[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26272]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING SENATOR CLIFFORD HANSEN

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the passing of 
Clifford P. Hansen, a former Republican colleague of mine in the U.S. 
Senate and a devoted public servant whose contributions to this august 
body and to his home State of Wyoming will not soon be forgotten.
  Clifford Hansen, who was the Nation's oldest living former Senator 
until his passing this week at age 97, loomed as large on the Wyoming 
political landscape as his beloved Grand Tetons do on the natural one. 
This onetime Governor of Wyoming and two-term U.S. Senator leaves an 
impressive legacy of legislative achievement.
  Clifford was born in Zenith, a town so small that it no longer 
appears on State road maps. But growing up in Jackson, Clifford 
demonstrated the abilities and qualities needed to be successful in a 
wide variety of pursuits and political endeavors. After earning a 
degree in agriculture from the University of Wyoming, he rose quickly 
through the ranks, serving as a trustee of his alma mater, a Teton 
County commissioner, and later, in the mid-1960s, as Governor of 
Wyoming.
  As Governor, Clifford Hansen brought an end to laws banning 
miscegenation, boosted the minimum wage, and secured higher retirement 
pay for State workers, among many other things. He also increased fair 
employment practices and secured more financial assistance for public 
schools and higher education. He then served two terms in the U.S. 
Senate and compiled an equally impressive list of accomplishments 
there.
  I had the privilege of meeting Clifford Hansen in 1977, when I came 
to Washington as a wide-eyed freshman Senator. I will never forget the 
warmth and kindness Senator Clifford showed me, helping me get 
acclimated to my new surroundings and responsibilities. He was a 
conservative's conservative--a public servant of rock-solid integrity 
and unwavering devotion who believed in the time-honored principles of 
fiscal responsibility and less government. He was just as devoted to 
his beloved wife of more than 75 years, Martha, and their two children, 
Mary and Peter.
  One of Senator Hansen's many gifts was his human touch. He always 
treated everyone the same, no matter what their station in life--with a 
warm smile, a hearty handshake, and unfeigned respect. No wonder he was 
so beloved by so many, everyone from Senate colleagues and staff to 
custodial and cafeteria workers.
  More than three decades after coming to Washington, I am still 
privileged to serve in the Senate. And even though Clifford Hansen 
retired from the Senate in 1978, the years have not dimmed my memories 
of him and the high esteem with which I hold him. I cherish his memory 
and honor his service. And my thoughts and prayers at this difficult 
time are with his beloved Martha and other family members and devoted 
friends.
  He will be missed.

                          ____________________