[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1018]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING WENDELL FORD

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, many have now heard the sad news that 
one of the giants of Kentucky politics passed away last night. Wendell 
Ford first came to the Senate in the 1970s, calling himself just ``a 
dumb country boy with dirt between his toes.'' But over a distinguished 
two-decade career, this workhorse of the Senate would prove he was 
anything but.
  I had the opportunity to watch my Senate colleague up close as he 
ascended to leadership in his party and established himself as a leader 
on issues of importance to my State. A proud Kentuckian who rose from 
page in the statehouse to Governor of the State, Ford shaped the 
history of the Commonwealth in ways few others had before him.
  He never forgot the lessons about hard work he learned while milking 
cows or tending to chores on the family farm. This World War II veteran 
never backed down from a fight either.
  We imagine he approached his final battle with the same spirit. 
Elaine and I, and I am certain I speak for the entire Senate, send our 
condolences to his wife Jean--Mrs. Ford, as Wendell often called her--
and the rest of the Ford family at this difficult time.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. INHOFE. Senator Enzi was going to be here, so I am hoping his 
schedule will allow him to use his time this afternoon.

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