[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20105]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO BILL GATES, SR.

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Bill Gates, 
Sr.'s contributions to civic programs and initiatives that have changed 
the lives of many in our home State of Washington and across the 
country. On Friday September 26, 2008, the University of Washington 
will be holding an event to honor Bill Gates, Sr. and it is my pleasure 
to share my sincere gratitude to Bill Gates, Sr. for his extensive 
civic engagement and accomplishments.
  Bill Gates, Sr. has a long history of serving others. First as an 
Eagle Scout and later serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, 
Bill Gates, Sr. made a conscious choice to lead by example. Bill Gates, 
Sr. has dedicated his time and efforts to numerous organizations that 
strive to improve the lives of individuals and families across the 
Nation and world. His active leadership roles in organizations such as 
the United Way of King County and the United Way of America; local and 
national boards of Planned Parenthood; and the Bill and Melinda Gates 
Foundation are just a few examples of his passion and commitment to 
helping others.
  As a fellow education advocate, I appreciate the work Bill Gates, Sr. 
has done to increase the ability of our youth to access and afford a 
quality education. Bill Gates, Sr. clearly understands the importance 
of education and he has worked on this issue from many angles: as a 
chair of a Seattle Public School Levy Campaign, a member of the Board 
of Regents for the University of Washington, and as cochair of the Bill 
and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, Sr. is an integral part of 
decisions made about influential education initiatives. Recently, Bill 
Gates, Sr. chaired a $2 billion capital campaign for the University of 
Washington that included funding for the Husky Promise, helps lower 
income students access higher education and attend the University of 
Washington.
  Bill Gates, Sr. has also worked to advance projects that provide 
support for individuals and families in need around the world. As 
cochair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, Sr. has 
helped launch initiatives that tackle major health and poverty issues 
for the developing world. The initiatives have focused on practical 
solutions that empower international communities and help save lives.
  I would like to thank Bill Gates, Sr. for both his past activities 
and his current pursuits to help create healthier and happier 
communities. I am sure Bill Gates, Sr. will continue to embrace the 
opportunities and challenges of tomorrow through his work with many 
charitable organizations, and I am pleased he is being honored for his 
years of dedication to helping others.

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