    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [May 23, 2006]
    [Page 1000]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Lloyd M. Bentsen, Jr.
    May 23, 2006

        Laura and I and the entire Bush family are
    saddened by Lloyd Bentsen's death. Lloyd Bentsen served in the House of
    Representatives for 6 years, and he represented the people of Texas in
    the United States Senate for 22 years. During his time in Congress, he
    was known for his integrity and for seeking bipartisan solutions to
    issues facing our Nation. He later became Secretary of the Treasury in
    President Clinton's administration.
        As a young man, Lloyd Bentsen served our country in battle in the
    United States Army Air Forces, and he was awarded the Distinguished
    Flying Cross. In 1999, in recognition of his lifetime of service to the
    United States, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
    Nation's highest civil award. Lloyd Bentsen was a man of great honor and
    distinction. We send our condolences and prayers to B.A. and the Bentsen family.

    Note: The statement referred to Beverly Ann ``B.A.'' Bentsen, wife of
    Lloyd M. Bentsen, Jr.