[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16547-16549]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS


                             Olympia Snowe

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, many of our colleagues will be leaving us 
at the end of this Congress, and I wish to take time this morning to 
pay tribute to some of my colleagues, particularly those with whom I 
have worked most closely. Of course, I must start with my colleague and 
friend from Maine, Olympia Snowe.
  In ancient Sparta, there was a saying that roughly translated as 
this: It seems all the world knows what is the right thing to do, but 
it is only the Spartans who will do anything about it.
  As my friend, colleague, and senior Senator from Maine, Olympia 
Snowe, ends her service in the Senate, I rise to pay tribute to this 
descendent of that legendary civilization. Olympia is a true leader who 
has always devoted her considerable intellect, energy, and commitment 
to doing what was right for Maine and for America. Olympia Snowe has 
dedicated her life to public service: 18 years in the Senate, preceded 
by 16 representing Maine's Second Congressional District, plus 5 in the 
Maine legislature adds up to a remarkable record of commitment to our 
Nation and the great State of Maine.
  But that span of nearly four decades tells us only part of the story, 
for Olympia has truly set the gold standard for public service. From 
the State house to the U.S. Capitol, Olympia has built an outstanding 
reputation as an informed, thoughtful, and effective legislator. She 
can always be counted on as a leader with integrity who pursued 
solutions and who had no interest in just scoring partisan political 
points. It is Olympia's character that has made all the difference.
  The private acts of public figures can tell us a lot about their 
character, so I wish to share with my colleagues this morning a story 
about Olympia Snowe that I witnessed personally. There was a Republican 
fundraiser going on one night and I was arriving late, driving up in a 
car. People were streaming out of the fundraiser and each of them was 
passing by a man who was on crutches, with only one leg, clearly 
destitute, clearly down on his luck, who was asking for money. 
Everybody but Olympia Snowe passed him by without a word, as if he were 
invisible. Olympia went over to this destitute man on crutches, with 
one leg, and she not only handed him some money but she took the time 
to talk with him. I think that tells us so much about who Olympia Snowe 
is--her kindness to this individual, when everyone else was passing him 
by, her kindness to him when no one was watching, her kindness to him 
was a private act that told all of us so much about her character.
  With her retirement from the Senate, Olympia Snowe will join the 
pantheon of great leaders our State has produced: Margaret Chase Smith, 
Ed Muskie, George Mitchell, and Bill Cohen. All of them, similar to 
Olympia, exemplify the principle that public office is a sacred trust.
  Olympia's inspiring record of service is but part of an even more 
inspiring life story. Several times, from childhood on, Olympia has 
been visited by tragedy that would have caused most people to become 
discouraged, disheartened, and negative. But each time Olympia rose, 
transcended her personal tragedy, and was more determined than before 
to succeed and to contribute to a better life for others. Her well-
deserved popularity among Maine people transcends party lines and is 
testament to her strength and her spirit.
  The people of Maine and America are grateful for her many years of 
service. I am grateful for her leadership and her friendship. I know 
Olympia Snowe will continue to influence national policy for many years 
to come.


                             Joe Lieberman

  Mr. President, we have a tradition in the Senate of referring to our 
colleagues on the Senate floor during debate as ``my friend from this 
State'' or ``my friend from that State,'' and oftentimes the word 
friend just means colleague. But there is a fellow Senator whom I call 
friend in the truest sense of the word. That person is the senior 
Senator from Connecticut, my dear friend Senator Joe Lieberman.
  When Joe Lieberman announced earlier last year that he would not seek 
reelection to the Senate, he called himself a lucky guy for having had 
the opportunity to serve his State and his country. I would contend it 
is we in this Chamber and the people throughout Connecticut and across 
our Nation who are the ones who are truly fortunate for Joe Lieberman's 
lifelong commitment to public service, including his 24 years in the 
Senate.
  For more than a decade, it has been my privilege to serve with Joe as 
the leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
Committee. Regardless of who has been chairman and who has been ranking 
member, ours has been a partnership. Indeed, I will never forget when I 
was losing the chairmanship because of the change in control, Joe 
leaning over to me and saying: Don't worry, Susan, all that will change 
is that you will pass me the gavel.
  It was typical of his thoughtfulness and generosity, and it is not 
coincidental that ours is the only committee in the Senate where we do 
not sit with Republicans on one side and Democrats on the other but 
instead are interspersed because we recognize, given our important 
mandate, that we must work together in a bipartisan and, indeed, a 
nonpartisan way.
  During the time Joe has been the chairman and that we have worked 
together, the committee has established a well-deserved reputation for 
bipartisanship, for thoroughness, and--most important--for getting 
things done. I know the American people have been so frustrated with 
the gridlock that has prevented action on so many issues

[[Page 16548]]

facing our Nation. For the most part, we do not see that kind of 
stalemate on our committee and that is a tribute to the leadership of 
Joe Lieberman. That reputation for our committee--of accomplishment and 
bipartisanship--is the work of many hands, but Joe Lieberman's 
fingerprints are all over it. Joe has always based his leadership on 
his unwavering belief that the great challenges America faces--such as 
combating terrorism, putting our fiscal house in order, and defending 
freedom--transcend party lines.
  The success our committee has achieved in helping to safeguard our 
Nation is the result of that nonpartisan--some might say independent--
spirit that guides him. Those successes are many, from the landmark 
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act to providing the tools 
that strengthen our first responders, to our extensive investigations 
into the flawed response to Hurricane Katrina, the fatal communication 
failures in the Fort Hood terrorism case, and our current scrutiny of 
the attacks in Benghazi, Joe Lieberman has always put country first. 
His actions are guided by deeply held principles and aim toward 
progress. He has demonstrated his willingness, time and again, to risk 
his political career to do what he believes is right for America.
  Joe brings the same dedication to everything he does. Working with 
him on the Armed Services Committee, I know firsthand how devoted he is 
to our men and women in uniform and the deep respect he has for their 
service and their sacrifice. His leadership in bringing about the 
repeal of the discriminatory don't ask, don't tell law was nothing 
short of extraordinary, and it gives me great personal pride to have 
assisted him in achieving that important victory for justice. It was 
vintage Joe Lieberman. He did what was right. He never gave up. He got 
the job done.
  Throughout his many years of dedicated service, Joe has demonstrated 
the kind of character America needs and the American people deserve. It 
is not by coincidence that the PowerPoint slide show I present to 
students throughout Maine includes a photograph of Senator Joe 
Lieberman at work. The young pupils of today who will be the leaders of 
tomorrow could have no better role model than this leader of 
intelligence and integrity.
  A wonderful fringe benefit of working so closely with Joe for so many 
years has been the opportunity I have had to get to know his wonderful 
wife Hadassah. She is a person who also demonstrates remarkable 
strength and compassion. Her devotion to community service spans a 
range of issues, from advocating for women's health and breast cancer 
research to providing women with opportunity through microfinance 
programs.
  The integrity and decency Joe brings to public service stands on the 
unshakable foundation of his deep faith. It is telling that his 
retirement announcement included these wise words from Ecclesiastes: 
``To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under 
heaven.''
  In closing, I offer my dear friend this traditional Jewish blessing: 
``May you live 120 years.''
  While none of us expects to attain the longevity achieved by the 
prophet Moses, I am confident the gratitude of the American people for 
the service of Senator Joe Lieberman will be everlasting.


                                Jon Kyl

  Mr. President, in reflecting on Senator Jon Kyl's service to this 
institution and to our Nation, I am reminded of these words by Abraham 
Lincoln. He said:

       Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The 
     shadow is what we think of, the tree is the real thing.

  Jon Kyl is the real thing. During 18 years in the Senate, preceded by 
8 in the House, Jon has built a reputation that is a perfect image of 
his character. National magazines have named him one of America's 10 
best Senators, one of the world's most influential people, and one of 
our Nation's hardest working lawmakers.
  His unanimous election in 2008 as our Republican whip and his 
recognized leadership on the great challenges of our time throughout 
the Senate reflect the esteem in which he is held on both sides of the 
aisle. These accolades confirm what we who have had the privilege of 
working closely with Jon know from experience. He is intelligent, he is 
informed, and he is fair. He is dedicated to the people of Arizona and 
exemplifies the principles that are the foundation of our Constitution 
and of our country.
  Of all the words that have been used to describe Jon Kyl, these five 
describe him best: As good as his word. Jon has been an invaluable ally 
in the great challenge of defending America against terrorism, a 
challenge he recognized and worked hard to address long before the 
terrorist attacks of more than a decade ago.
  As the leader of the Judiciary Committee, he worked hard to 
strengthen our intelligence capabilities and was at the forefront of 
one of the most crucial antiterrorism issues, tracking, exposing, and 
cutting off financial networks that bankrolled terrorism. Combating 
this financing was one of our earliest and greatest antiterrorism 
successes, although work continues today, and it was Jon Kyl who played 
a key role.
  Arizona, similar to Maine, has a long international border. The 
American people fully understand the importance of borders that are 
close to our enemies as they remain always open to our friends. Jon is 
dedicated to providing those who protect our borders with the 
personnel, the training, and the technology so America can continue to 
welcome with compassion those seeking a better way of life while 
turning away those who would do us harm.
  As a member of the Finance Committee, Jon Kyl has been one of the 
Senate's most diligent fiscal watchdogs. He has a sharp eye for 
wasteful spending. He is dedicated to reining in deficit spending, 
reforming our Tax Code, and making government more accountable.
  Jon Kyl understands the challenges that confront America, and he also 
empathizes with the challenges that confront American families. His 
record is one of strong advocacy for our most vulnerable citizens, 
including victims of crime, children, and our seniors.
  Jon often compares his work in the Senate to that of a teacher. 
Whether addressing constituents or colleagues, he strives to educate 
with facts, with evidence, and with the truth. None of us has ever 
heard Jon try to win an argument by belittling or berating an opponent. 
It is simply not in his character to do so.
  It has been said that a politician thinks of the next election and a 
statesman thinks of the next generation. This statesman from Arizona 
expresses his philosophy of government and the obligation of government 
leaders this way:

       We owe future generations the chance to live their dreams, 
     to be successful, and--most important--to achieve true 
     happiness by their own efforts.

  Senator Jon Kyl's commitment to the security of our Nation, to fiscal 
responsibility, and to helping those in need have earned him a 
reputation that is worthy of his character.
  The people of Arizona and America are grateful for his service. I am 
thankful for his guidance over the years and for his friendship. We 
wish him all the best in the years to come.
  Mr. President, there is one more tribute I would like to give this 
morning if there is time remaining. Could the Chair inform me if we are 
under a time agreement.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator may proceed.


                             Richard Lugar

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, in his 36 years of service in the Senate, 
Richard Lugar has established a reputation as an extraordinary leader 
on such issues as foreign relations, national security, energy policy, 
agriculture, and economic growth. He is the Senate's most senior 
Republican and the longest serving Member of Congress in Indiana's 
history.
  Senator Lugar has established a well-deserved reputation as a true 
statesman. At a time when the coarsening political discourse across our 
Nation and in Congress is a growing concern, Dick Lugar is a shining 
example of civility and mutual respect we must regain if our Nation is 
to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

[[Page 16549]]

  Thirty-six years in the Senate is a part of Dick Lugar's long time of 
service. After attending Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, Dick 
volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1957, eventually serving as an 
intelligence briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations. As the two-term 
mayor of Indianapolis, beginning in 1968, he was a trailblazer in 
unifying local government, setting his city on a remarkable path of 
economic growth and prosperity as well as efficiency. As mayor, he 
served three terms on the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental 
Relations and as president of the National League of Cities. It is 
evident Dick Lugar always rises to the top of any organization because 
his colleagues recognize his extraordinary capability and his 
outstanding leadership.
  Dick's life experiences and character have served the people of 
Indiana and our country so well. He has been the leader in reducing the 
threat of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. What better 
tribute or legacy could anyone leave the world than to reduce the 
inventory of these dangerous weapons. The bipartisan partnership he 
forged in 1991 to destroy these weapons of mass destruction in the 
former Soviet Union has resulted in the deactivation of more than 7,500 
nuclear warheads that once were aimed at the United States.
  As chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Dick Lugar has led the way 
for reforming our Federal farm programs and has promoted research 
advancements and increased export opportunities that have generated 
higher net income for America's family farms. Through the Lugar Energy 
Initiative, he has combined his foreign policy and agricultural 
expertise to promote policies to spur economic growth.
  In the dark days following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Senator 
Lugar set forth a set of principles to guide our Nation in these 
difficult times. The Lugar doctrine calls upon the United States to 
``use all of its military, diplomatic and economic power--without 
question--to ensure that life threatening weapons of mass destruction 
everywhere are accounted, contained and hopefully destroyed.''
  In addition, the Lugar doctrine asserts that America should encourage 
democratic institutions and decrease reliance on foreign energy 
sources.
  These accomplishments, and so many more, stem from a profound 
intellect combined with character. There is nothing I love more than to 
hear Dick Lugar give a tutorial on any country in the world, and he can 
talk knowledgeably and teach us about any country in the world. That is 
the depth of his experience, his knowledge, and his expertise.
  Dick has also always been a voice of reason in the Senate. No matter 
how bitter the debate, he has always stood by his values and engaged in 
thoughtful discussions that result in solutions. That is why his advice 
has so often been sought by Presidents, military leaders, Cabinet 
Secretaries, Governors, and so many of his colleagues, including me.
  As Dick Lugar returns to the private life he left behind so many 
years ago, his advice will continue to be sought after and I hope 
heeded. His knowledge and insight will still be valued, and the example 
of his decency and civility he has set throughout his life should guide 
us all. The people of Indiana and America are grateful for his service, 
and I am so grateful for his friendship and guidance over the years we 
have served together.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Virginia.

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