's character.
  As many of his constituents, colleagues, and friends know, Senator 
Allen closed much of his correspondence with the words ``keep 
winning.'' Just like his dad, a Hall of Fame coach who reached great 
heights and suffered tough losses on the gridiron, we know George won't 
let this setback define him. We all expect him to ``keep winning'' for 
Virginia.
  Catherine and I wish him and Susan the very best. We know we will 
hear more about this dedicated public servant in the future.


                              conrad burns

  Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I say farewell to a 
great friend and Senator, Conrad Burns of Montana. His loss will be 
felt in Montana and here in the Senate. Conrad is a man of the West and 
worked hard to make sure those values were represented in the Senate.
  Senator Burns, a marine with a background in radio and TV and as an 
auctioneer, came to the Senate in 1988. He, his wonderful wife Phyllis, 
and their family have become close friends with Catherine and me and to 
Alaska. In fact, Conrad's daughter, Dr. Keely Burns, spent time in 
Alaska after medical school working as a resident. Conrad is a great 
auctioneer and fine fisherman who often joined me in Alaska.
  Conrad served with me on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
Committee as well as the Committee on Appropriations. During his time 
on those committees he accomplished a great deal for Montana, the West, 
and our Nation.
  Conrad worked to ensure more than 70 rural Montana communities have 
enforceable safe drinking water programs and protected the Big Sky 
through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. He authored section 706 
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, a provision which ensures 
advanced telecommunications are accessible in our schools and 
classrooms. And as chairman of the Interior Appropriations 
Subcommittee, he helped to secure funding for the Bureau of Land 
Management to expedite land conveyances in Alaska, which my State has 
pushed for since statehood. He worked hard to bring infrastructure and 
high tech to rural Montana. He worked to create E-911 legislation for 
the Nation.
  Conrad Burns is a hard worker, but he has an easy going way about 
him. Many Senators and staff know that he used to pick up carpoolers on 
his way to work. Few probably know about his protecting penguins in 
Antarctica. During a trip to our research station, there was a group of 
us watching penguins shuffling nervously near the water's edge. Conrad 
got the group together to pose for a photo, when suddenly all of the 
penguins jumped between us and the edge of the water. Conrad just 
smiled and took the photo, never mentioning the large killer whale that 
was circling behind the Senators.
  Conrad's humor is legendary and he can often spring it on you when 
you least expect it. As President pro tempore, I opened the Senate on 
my 80th birthday, dreading any birthday greetings I might receive. The 
first Member seeking recognition after the prayer was Conrad. Sure 
enough, Conrad launched into a long speech about a great American icon, 
a fighter, a scrappy character. I got more and more uncomfortable in 
the chair, but Conrad knew something I didn't--Mickey Mouse and I share 
a birthday. Conrad knew I would think all this high-minded talk was 
about me, but instead he was praising America's most lovable cartoon 
character. That's Conrad Burns. A man who loves to laugh, loves people, 
and loves his home state of Montana.
  We will miss the good Senator from Montana.

[[Page 23861]]




                              mike dewine

  Mr. President, I will always remember Senator Mike DeWine for his 
commitment to his family. Mike pursued his own conscience until the end 
of his tenure in this Chamber. That conscience led Mike DeWine to be a 
staunch defender for the people of Haiti.
  In a time of constant conversation about the importance of family 
values and community standards, Mike has led by example. As a member of 
a large family, the father of six, and grandfather of eleven, I admire 
Mike's ability to balance the needs of his family with the demands of 
his position in the Senate.
  The senior Senator from Ohio has also devoted much of his time and 
energy to causes often overlooked. Senator DeWine's tireless work for 
the people of Haiti demonstrated his commitment. I believe his 
commitment to those who need a defender and protector should be 
commended.


                               Jim Talent

  Mr. President, Senator Jim Talent has served the people of Missouri 
with great distinction. He is a hard worker, and while he never sought 
the spotlight, Jim quickly earned the respect of his colleagues in the 
Senate.
  It has been my privilege to work with Jim on a number of issues. He 
understood the threat methamphetamines pose to our Nation and helped 
establish the Senate's anti-meth caucus to fight this epidemic.
  Jim has also been a determined leader on defense and energy issues. 
We worked together to secure the funding required to modernize the 
Department of Defense and sought to ensure our troops have the 
resources they need. Jim, also, understands the importance of 
diversifying our energy resources. His leadership on renewable energy 
greatly benefited his constituents and the rest of our Nation.
  We will all miss Senator Talent's intelligence and knowledge of the 
issues. I wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavors.


                             Lincoln Chafee

  Mr. President, I have known Senator Lincoln Chafee and his family for 
a long time. I met his father, our former colleague, Senator John 
Chafee, while standing in line to register for Harvard Law School in 
1947. Lincoln's uncle, Zachariah Chafee, was one of my law professors 
at Harvard. John and I served together in the Senate for more than 20 
years.
  When John passed away in 1999, Lincoln chose to continue his family's 
tradition of excellence in public service. Senator Chafee and I have 
not always agreed on the issues, but I have always respected the 
courage of his convictions and his firm commitment to his ideals.
  Senator Chafee, it's been my good fortune to serve alongside you and 
your father for nearly 30 years. It's hard to imagine this Chamber 
without a member of your family. We will miss your spirit and 
dedication.


                             Paul Sarbanes

  Mr. President, I've come to the floor to pay tribute to Senator Paul 
Sarbanes for his outstanding service. The senior Senator from Maryland 
has served longer than any other Senator from his State. Throughout the 
years, I have been jealous of one thing--his short ride home. There 
are, actually, other things I admire about Paul. For instance, we are a 
Chamber with many lawyers, and I can say Paul has been one of our best.
  Senator Sarbanes has used his skill to greatly benefit his State. We 
recently worked together on a bill that will enhance the security of 
our Nation's ports. As a Senator, Paul Sarbanes has worked tirelessly 
to ensure the ports in his home State, and all ports in America, are 
safe.
  This distinguished gentleman from Maryland has served his 
constituents admirably and I wish him well.


                              jim jeffords

  Mr. President, Senator Jim Jeffords' service has been unique but no 
doubt beneficial to his home State of Vermont and to our country. On 
May 21, 2001, Senator Jeffords pursued his conscience and made a 
difficult decision to leave our party. While unexpected, I respect 
Senator Jeffords for following his heart and doing what he thought was 
best for his constituents in Vermont.
  Jim has now served three full terms in the Senate. Over the years, he 
has stood out as a champion for education and the disabled. In 2004, he 
co-authored the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. His work 
here has helped improve millions of lives.
  I wish the distinguished gentleman from Vermont well in his future 
endeavors.


                              Mark Dayton

  Mr. President, Senator Mark Dayton's path to the Senate was marked by 
years spent in service to others. As a teacher, a counselor to troubled 
children, and then as an administrator of a Boston social service 
agency, Mark has long fought for those less fortunate--and his service 
in the Senate reflects this commitment.
  It was my pleasure to travel to China with him this past August for 
meetings with the U.S.-China Interparliamentary Group. He was a fine 
addition to our bipartisan delegation. During those meetings he brought 
a unique insight and perspective to many issues.
  I commend Senator Mark Dayton on his public service to the people of 
Minnesota. Catherine and I wish him the best in the years 
ahead.


                       tribute to senator chafee

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Lincoln Chafee came to the Senate 
in 1999 under the most difficult of circumstances. He had just lost his 
beloved father, and was being asked to fill the shoes of one of the 
most noble and principled Members ever to serve in this Chamber. He 
rose to that challenge, and I have been honored to work alongside him.
  Like the illustrious Senator John Chafee, Senator Lincoln Chafee came 
from a political tradition I am proud to share--that of the New England 
moderate. This tradition stands for a strong defense of freedom and for 
fiscal responsibility, for government that is unobtrusive in people's 
lives when it can be, yet compassionate and involved when it must be.
  Lincoln Chafee was a quiet voice of moderation, but spoke with a 
strong voice, a voice of conviction and integrity, on such issues of 
critical importance to our Nation as environmental protection and 
energy independence. When, in the spring of 2005, the very fabric of 
the Senate was threatened by a bitter impasse over the issue of 
judicial filibusters, I was proud to join Senator Chafee in the so-
called gang of 14 that forged a productive, bipartisan solution.
  I had the opportunity to work closely with Linc in the 109th Congress 
when he joined the Homeland Security Committee. The committee brought 
about great progress during that Congress with successful legislation 
on port security, chemical security, and rebuilding our Nation's 
emergency management structure after the catastrophic government 
response to Hurricane Katrina. Linc's steady, thoughtful, and informed 
approach to the issues greatly aided these endeavors.
  I was especially impressed by Linc's understanding that true homeland 
security begins at home. As the 2006 hurricane season approached, and 
as we were still struggling to overcome the failures of government in 
the 2005 season, he called for and organized a Homeland Security field 
hearing in Rhode Island so his colleagues could better appreciate the 
daunting challenges faced by our first responders in coastal States and 
communities. That hands-on approach, devoid of pretense and directed 
toward results, exemplifies Lincoln Chafee's approach to government.
  I know that the father would be proud of the son. And I know that all 
Americans join me in thanking Lincoln Chafee for 7 years of outstanding 
service, and in wishing him the very best in the years to come.


                        tribute to senator frist

  Mr. President, As we come to the close of a Congress that has seen 
too much partisan struggle, it has been heartening to observe the 
bipartisan outpouring of deep respect and kind regard for the retiring 
senior Senator from Tennessee, Doctor Bill Frist.
  I join in that praise. Senator Frist has exemplified the collegial 
traditions

[[Page 23862]]

of the Senate, balancing forthright advocacy for his views and for his 
party's positions with courtesy and respect for those who disagreed 
with him. He has been an effective Senator for his beloved State of 
Tennessee, a skillful leader for his party caucus, and a gentleman in 
his dealings with Senate colleagues.
  We all know that many of our fellow citizens are cynical about 
Congress, seeing this branch of government as a haven for politicians 
fixated on short-term political advantage and personal aggrandizement. 
They should take note of people like Senator Frist, who is truly an 
example of a Renaissance man in government.
  If a writer created a protagonist with the interests and 
accomplishments that Senator Frist has shown, an editor would be 
nervous about taxing readers' credulity. Yet the facts are plain. Our 
friend from Tennessee is not only a hard-working and successful 
political leader, but also a surgeon, a teacher, a philanthropist, an 
author, an aircraft pilot, a marathon runner, and a devoted family man.
  Members of Congress have many opportunities to enact measures that 
will protect, enrich, and save lives. But we usually act at a distance, 
as agencies use the authorities and carry out the mandates we create. 
Few of us can take credit for personally saving lives as Doctor Frist 
has done many times at the operating table. And few of us can bring to 
bear the combination of professional training and personal dedication 
that he has displayed on his repeated medical missions to Africa and in 
his policy work on the HIV-AIDS crisis. He was also the first doctor on 
the spot for the 1998 shootings of two Capitol Police officers, and he 
ably served as an informed spokesman for Congress during the 2001 
anthrax attacks in the Capitol mail system.
  Senator Frist has served his party well. As chair of the National 
Republican Senatorial Committee in 2002, he helped restore the party's 
majority in the Senate. As the unanimously elected majority leader, he 
served both his party and his country well on policy matters like tax-
law changes that eased burdens on citizens and encouraged growth in 
business activity and employment.
  Senator Frist also supported the Medicare prescription-drug benefit 
and the creation of Health Savings Accounts--measures that have saved 
billions of dollars for the elderly and given millions of Americans new 
opportunities for controlling their health-care costs. These are 
especially helpful legislative initiatives in States like my native 
Maine, where the proportions of senior citizens, small-business owners, 
and the self-employed are significant.
  Senator Frist leaves this chamber with an overflowing and bipartisan 
store of goodwill and gratitude. I am pleased to be among the many 
Senators offering thanks for his years of service and best wishes for 
many years of good works to come.


                      TRIBUTE TO SENATOR SANTORUM

  Mr. President. In his eloquent and touching farewell address 
delivered to this body on December 6, 2006, Senator Rick Santorum began 
with one word to describe his feelings as he concluded this phase of 
his life. The word was ``gratitude,'' and it describes the feeling I 
have for his 12 years of outstanding service here.
  Rick Santorum is a person of strong convictions--convictions that are 
built upon a solid foundation of faith, love of country, and devotion 
to the people of Pennsylvania. But as he stood firm for his political 
philosophy, Rick Santorum recognized the obligation we all share to 
overcome our differences to work on behalf of our citizens. He spoke 
his mind, but he acted from his heart.
  Two issues in particular exemplify Rick's dedication to meeting the 
real needs of real people. Like Maine, Pennsylvania is a large rural 
State in which access to home health care services is essential for our 
older and disabled Americans. Home health has become an increasingly 
important part of our health care system. The kinds of highly skilled, 
and often technically complex, services that our Nation's home health 
caregivers provide have enabled millions of our most frail and 
vulnerable citizens to avoid hospitals and nursing homes and stay just 
where they want to be--in the comfort and security of their own homes.
  When Medicare payments for home health care were in jeopardy, Rick 
Santorum joined me as an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation 
to restore funding, and he was a key to its success. Throughout his 
Senate career, he has been a compassionate champion of quality health 
care for those in need. It is telling that his Senate career, which 
included so much valuable work in this area, ended with passage of his 
landmark bipartisan Combating Autism Act, which will do much to improve 
the quality of life for children with autism and their families.
  The second issue I would like to highlight is education. Rick 
Santorum has been a leader in making our schools safer, and in 
strengthening math and science education. But he also understands that 
quality education begins not in Washington or in the State capitals, 
but in the classroom. From my talks with teachers throughout Maine, I 
know that a great many of them expend not just great amounts of energy 
to educate our children, but often dig deep into their own pockets to 
buy classroom supplies and to advance their own professional 
development. The $250 tax deduction I authored in 2001 for educators 
who use their own funds to cover these expenses would not have become 
law without the strong advocacy of Rick Santorum with his former 
colleagues in the House of Representatives.
  And, finally, when the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental 
Affairs Committee held hearings in early 2006 in response to the 
lobbying scandals in Washington, one of our first witnesses was Rick 
Santorum, a long-time advocate of lobbying reform. When our reform 
legislation passed our Chamber overwhelmingly, Senator Santorum said 
the Senate ``stepped up in a big way.'' The Senate stepped up in large 
part because this person of high ideals was pushing it along.
  Mr. President, in his farewell address, Senator Santorum stated that 
although he often disagreed--often vigorously--with many of his Senate 
colleagues on the issues, he never doubted the sincerity of their 
convictions. Staunch advocacy tempered with respect for the views of 
others is the hallmark of the Senate, and it is a central part of Rick 
Santorum's legacy. I thank him for his service, and wish him and his 
family all the best in the future.


                       TRIBUTE TO SENATOR TALENT

  Mr. President. As the 109th Congress draws to a close, I want to say 
thanks and farewell to one of its hardest-working and most dedicated 
members, Senator Jim Talent of Missouri.
  I have had the privilege of working with Senator Talent as a member 
of the Armed Services Committee and its Seapower Subcommittee, which he 
has chaired.
  Working with Senator Talent has always been rewarding. He has been a 
prodigious Senator and brings to bear on defense issues both detailed 
knowledge and long-range vision. His final speech on the floor of the 
Senate displayed those qualities, as he surveyed the state of readiness 
and equipment in our national defense, and persuasively warned of the 
dangers of under-investment in personnel and material.
  Senator Talent's focus on seapower issues may seem to go against 
type. Missouri does not spring readily to mind in a word-association 
test for ``Navy'' or ``shipbuilding,'' as Maine or Mississippi might. 
But the Senator from Missouri has been as dedicated to working through 
seapower issues as any coastal Senator.
  Senator Talent was a key player in settling on a dual-lead shipyard 
strategy for the Zumwalt-class DDG-1000 destroyers, formerly known as 
the DD(X). As a Senator from a shipbuilding State, I am naturally well 
pleased with this policy. But as a United States Senator, I also share 
Senator Talent's conviction that it is a wise national strategy to 
preserve shipbuilding capabilities in multiple locations. He has also 
been a leading voice in deliberations on the CGX ship class that will 
constitute our next generation of guided-missile cruisers.

[[Page 23863]]

  Senator Talent brought extraordinary intellectual gifts to the 
Senate. After distinguishing himself in undergraduate work at 
Washington University and in legal studies at the University of 
Chicago, he clerked for Judge Richard Posner of the Seventh Circuit and 
taught at the Washington University School of Law.
  His academic prowess was reinforced with practical political 
experience. After winning a seat against long odds in the Missouri 
legislature, he established himself as a popular and respected 
political figure. Moving on to the U.S. House, he was an early and 
influential voice in the debate that ultimately led to a fundamental 
reform of Federal welfare law. This combined 16 years of legislative 
service served him well when he took his seat in the Senate.
  Besides his dedication to chairing the Seapower Subcommittee, Senator 
Talent has been a leading advocate for promoting alternative energy, 
for helping small businesses form associations to buy health insurance, 
and for expanding the Federal fight against sickle-cell blood disease. 
To these and other issues he brings a powerful combination of 
intellect, research, deliberation, and collegiality.
  In November, Senator Talent lost a close contest for reelection in a 
difficult campaign year. We cannot quarrel with the decision of the 
voters, but we can respectfully regret that the Senate will lose the 
benefit of Jim Talent's wise and gentlemanly presence. I join my 
colleagues in wishing him and his family well, and in expecting many 
more contributions to the public good from this man of many gifts and 
accomplishments.

                          ____________________