[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO SENATOR TRENT LOTT

  Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, across America, those citizens who have on 
occasion chosen--or been required--to listen to congressional debate 
have often heard the Senate described as an ``Institution.'' It is a 
term which has been overused and perhaps misused more than once, but I 
believe it is quite appropriately applied in observing that with 
Senator Trent Lott's departure, we have lost a reservoir of 
institutional knowledge, knowledge which has been of enormous value to 
Members of every political stripe for many years.
  The breadth of Trent Lott's experience--on both sides of the aisle, 
in both Chambers of Congress, as back bencher, and as a member of 
leadership--has given him an insight into and understanding of the 
legislative process unique among his peers. We have heard many 
colleagues describe the effect of that experience when combined with 
the persuasive personality of the Mississippi gulf coast: No one 
counted votes better, and perhaps more important, no one enjoyed it 
more.
  Within our caucus, in committee rooms, and on the floor, Trent could 
rely time and again on the great friendships and professional respect 
developed through years of hard work. Even more valuable perhaps, he 
understood the unusual psychology, decisionmaking, and ego unique to 
Members of Congress. We all perceive the important role these factors 
play in our work; few have been able to master them to their use.
  For Trent, however, counting votes was only the means to a more 
important end--being an effective Senator. He has long been a strong 
voice for the State of Mississippi, but he has also developed the habit 
of finding his way to the center of the legislative storm at the 
crucial moment when a final deal is struck.
  On matters of policy, I have worked both alongside and against 
Trent--even coming out ahead once or twice. Those rare events have 
revealed him to accept loss gracefully, negotiate in good faith, and 
accept compromise without conceding principle. These are traits 
essential to integrity and stability in governance, but also traits 
that strengthened his hand for the next battle.
  Thus, the experience, the ability, the ``institutional knowledge'' we 
lose is very real. I count Senator Lott as more than a valued 
colleague; he is also a valued friend. As a Senator, in my first term, 
I have always been able to count on Trent for sound and thoughtful 
advice, which always reflected his sincere concern for the personal 
well-being, career, and family of all with whom he served. I always 
took confidence from the fact that he unabashedly placed family at the 
top of his priorities, and understood that our public service should 
not take place at our families' expense.
  Mr. President, although I am the youngest Member of the U.S. Senate, 
and still serving in my first term, I am grateful to Senator Lott for 
his commitment to keeping the Senate strong. The Framers of our 
Constitution saw the Senate as the legislative body that would maintain 
an even keel, engage in meaningful debate, and forge legislation 
through the art of compromise that addresses the challenges of our day. 
Through successes and failings, Trent has always been true to this 
purpose. Most important to him, he has also been true to his 
constituents, and to his family. I trust that these priorities will 
continue to guide him, and know they will bring him success for many 
years to come.

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