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Home , Bill Frist, Howard Baker, Tom Foley, Trent Lott

May 23, 2001 — SENATE S5561 the Senate and the public that an over- Agenda Item No. 1—S. 507—To implement mittee on Governmental Affairs be au- sight hearing has been scheduled before further the Act (Public Law 94–241) approv- thorized to meet on Wednesday, May the Subcommittee on National Parks, ing the Covenant to Establish a Common- 23, 2001, at 9:30 a.m., for a business Historic Preservation, and Recreation wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in meeting to consider pending com- Political Union with the of of the Committee on Energy and Nat- America, and for other purposes. mittee business. ural Resources. The purpose of this Agenda Item No. 5—Nomination of Patrick The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without hearing is to review the implementa- henry Wood III to be a Commissioner of the objection, it is so ordered. tion of the Recreation Fee Demonstra- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY tion Program and to review efforts to Agenda Item No. 6—Nomination of Nora Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask extend or make the program perma- Mead Brownell to be a Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. unanimous consent that the Com- nent. Agenda Item No. 7—Nomination of Lee mittee on the Judiciary be authorized The hearing will take place on Thurs- Sarah Liberman Otis to be General Counsel to meet to conduct a hearing on day, June 14, 2001, at 2:30 p.m., in room of the Department of Energy. Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at 10 a.m., in SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Agenda Item No. 8—Nomination of Jesse Dirksen 226. Building in , DC. Hill Roberson to be Assistant Secretary of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Because of the limited time available Energy for Environmental Management. objection, it is so ordered. Agenda Item No. 9—Nomination of J. Ste- for the hearing, witnesses may testify SUBCOMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND by invitation only. However, those ven Griles to be Deputy Secretary of the De- partment of the Interior. SPACE wishing to submit written testimony Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask for the hearing record should send two The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. unanimous consent that the Sub- copies of their testimony to the Com- committee on Science, Technology, mittee on Energy and Natural Re- COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES and Space of the Committee on Com- sources, U.S. Senate, SD–354, Dirksen merce, Science, and Transportation be Senate Office Building, Washington, Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Com- authorized to meet on Wednesday, May DC 20510–6150. 23, 2001, at 2 p.m., on carbon sequestra- For further information, please con- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- sources be authorized to meet during tion. tact Jim O’Toole or Shane Perkins of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Committee staff at (202) 224–1219. the session of the Senate on Wednes- day, May 23, immediately following the objection, it is so ordered. f committee business meeting to con- f AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO duct a hearing. The committee will re- CONCLUSION OF MORNING MEET ceive testimony regarding the adminis- BUSINESS tration’s National Energy Policy Re- COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. AFFAIRS port. BROWNBACK). Morning business is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask closed. unanimous consent that the Com- objection, it is so ordered. f mittee on Banking, Housing, and COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC Urban Affairs be authorized to meet on WORKS EXECUTIVE SESSION May 23, 2001, to conduct a markup on Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask the nomination of Mr. Alphonso R. unanimous consent that the Com- Jackson, of , to be Deputy Sec- mittee on Environment and Public NOMINATION OF HOWARD H. retary of Housing and Urban Develop- Works be authorized to meet on May BAKER, JR., OF , TO ment; Mr. Richard A. Hauser, of Mary- 23, 2001, at 11:30 a.m., for a business BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAOR- land, to be General Counsel of the De- meeting. DINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY partment of Housing and Urban Devel- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without OF THE UNITED STATES OF opment; Mr. John Charles Weicher, of objection, it is so ordered. AMERICA TO JAPAN the District of Columbia, to be Assist- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ant Secretary of Housing and Urban Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask the previous order, the Senate will pro- Development and serve as the Federal unanimous consent that the Com- ceed to executive session to consider Housing Commissioner; and the Hon. mittee on Foreign Relations be author- the nomination of Howard H. Baker, Romolo A. Bernardi, of New York, to ized to meet during the session of the Jr. The nomination will be stated. be Assistant Secretary of Housing and Senate on Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at The bill clerk read the nomination of Urban Development for community 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., to hold two Howard H. Baker, Jr., of Tennessee, to planning and development. hearings as follows: be Ambassador Extraordinary and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 10:30 a.m., room S–116—Nominee: The Plenipotentiary of the United States of objection, it is so ordered. Honorable Howard H. Baker, Jr., of America to Japan. COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Tennessee, to be Ambassador to Japan, The Senate proceeded to consider the TRANSPORTATION to be introduced by the Honorable Fred nomination. Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask Thompson, the Honorable , The PRESIDING OFFICER. There unanimous consent that the Com- and the Honorable Robert C. Byrd. are 2 hours equally divided for consid- mittee on Commerce, Science, and 2:30 p.m., room SD–419—Witnesses: eration of the nomination. Who yields Transportation be authorized to meet Dr. Norbert Vollertsen, Volunteer, Ger- time? The Senator from Wyoming. on Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at 9:30 man Emergency Doctors, Germany; Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I do a.m., on boxing. Mr. Chuck Downs, Former Defense Pol- want to talk a moment about the nom- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without icy Analyst, House Republican Policy ination of to be Ambas- objection, it is so ordered. Committee; and Consultant, McLean, sador to Japan. I am chairman of the COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL VA; the Honorable James T. Laney, co- Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific RESOURCES chair, Council on Foreign Relations Rim. We held a hearing today for How- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask Korea Task Force, Atlanta, GA; the ard Baker. Fortunately, we were able unanimous consent that the Com- Honorable Robert L. Gallucci, Dean, to move it today so that his nomina- mittee on Energy and Natural Re- Georgetown University, Edmund A. tion can be voted on for confirmation. sources be authorized to meet during Walsh School of Foreign Service, Mr. President, I am pleased to accept the session of the Senate on Wednes- Washington, DC. Howard Baker as Ambassador to day, May 23, for purposes of conducting The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Japan. I am chairman of that sub- a business meeting which is scheduled objection, it is so ordered. committee on Asia and the Pacific rim. to begin at 9:30 a.m. The purpose of COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS Certainly one of the most important this business meeting is to consider Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask countries in that area is Japan, a coun- pending calendar business, as follows: unanimous consent that the Com- try with which we have worked closely

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 04:23 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23MY6.093 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 S5562 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 23, 2001 for a very long time. We have had some is accurate. He had a pedigree of hills of Tennessee? No, though that is of our highest profile Ambassadors in knowledge, the people of Tennessee and where he seeks refuge to this very day. Japan, people in the past who had come of governments. So it was a natural for He went into the private sector, went from the Senate, also including a him to go straight to the Senate. to a law firm. He is involved and Speaker of the House and a majority His wife, of course, was the daughter thoughtful. He returned to public serv- leader of the Senate several years ago. of . He of the melo- ice as Chief of Staff to President Now we have the opportunity—and I dious voice, a legend in his own time, Reagan. was very pleased to be able today to his portrait hangs on the majority Probably his greatest stroke of re- hold that hearing—to have Howard leader’s conference wall. He had that cent years is his marriage to the fine Baker as our nominee whom the Presi- influence. former Senator from , Nancy dent nominated to this important task. Immediately, he drew attention and Kassebaum. What a duo that is. We are very proud to pass it on. We respect. Immediately, he started to Just a year or so ago in our con- thank the leader for being able to bring seek leadership in the Senate. He was tinuing Leader’s Lecture Series, How- it to the floor today so we can get our not successful the first time. I think ard Baker was one of the speakers. It Ambassador in place in Japan. the Senator from Alaska can remember was extremely interesting. He gave us Japan is key, of course, to much of the details of that. He very quickly, a Baker’s dozen of suggestions of being what we do in the Asian area, and it is comparatively speaking, became the in the Senate. That is 13, for those who key to what we do in Korea, particu- leader of the Republicans of the Senate are not from the South or who don’t larly and the Korean pe- and then of course, in 1980, after the know a baker’s dozen is 13. It was a great list, and he did a wonderful job. ninsula. We need to work with Japan election, became the majority leader. Now he has been selected for this po- I remember watching him from my to do that. The same is true with Tai- sition. I received a call a couple weeks perch on the House side of the Capitol wan and China. Japan is our partner. ago from none other than Senator Of course, they are the largest econ- as the Republican whip at the time and BYRD who said: This is our colleague. omy in that area and continue to have having meetings with him in his room We know him well. He was our major- some economic problems, particularly where he always had the fireplace ity leader. He wasn’t just a member or banking problems. We have some going. I was always impressed. There just a leader; he was majority leader at things we have to work out with them were a couple of difficult issues with a very tough, difficult time. with regard to our Armed Forces being which we had to deal—the settling of He worked with Senator BYRD across in Okinawa and work out things to see AWAC, the Panama Canal. I can re- the aisle. if we can reduce the deficit with have member not agreeing with the position We don’t have to wait for weeks or in trade. he took on at least one of those. months for an investigation. We know I cannot think of a better person to I watched how masterful he was. I re- this man. Let’s move it. Let’s expedite represent us. He has great experience member coming over and watching one it. and great compassion. He worked in of the votes. We were standing in the The committee had its hearing the , in the Senate, and back of the Chamber. As I recall, he sat today, and the Senate will vote to- has been the Senate floor leader. He on the corner of the table, and it night. We will vote to confirm Howard has done all things in public. I am de- seemed to have an influence on voters Baker, and he will be an Ambassador, lighted Howard Baker is our nominee. just because he was sitting there. very similar to the ones who have pre- I yield the floor. Though both those motions prevailed, ceded him, former Majority Leader The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- and they were in many ways unpopu- and former Speaker of jority leader. lar, I remember sending him a hand- the House . Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I see other written note at the time how impressed Japan, I hope, recognizes and appre- Senators who are here to speak on be- I was at how he pulled those issues to- ciates that we send them as our Am- half of former Senate Majority Leader gether in a bipartisan way. bassador the very best. That tradition Howard Baker to be Ambassador to Soft spoken; intellectual, actually. A continues with Howard Baker. I am de- Japan. I will not be too long. I am de- lot of people would be surprised that an lighted we are moving expeditiously. lighted to have this opportunity. I intellectual could rise to that kind of We will get this confirmation done. think this is such a great selection for position, but he did. Senator Baker and his helpmate, Sen- this very important position as Ambas- Now I have an even greater respect ator Kassebaum, will be great dip- sador to Japan. for his leadership since I have for the lomats for America. They will be a tre- I feel a personal relationship with past 5 years been able to serve as ma- mendous asset for all who get to know Howard Baker for a lot of reasons. jority leader. I remember telling my him in Japan. I thank all of my Senate First of all, I think Howard Baker was immediate predecessor, : I colleagues for agreeing to move this the first live Republican I actually saw thought your job was a piece of cake. nomination expeditiously. up close in my life. When I was growing Why wasn’t it that way when I got I invite Senator Baker to join us in up in Pascagoula, MS, there was none. here? This job is a challenge, every about an hour and a half to hear the Then I had the good fortune of going to day. You have people who disagree next Leader’s Lecture presentation the great center of learning, Oxford, with you around you, your friends on from former President of the Senate, former House Member, . MS. There I saw this outstanding and both sides of the aisle, and you try to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- very calming and articulate spokes- give some direction to get some result. ator from the great State of Alaska. man, Howard Baker, on Memphis tele- I truly now have a renewed and greater Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I am vision. I was impressed. And he was a respect for the majority leader and the delighted to follow our leader, speak- Republican. I started listening to him majority leader’s position, and for ing about our former majority leader, and watching him and had occasion to Howard Baker in particular. Howard Baker, and his lovely lady, meet him one time when he came down Of course, he went on to run for Senator Kassebaum. As one whose to the university. President. In fact, I think almost every home is closer to Tokyo than it is to Of course, this outstanding man from majority leader except George Mitchell Washington, DC, I welcome this ap- a small town in Tennessee ran for the and have been candidates pointment. Senate. He didn’t go through the State for President. I might note, none of This is the century of the Pacific. If legislature and through the House of them has been successful, although one really studies geopolitical affairs Representatives and eventually to the Lyndon Johnson did manage to come in this world, they can only come to Senate. He went straight to the Sen- in sort of through the back door, after the conclusion that the Pacific is going ate. being selected to be Vice President. He to be the region of great interest to the Of course, it is of interest that his did a wonderful job. world, of great potential, and of great mother and his father had also served Then he showed even greater wisdom. strife if we are not careful. in the House of Representatives. I be- He said: I’ve done that job; I’m out of I am delighted the President has cho- lieve his mother had been the sheriff of here. And he went back to the private sen Howard Baker to become the Am- the county in Tennessee. I think that sector. And did he disappear into the bassador to Japan. He has shown his

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.076 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 May 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5563 leadership on the floor of the Senate have maintained that tradition of dip- nation, former Senator Baker will and in activities he has participated in lomatic excellence and service to our bring an appreciation of all of aspects around the world since he left the Sen- country up until this day. of American society, and a deep respect ate. His wife, as we know, is one of the When President Bush nominated my for Japanese society and culture. The distinguished leading ladies of this old friend, Howard Baker, to be our new Japanese leadership of Junichiro country. The President is very smart. next ambassador to our most impor- Koizumi could not begin its relation- He gets two Ambassadors for the price tant Asian ally, he kept the highest ship with Washington on a more auspi- of one. standards of this important tradition. cious note. We will welcome him going to Alaska That is why I fully expect my col- I have personally known Howard on his way to Japan and on his way leagues today will concur in supporting Baker for nearly a quarter of a cen- back because he is a great friend. It this nomination. And while we will all tury. I know him for his steady, calm was my privilege to serve with Howard miss the presence in Washington of our presence and for his wise counsel. I Baker. During the 8 years he was the dear friend and his wife, another es- know him for his love of country, and leader I was assistant leader, and I con- teemed former colleague, Nancy Kasse- for his deep understanding of how the sider him one of the finest Americans baum Baker—who herself established a world beyond our borders works. He who has ever lived. I am glad to see he well-deserved reputation in this Senate and his dear wife, former Senator continues being willing to serve our as one of our most thoughtful leaders , will be missed in country, and I shall vote for him. on foreign policy—what we will lose Washington. But we can rest assured I yield the floor. will be more than offset, once again, by that our country’s interests in Japan Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise the contribution that they will make are superbly represented by this excep- today in strong support of the nomina- for our country. tionally dedicated and talented couple. tion of my good friend and former col- Howard Baker has been a public serv- I know that my colleagues concur and league Senator Howard Baker to be ant all of his life. It is an honor to join me in wishing Howard Baker God- U.S. Ambassador to Japan. I can think serve in the Senate, not least because speed. of no finer individual to serve in this one serves with such distinguished and Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise important post, for no finer person ever admirable colleagues, but I must say I today to add my support to the nomi- served in the U.S. Senate. have always considered myself particu- nation of Howard H. Baker, Jr., to be Having an Ambassador to Japan with larly fortunate that my career over- the U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Senator Baker’s experience, knowl- lapped in part with the three terms the Howard Baker has an outstanding record of serving the people of the edge, and statesmanship is crucial dur- distinguished Senator from Tennessee United States as an officer in the U.S. ing this important period in U.S.-Japan served here. I was particularly honored Navy, as a Senator, as White House relations. It is vital to America’s goals to have worked with him during the Chief of Staff to President Reagan, and for peace in this region. The overall se- time he served as our party’s majority as a member of numerous Presidential curity situation in Asia is of utmost leader. And as my colleagues well Advisory Boards. During the nearly 20 importance. Having Senator Baker rep- know, Senator Baker never really re- years that he represented Tennessee in resenting the United States in Japan tired. He left the Senate and became the U.S. Senate, he served as both the will be a tremendous asset as we work the chief of staff to former President minority and majority leader, earning to maintain security and stability in Reagan, serving that great President in the respect of his colleagues and a rep- an outstanding manner. While it would that vital region. utation as a talented, fair leader, and He proudly served as a sailor—P.T. take too long to enumerate all of the consensus builder. Senator Baker also boat sailor—who knows how to navi- contributions rendered since then by served on the Foreign Relations Com- gate rough seas. this exceptional public servant, it mittee and was a Congressional Dele- Senator Baker’s past service to the serves to note that he most recently gate to the General As- nation has been exemplary. He rep- was a leader of an important commis- sembly. resented his home State of Tennessee sion that conducted an essential review The experience and the skill that for three terms in the Senate, from 1967 of our nuclear cooperation programs Senator Baker has developed as a long until 1985. Over the course of his final with Russia. The recommendations of time public servant will be valuable as four years in the Senate, Howard Baker that bipartisan commission were key he takes on the important role of served with distinction as the Senate in the new administration’s policy re- working to strengthen U.S. relations majority leader. After leaving the Sen- view of this very important component with Japan. Howard Baker succeeds a ate, Senator Baker went on to serve of this important bilateral relation- long and illustrious line of envoys to the Nation as former President Rea- ship. Now Howard Baker will go to Japan including former House Speaker gan’s Chief of Staff and as a member of serve another of America’s important Tom Foley, former Vice President Wal- the President’s Foreign Intelligence bilateral relations, as our Ambassador ter Mondale, Michael Hayden Advisory Board. to Tokyo. Armacost, and former Majority Leader Senator Baker, of all people, fully I have been saying for years that the Mike Mansfield. I am sure that he will understands the demands and sacrifices strategic partnership American must represent the United States with we ask of our public officials and their nurture in Asia is not with China, but honor, in a manner that reflects well families. His willingness to take on with Japan. President bush clearly rec- upon his predecessors. this challenge and once again return to ognizes this reality, and he has dem- I am also especially pleased that the public service is greatly appreciated. onstrated this with his appointments United States will benefit from the By his side, indeed a partner, will be of Japan experts at the State Depart- wisdom and expertise of Nancy Kasse- his lovely wife, our former colleague, ment, Pentagon and the National Secu- baum Baker, our former colleague, who Nancy Kassehaum Baker. rity Council. The President has capped will accompany her husband in this im- Mr. President, I have been fortunate, these selections by choosing Howard portant endeavor. I had the pleasure of to have worked with Senator Baker for Baker as our Ambassador. I commend working with Senator Kassebaum on many years. I have the great privilege the President on his strategic think- many issues and know that America is to now be in my fourth term because of ing, and I think the President could getting a truly excellent team to rep- his help, and, above all, his advice and not have made a better selection in resent our country in Japan. friendship The Nation, the Senate wish filling this post. Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I them both good fortune. Howard Baker brings to this position would like to state how delighted I am Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, the Presi- his long experience in the Senate, in that the President has nominated a dents of this country long ago estab- the White House and in the corporate statesman of such skill and integrity lished a tradition of nominating the sector. All aspects of this experience to serve as our Ambassador in Japan. most eminent of our political leaders will be beneficial to his efforts to rep- Senator Baker had just completed to be ambassadors to Japan. Former resent the United States to our Japa- three terms when I entered this body, Senators Mansfield and Mondale, and nese ally. For the Japanese leadership, including terms as majority and minor- most recently, Speaker Tom Foley which has warmly welcomed this nomi- ity leader. He was well known as a man

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.083 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 S5564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 23, 2001 of courtesy and thoughtfulness, who to the nation of Japan. In fact, Mr. took my wife Karen to listen to him, to managed difficult political battles with President, I can think of no person who talk to him. Indeed, he seemed to lis- grace and good humor. He took those could represent America with more ten more to us than we did to him, in traits with him to the White House, honor and more distinction than my the thoughtful way of introspection where as Chief of Staff he played a key fellow Tennessean, Howard Baker, a and then comment. Yes, ultimately, role in rebuilding public confidence in truly extraordinary man and an ex- after those conversations I decided, in a presidency that was racked by for- traordinary leader in this body, in his large part based on those conversa- eign policy scandal. Throughout his ca- community, and this Nation. tions, to run for the Senate. reer Senator Baker has often been As we all know, Senator Baker At the height of his political power, called into service to help heal the rup- served as the United States Senator Howard Baker stunned Washington by tures created by difficult issues like from the great State of Tennessee for making a decision to leave the Senate, Watergate, the Panama Canal and three terms. He served as minority following his own advice of term lim- Iran-Contra; and he has repeatedly leader, majority leader, and he served its, of the citizen legislator, only to be played a key role in forging the bipar- President as White called back by President Reagan who tisan consensus necessary to move our House Chief of Staff. tapped him as the White House Chief of government and our nation forward. More important than all of that, Staff. He served President Reagan well. There is no relationship more impor- which we know, he has served America The majority leader, a few minutes tant for the U.S. than Japan. The vicis- long and well, with unfailing grace, ago, mentioned that that legacy lives situdes of our difficult relationship with inexhaustible courage, and with on. It was 2 years ago that he did come with an emerging China, or the ongo- integrity; never hesitating, as we just and give the lecture series—we will ing frictions on the Korean Peninsula, heard from the majority leader, in tak- hear President Ford later tonight—and tend to attract most of the media at- ing on the tough tasks, the tough as- the title of that talk 2 years ago was tention devoted to Asia. But it is in signments, never failing to shoot ‘‘On Herding Cats,’’ talking about his fact Japan that is the indispensable straight with us, to call it like it is. experience in this body, each of the lit- country to the U.S. in Asia. Even after Whether it was winning over, in Ten- tle points of the ‘‘Bakers Dozen,’’ of a decade of slow growth, Japan has by nessee, traditional Democrats, union the 13 points I remember, as I listened far the largest economy in Asia, and is members, to become the first Repub- in awe, as I listened in pride to my fel- the largest overseas market for U.S. lican in the history of Tennessee to be low Tennessean. products. Japan is an important inves- elected to the Senate and teaming up ‘‘Listen more often than you speak,’’ tor in the United States, including in with Senators to pass monumental and was one of the 13; my state of West Virginia. Japan hosts historic clean air and water bills with- ‘‘Be patient,’’ another; the largest number of American troops out a single dissenting vote, or lob- ‘‘Tell , whether you have to in Asia, and is an important ally in our bying his colleagues to allow the tele- or not,’’ was another; efforts to promote peace, prosperity vising of Senate proceedings, which are ‘‘Be civil, and encourage others to do and democracy throughout Asia. routine today, or supporting plans to the same.’’ The nomination of Senator Baker as end the draft, or to provide for the di- So his story continues to unfold. To- Ambassador to Tokyo—the most recent rect election of the President, or give night, as we come together both to in a series of senior statesman to serve 18-year-olds the right to vote, or inves- praise him and to support his nomina- in that critical post—will send con- tigating a President of his own party, tion, we recognize that he remains an firmation to our Japanese allies the or forging a foreign policy consensus to informal and trusted adviser, a model tremendous importance the United check Soviet cold war expansion, How- to which all politicians in Tennessee Sates attaches to our partnership with ard Baker never flinched from the aspire, a friend to freedom, to democ- Japan. I know he will work with the tough decisions. racy, a defender of principle, a man of new Government of Prime Minister He always put principle before poli- honesty, integrity, and courage, who Koizumi to express support for meas- tics. He was not just a good Senator; he will represent America well. ures that will restart the Japanese wasn’t just a good leader; but he was a His wife Nancy Kassebaum Baker has economy, and enable Japan to resume good mentor and friend to me person- been mentioned, a friend to all of us. its part as one of the locomotives of ally. Together they make an experienced global growth. I know he will work What is remarkable as we hear people team, a knowledgeable team; together, with Japan to continue to re-invig- in this body talking about him, is his a tremendous asset to the United orate our security alliance, which ability to build coalitions, his ability States of America. plays such an important role in main- to disarm his opponents with com- It is, indeed, with honor and pleas- taining peace in Asia. And I know he, promise that addressed both the con- ure, and I should say pride as a Ten- by his very presence in Tokyo, will dis- cerns of supporters and limited the nessean, that I close in my support for pel Japanese perceptions that America problems of dissenters, bringing them Howard H. Baker, Jr., for the post of is ‘‘Japan-passing.’’ Having followed together, addressing concerns from U.S. Ambassador to Japan. U.S.-Japan relations for the past 40 groups who would not normally be to- I yield the floor. years, I am confident that U.S. rela- gether—leaving all sides in good spir- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tions with Japan are not moribund but its. ator from Tennessee. in fact mature. I mentioned the personal reflection Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. President, I I commend the President for his ex- of being a good mentor and a good rise in support of the nomination of cellent selection of a representative for friend. Again, this comes from my own Howard Baker for Ambassador to this critical post, and add how pleased experience when 10 years ago I was try- Japan. I, first of all, compliment my I am that his wonderful and talented ing to make a decision of how best to colleague, Senator FRIST, for his elo- wife, our former colleague, Senator enter public service. I went by to see quent remarks which encapsulated Nancy Kassebaum, will be in Tokyo Senator Baker, someone whom I did Senator Baker’s career and his char- with him. I can think of no one better not know, someone whom I had not acter. It is very gratifying to hear so to join him on this mission than my met—sitting down with that person in many favorable remarks about some- dear and most admired former col- conversation—and you know it is a one whom we hold so dear. league. conversation he has had with hundreds This was the case this morning as we I will vote to support the nomina- and hundreds of people thinking about had the hearing on Senator Baker. We tion. public service—sitting down for an heard so many from both sides of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- hour and listening to what not only a aisle—Senator BIDEN, Senator BYRD— ator from Tennessee. campaign would be like but what the say so many nice things about the Sen- Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise privilege of serving the United States ator. It is a very personal matter to me today also in enthusiastic and strong of America in this body was all about. in many respects. support for the nomination of Senator Over the next year and a half I made Many years ago, I, with shaky hand, Howard Baker to be U.S. Ambassador three more appointments with him and dialed a telephone number in order to

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A23MY6.026 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 May 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5565 return a call from Senator Howard Senator Baker said earlier today that former Senator Howard Baker to be the Baker. He had asked me to come up as essentially, after all is said and done, next U.S. Ambassador to Japan. This counsel to the Watergate committee he is a man of the Senate. Of course, will be a vote I will long remember and when he served as minority leader of the same could be said of Senator of which I will long be proud. It will be that committee. Today that is the tele- BYRD. one of those proud moments in the his- phone number of my office because I I compliment President Bush for tory of the Senate. have the privilege of occupying the making this appointment. Senator I have voted on many nominations, chair. As I said earlier today, no one Baker—I assume; I have never really and I have cast 16,027 votes as of now. will be able to fill the shoes of Howard talked to him about it—was not an in- This will be one of the best votes I have Baker, but I am privileged to occupy timate of the Bush campaign, although ever cast. I have no doubt that this what we call the Howard Baker seat. I I know he was a hard worker for it. I former colleague, with whom I worked am sure others who have held that seat assume, looking back on it, that so closely, will be an excellent rep- would not begrudge me referring to it former President Bush and he were resentative of the United States to the in that way. somewhat friendly competitors, as Japanese Government and the Japa- I would probably not be in politics they were coming along about the nese people. were it not for Howard Baker. I left a same time. President Bush, the current Senator Howard Baker served his job I dearly loved as assistant U.S. at- President, obviously, has the good home State of Tennessee in this Cham- torney many years ago, as a young law- judgment to reach out and get the best ber for three terms, from 1967 to 1985. yer, to go and manage middle Ten- for this most serious appointment. As the country began to recover from nessee for Howard Baker, as if anyone This is a troubled part of the world. the scandal of Watergate, Howard could manage him, or as if he needed It is probably going to create more Baker was chosen to lead the other side managing. trouble for us in the years to come. We of the aisle as minority leader while I A young lawyer by the name of have a very unusual, ambiguous rela- served as majority leader, positions , later to be Governor tionship with the country of China that we would later exchange. Senator of Tennessee, came to me and sug- right now, as in many respects China is Baker distinguished himself as a man gested this to me and suggested it to progressing in terms of its economy of strong character, sound judgment, him and put us together. I asked how and in terms of its economic openness, and good humor. Having followed his much the job paid and they said noth- while at the same time it is increasing father, with whom I served in the ing. So with my usual business sense, I its military might and has 300 missiles House of Representatives, his step- said that sounded good to me. I took on along its coast pointed toward Taiwan. mother, and his father-in-law in Con- the job. Of course, he was the first pop- It, clearly, has designs on being the gress—again, speaking of his father-in- ularly elected Republican in the his- predominant player in that part of the tory of Tennessee. law, I can see Everett Dirksen standing world, whether it be Taiwan or the in his place. I can see his unruly hair. During Watergate, I had an oppor- South China Sea islands or various tunity that I know no other young man I can see him gesturing and uttering other parts of that area of the world. the most beautiful phrases. He could or young lawyer has ever had; that is, It is extremely important that we to sit at the right hand, literally and paint word pictures, Everett Dirksen— maintain the best of relations with our Senator Baker comes with great cre- figuratively, of a man such as Howard friends and our allies in that area. dentials in many ways. He had a deep Baker during the most tumultuous There is none more important than the and abiding understanding of and re- time in our generation and in Amer- country of Japan. ican history. I saw him and the dif- Japan is undergoing its own internal spect for the legislative branch. There ficulties he encountered. We were deal- changes that at this point we are at- was no doubt in Howard Baker’s mind ing with a President of the United tempting, while not being an over- as to where the legislative branch States who was a friend of Senator bearing friend, to be a helpful friend, stood. He knew of the Constitution. He Baker. We were dealing with members whether it be with regard to reform of knew about the separation of powers of the Cabinet such as John Mitchell, their banking system or the other as- and the checks and balances. He was who were friends of Senator Baker. I pects of their economy, and to go one who would always uphold those saw the agony that he went through as through those tough changes, that we principles. His love for the Senate, his he tried to be fair. But he also tried to and other countries have had to go love for his country always came be- be steadfast to the Constitution of the through, to get to where they need to fore partisan imperatives. Senator Baker was often a voice of United States. He walked that line and get. It is a very delicate time. They are reason in challenging times. As the he showed the ethical and moral di- undergoing a change in their leadership ranking Republican on the select com- mensions of his character. right now. He gave an example not only to this For all of these reasons, it is going to mittee that investigated the Watergate young lawyer at the time but to all of take a wise person, a steady hand rep- affair, his stated intent for the hear- America of what it meant to be a resenting us in that part of the world. ings was to determine the answer to statesman. In fact, I think the word Thank goodness we have a man such as the memorable question, as he put it: ‘‘statesman’’ was coined for individuals Howard Baker to take on that job. What did the President know and when such as Howard Baker because he dem- We make it very difficult nowadays did he know it? onstrated to all of us that it matters for people to come in and serve their I think everyone in this country has not only what you do but how you do country. Our nomination process takes heard those words and probably most it. too long. It is too intrusive. The re- of us will remember having heard It is a great pleasure to see how re- wards oftentimes do not outweigh the them. vered he is by those who served with benefits. But, thank God, we still have Senator Baker and I joined together him, not the least of which, of course, people such as Howard Baker and so on a number of major initiatives that is Senator BYRD of West Virginia, who many others who are willing to give a were important to the country as well served as the majority leader when portion of their time to serve their as to the Senate. I can remember the Senator Baker served as minority lead- country. Panama Canal treaties. I was majority er. I heard them talk earlier today. I I am totally content that Senator leader. I was against the treaties to am looking forward to hearing Senator Baker is going to serve as another in a begin with. Howard Baker was against BYRD again on the floor, but I sat there long line of illustrious predecessors the treaties. I went to Panama and and thought what two strong men, who have held this job and made Amer- took with me six other Senators: Sen- what two great men, oftentimes dis- ica proud. America and the world will ator SARBANES, Senator Metzenbaum, agreeing but working together for the be better because he has served. Senator Matsunaga, Senator Riegle. benefit of their country, what an exam- I yield the floor. There were seven, I believe. ple they set for us doing their job with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- We went to Panama. We talked to mutual respect and only one thing in ator from West Virginia. Americans living there. We talked to their minds—ultimately, serving their Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, the Senate our military people. We talked with States and their country. will soon vote on the nomination of our State Department people. We

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.086 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 S5566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 23, 2001 talked with the representatives of the names will go in those remaining me- Japan will be a vital partner to the Government of Panama, including Gen- dallions. The Senate has already made United States in what many are calling eral Torrijos. I read all about the his- a decision, I believe, with regard to the ‘‘the Pacific century.’’ Senator Baker tory of the Panama Canal by David next medallion or so. will represent our country in a nation McCullough, ‘‘The Path Between the But at some point in time Howard of great importance, in a region of Seas.’’ It is fascinating. Anything Baker’s picture—it is my hope—will great change, in a world in transition. David McCullough writes is fas- appear in those medallions. So today, I am confident that he will work to the cinating. I changed my mind about it. for the RECORD—although I won’t be best of his considerable abilities to en- Both Howard Baker and I knew we here, I am sure, when that decision is sure a prosperous, peaceful, and pro- were swimming uphill, so to speak. The made—I nominate Howard Baker be- ductive relationship with Japan. polls showed that the great majority of cause he was a Senator who stood I don’t know of anyone, Democrat or the American people were against above the fog in public duty and in pri- Republican, I would be happier to stand those treaties. There were two of them. vate thinking and took a hard position. on this floor and recommend to the They were against those treaties. A It was hard for him and hard for his people of the United States as Ambas- majority of the Members of the Senate party, more so than mine. He provided sador of Japan, or anyone who could were against the treaties. So we had an invaluable support in that instance, as serve more ably, or one who would be uphill battle. We both came to the con- I say. And he also joined me in my ef- more effective. There isn’t anyone who clusion that it was in the best interest fort to bring television coverage to the would be more patriotic and dedicated of the United States to ratify those floor of the Senate. to the service of his country than How- treaties. It was a difficult task. In later years, he served well. You ard Baker. I can remember coming in here on a see, he served as minority leader first I came to the floor immediately after Sunday and meeting with the Panama- with me when I was majority leader, the hearing and urged the majority nian Ambassador to the United States and then I served as minority leader leader to bring this nomination up and with our own State Department while he was majority leader. Always, I today. There is no point in waiting. people right down the hall to my right found Howard Baker to be a very agree- Bring it up today. I asked my own lead- here, in room 207, which was and is able, down-home, homespun person, a er on this side of the aisle if we could named the Mansfield Room. I remem- person who had great common sense, do this nomination today. Of course, ber our meeting; and then in the room which is so often absent in the halls of they had already made up their minds there, which was formerly the room of Government—common sense, and a to do it today. the Presidents pro tempore of the Sen- man of good humor, very intelligent, I have looked forward to this mo- ate, we met to hammer out some dif- exceedingly knowledgeable, highly ar- ment. I am proud of my service with ferences. ticulate, a man of the people. Howard Baker. I am proud of Howard Howard Baker and I formulated two He served as President Reagan’s Baker because he typifies to me a true amendments to the treaty, and but for Chief of Staff at a time when mature Senator, a Senator who understands those two amendments—which we counsel and moderate leadership in the the importance of party, political called the leadership amendments be- White House were needed. party, but a Senator who puts the Sen- cause the two leaders were joining—but In a 1998 address to the Members of ate and the Constitution and his coun- for the leadership amendments, the this body, Senator Baker recalled the try above political party. I know be- treaties would not have been approved. lessons that helped him as majority cause I was here when he did it. What I am saying is this. Here was a leader from 1981 to 1985. This is what he As my former colleague prepares to man who stood above party and voted said: journey to Tokyo following his con- for what he thought was in the best in- What really makes the Senate work—as firmation, Erma and I will be wishing terests of the country, realizing that in our heroes knew profoundly—is an under- him and Nancy, his lovely wife, the the next election he would pay a price standing of human nature, an appreciation of best and a very successful tenure in for that. I am still paying a price in hearts as well as minds, the frailties as well that office. West Virginia. There are still those as the strengths, of one’s colleagues and Mr. President, I close by those words who remember my votes for the trea- one’s constituents. first written by be- ties and continue to write to me about That is bringing it right down to the cause they typify what I think is best them to remind me. But he was in a far common understanding, bringing it about Howard Baker and basically more difficult position than I. The right down to earth. I suggest that this what is most needed by every states- Democrats controlled the Senate. We lesson will continue to serve him well man who serves in government, wheth- had at that time a Democratic Presi- in his role as Ambassador to Japan. er at the national or local level, and dent, President . So it Over the years, the United States has basically what distinguishes one indi- was more difficult for Howard Baker. sent some of its finest citizens to vidual from another perhaps: But notwithstanding the difficulties, Japan to act as the President’s rep- Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, notwithstanding the politics of the resentative, most recently Tom Foley, riches take wing. Only one thing endures, matter, which were adverse to the posi- former Speaker of the House of Rep- and that is character. tion we took, Howard Baker proudly resentatives; and prior to him there This man has it. I yield the floor. took that position, stating it clearly, was , former Vice The PRESIDING OFFICER. The articulately, and effectively; and be- President of the United States, and Democratic leader. cause he joined in approving the trea- Mike Mansfield, former majority lead- Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I com- ties, we were successful. We ended up, er of the Senate. The appointment of pliment the distinguished Senator from on both treaties, getting a vote of two- Senator Baker to this position will West Virginia on a characteristically thirds of the Senate plus one vote. We again demonstrate the importance of extraordinary statement. He speaks for had one vote to spare. So we joined to- our relationship with Japan, the most all of us. He spoke eloquently, sin- gether on that occasion. I can’t forget prosperous country in Asia, and, more cerely, and truthfully. that. importantly, allow our Government to Senator Mike Mansfield once called I have said many times—and I said it regain the services of a very talented America’s relationship with Japan our this morning in the Foreign Relations individual who has spent more than most important bilateral relationship. Committee hearing on the nomina- half of his life in the service of this How right he was. tion—that there are several medallions country. Combined, our two countries account in the Senate reception room just off As Senator THOMPSON mentioned a for more than 40 percent of the world’s the floor here, and in five of those me- little while ago, Nancy Kassebaum, a gross domestic product. When our na- dallions we find the pictures of Web- former Senator, will be there likewise. tions work together, we can make and ster, Calhoun, Clay, La Follette, and Howard Baker and his wife Nancy will have made Asia more stable, Japan Taft of . I have stated one day this be a great team. She could well serve stronger, and America more secure. Senate will determine the names of as U.S. Ambassador to Japan in her Today, during this time of transition other Senators whose pictures and own right. in Asia, our alliance with Japan is

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.089 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 May 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5567 more important than ever. I can think and there is something of a tradition of very significant and extra dimension to of no individual better equipped than that in our country—although I think this representation that our country Senator Howard Baker to ensure that it is very important that the large ma- will have in Japan. our two countries continue to work to- jority of the positions go to career peo- I am pleased to take the floor, along gether and succeed together. ple in part to help maintain the morale with my other colleagues, in support of As our distinguished Senator from of the Foreign Service, so someone this nomination. I thank the distin- West Virginia noted, Senator Baker going into the Foreign Service at a guished Senator from West Virginia for served not only as the Republican lead- young age and committing a career to his very eloquent statement about er, as the minority leader of the party, the Foreign Service, who has an oppor- Howard Baker, about their relationship but also as the majority leader at a tunity to rise and become an Ambas- in the Senate, and about his character. time when America faced challenges at sador, is not cut off as they move up This is a man of character. This is a home and the monumental challenge of the ladder because the Ambassadors man of wisdom. This is a man of judg- the cold war. He worked with his col- are all brought in from outside. That ment. This is a man of civility. I am leagues in the Senate without regard would have a very harmful impact on delighted he will be our Ambassador to to party affiliation to lead us through the morale of the Foreign Service, and Japan. countless legislative challenges, and he I think having a Foreign Service with I yield the floor. proved to be a statesman without high morale is a very important thing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- equal. in contributing to America’s interests ator from Kansas. By confirming Senator Baker’s nomi- and objectives around the world. Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I nation, we are sending Japan more If someone were to come to me and rise to support the nomination as well than an outstanding Ambassador. We say, ‘‘You have admitted you would ac- of Senator Howard Baker to be Ambas- are sending a message that we believe cept non-career people; you do not have sador to Japan, and of Nancy Kasse- Senator Mansfield’s observation is an absolutely rigid position on that; baum, a good friend of mine, a former truer today than it has ever been. The what kind of people is it you are look- Senator from Kansas, to go along, as alliance between our two great nations ing for in terms of non-career people to well. is so important that it demands an become Ambassadors,’’ I would start Senator Baker I have gotten to know Ambassador of the caliber of Senator right off by saying I would be looking better. I have not served in this body Howard Baker, and I am certain that for someone like Howard Baker. This with him. Japan will recognize, by receiving Sen- can be the mold, in a sense, of what we I have known Nancy Kassebaum very ator Baker and Senator Nancy Kasse- are looking for from outside the career well over the years, her political his- baum, that America is clearly sending foreign service. tory in Kansas. Her family has great its very best. We have all known Howard well in leadership in my State. Her dad, Alf I join with my colleagues this after- the Senate. We hold him in enormous Landon, was a Presidential nominee, noon in expressing heartfelt congratu- respect. He is a man of great wisdom and in 1936 was Governor of Kansas. lations to Howard and Nancy, to ex- and judgment, of never-failing cour- Senator Kassebaum followed in his press a sentiment I know is shared by tesy. All here who have dealt with him footsteps as a very able, qualified, every Member of this body in our pride always sensed the respect he extended wholesome, and dignified public serv- and admiration for them and in our to others which, of course, evoked a re- ant. She did an excellent job. She will hope that they continue to enjoy pub- spect from others back towards him. do an excellent job in Japan, as well. lic service and our thanks for serving We need to remember that lesson Senator Howard Baker I have gotten their country so well. I yield the floor. around here sometimes. to know later in life. Sometimes he has The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Over the years we saw him exercise come to Kansas State University foot- ator from Maryland. power with a sensitivity and a respon- ball games. A great fan—and he picks a Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise sibility that is a real tribute to him as great team to support. When we play in strong support of the nomination of a leader. We have a lot of difficult Tennessee, I understand they have a Howard Baker to be U.S. Ambassador issues that arise from time to time family dispute between Kansas and to Japan. I must say, and I am merely with Japan. Tennessee and he stays with Ten- here speaking to the Japanese, I think We ought not let those issues cause nessee, while Senator Kassebaum stays this nomination is yet again a clear in- us to lose sight of how important hav- with Kansas State University. dication of the importance the United ing a strong positive relationship is This is an important nomination for States attaches to the relationship with that country. I am sure Howard reasons already noted, but I will reit- with Japan. Baker, as his predecessors, Tom Foley erate; that is, the significance of the For now what will be a quarter of a and Mike Mansfield, have done, will be stature of the Ambassador we are send- century, we have sent Senator Mike able to communicate that to the Japa- ing to represent us in Japan. Japan is Mansfield, Speaker Tom Foley, and nese people and communicate back to a key ally of the United States. Japan now Senator Howard Baker as our rep- Members of the Congress the situation is in a region that will draw increasing resentatives to the Japanese Govern- that exists. focus from the United States in the fu- ment and to the Japanese people. I One of the things that both Ambas- ture and has in recent times even more hope it is fully appreciated in Japan— sador Mansfield and Ambassador Foley so. So we are sending to Japan a man and I think it is—exactly what this did was maintain contacts with Mem- of stature from our Nation to represent means in terms of how highly we value bers of Congress. Having come out of us in a part of the world on which we this relationship, how important we the institution, they appreciated the will increasingly focus. think it is to the course of events role it plays in these relationships. I We have had difficulties recently in internationally and, of course, how think that is one of the strengths that Asia, particularly in our relationship much it reflects the very strong con- Howard Baker will bring to this ambas- with China. We are expanding our rela- viction on the part of all of us here sadorship. Second, he served in the tionship with other nations throughout that Howard Baker and his wife Nancy White House as chief of staff, so he Asia. We are expanding our relation- will do an outstanding job representing knows the workings of the executive ship with India and South Asia. This us. branch. He can bring that expertise entire region of the world is growing in I have taken the floor of the Senate also to bear as he assumes this very significance globally and growing in on occasion to oppose ambassadorial important responsibility. significance to the United States. nominations, particularly non-career I think Nancy Baker will be an ex- It is important we send this level of ambassadorial nominations. I do not tremely important dimension to this leadership to this region in the form of take the position that all Ambassadors ambassadorship. I know at one point Senator Baker, for him to be able to should come out of the career service there was talk of a co-ambassadorship. represent our interests and our because I think we can draw from out- I don’t quite see how you do that, given thoughts at this time of expanded U.S. side of the career service to bring peo- the direct responsibilities on an Am- activity and engagement throughout ple who can make a real contribution— bassador, but I am sure she will add a that area.

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.091 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 S5568 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 23, 2001 I wholeheartedly endorse his nomina- A lot of people don’t know that he is ingredient that an Ambassador should tion as a member of the Committee on an accomplished photographer and has possess. Foreign Relations. I am delighted the published two or three books of pic- The appointment of Howard Baker to United States will have this individual tures that are outstanding. He took be Ambassador to Japan is the single involved in its foreign affairs. He will pictures of that young one just born 24 strongest signal that the people of make an outstanding representative, hours earlier, and her mama and proud Japan could have that we value this re- an outstanding Ambassador. Nancy daddy and granddaddy and all the lationship with Japan. Kassebaum will be a co-Ambassador. I nurses in the hospital. Senator HELMS and I have been here think she will be dearly loved by the Fast forward about 4 or 5 years and the same length of time, Senator Japanese people, the same way she was Katie Stuart visited us and Howard INOUYE longer, but I doubt whether loved by the people of Kansas. While found out about it. He was then the there is any country to which we have she served in the Senate, there was no chief of staff for the President of the sent more distinguished men and politician in the country who had a United States at the White House, women—men in this case—than to higher approval rating on a statewide President Ronald Reagan. He called me Japan. He goes in the tradition of some basis than Nancy Kassebaum. There up and said: We need to update that truly great Americans. That sounds are some who say she ranked just picture that we took at the hospital. like a trite thing to say, ‘‘great Ameri- below the sunset and the wheat harvest So we went down to the White House cans,’’ but Mike Mansfield, ‘‘iron in her approval ratings in our State. and he had all the lights set up and he Mike,’’ from Montana had more integ- She had a lofty stature, and she will said: Now, JESSE, I want you to get rity in his little finger than most have carry that along with her to Japan. Katie in your arms and I want to pho- in their whole body, a man whom ev- This is a great nomination that I tograph the proudest granddaddy and eryone admired, a distinguished Speak- wholeheartedly support. the sweetest granddaughter I ever saw. er of the House of Representatives, I yield the floor. And he took that picture. That picture Tom Foley, a distinguished colleague The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. AL- is on my wall to this good day. of ours, and on the opposite side of my LARD). The Senator from North Caro- Howard Baker will make a great Am- friend from North Carolina, but re- lina. bassador. On his own hook he would be spected, Fritz Mondale, a man who Mr. HELMS. I ask it be in order for great, but he has a second advantage, graced this place—and I mean that lit- me to deliver my brief remarks seated and that is a lady named Nancy Kasse- erally, graced this body—and Howard at my desk. baum Baker, who sat right back there, Baker. And I am leaving out others of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without as a great Senator herself. And as consequence as well. objection, it is so ordered. someone said this morning, Nancy her- Let me say it is not hyperbole to sug- Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I made self would make a good Ambassador gest, as I did this morning, and the some remarks this morning at the time anywhere she was sent. Senator referenced it, that Senator of the reporting out of the Committee I could go on and on, but suffice it to Nancy Kassebaum, all by herself, would on Foreign Relations the very wise say that Howard Baker’s experience be fully capable of dispatching the re- nomination of Howard Baker to be the and personal qualities and those of sponsibilities of the Ambassador to U.S. Ambassador to Tokyo. I said then, Nancy Kassebaum Baker will serve him Japan. Really, as we always say, the and I repeat, there is not one Senator and her and them well. The United Senator from North Carolina and I, be- who ever served with the distinguished States relationship with Japan is crit- cause of our responsibilities on the former majority leader of this Senate— ical in this new era. In sending an Am- Foreign Relations Committee and con- and I see where he sat right there—not bassador such as Howard Baker, Presi- firming all Ambassadors—we always one Senator who would not be honored dent Bush has chosen a superbly quali- say the spouse of the nominee is some- to join in paying his or her respects to fied American to represent the Amer- one who makes a sacrifice as well as one of the most respected Senators ican people in Japan, an outstanding who makes a contribution. It is almost ever to serve in the Senate. ally of our country, the United States always true, in some cases more than All of us have fond memories of our of America. others. relationship with Senator Baker, and I yield the floor. This is a combination of political all of us like him and respect him and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- leadership, diplomacy, knowledge, and admire him for his intelligence and his ator from Delaware. access—access to the corridors of legislative skills and his ability to Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, I rise in power in the White House—that I think broker meaningful compromises and support of Howard Baker. I realize this is unparalleled. for being just a darn nice guy. is unusual; the chairman of the com- I join with my colleagues in saying I must confess, my affection for How- mittee should be the one to close. I that Howard Baker is a fine choice. ard is because he has been so gracious apologize. I didn’t know you were More than that, he is a truly fine man. to my grandchildren, and that is the speaking. I think I am the last to As I said this morning, he and I have way to any man’s heart. I recall that speak and I will be brief. been on opposite sides of things—more on one occasion, the day after one of Howard Baker is one of the few men together than on opposite sides—but I my granddaughters was born, Howard or women nominated for Ambassador truly consider him a friend. It is pre- was going to North Carolina with me that it would be warranted not to be sumptuous of me to say of a man of his for a little adventure. He called me be- briefed about because there is so much stature that I am a friend. He was a fore we left and he said: JESSE, who is to say about Howard Baker. The distin- man of consequence long before I ar- going to meet us at the airport? guished senior Senator from Hawaii, rived. I don’t mean to be presumptuous I said: I don’t know, but I will find standing in the well, knows him as well in saying we are close friends. We are out. as I do—and maybe a little better. I He said: I just wondered if I could different in generations and different have been here 28 years. He was as fine take a trip. in age. But we are friends. I admire I said: You can go anywhere you a leader of the Senate as we had in ei- him. I admire him very much, and I want to go. ther party. He is a man who, as I said compliment the President. He said: I would like to go to the hos- this morning, possessed not only good I will close with what I have always pital where that young one of yours judgment but a strong dose of wisdom. thought to be and I believe to be an old was born yesterday. Howard Baker has a piece of the Anglo-Saxon expression. It says: Char- I said: Howard, you don’t need do country lawyer in him, the country acter is little more than the length- that. lawyer who knows how to cut through ened shadow of a man. And he said: No, I like grandchildren, difficult circumstances in a way that Howard Baker casts a very long shad- and I would like to go, if you don’t resolves a situation and at the same ow. He has great character. He will mind. time does no harm or damage to either serve this Nation well at what I believe I said: Fine. the egos and/or positions of either of to be the single most critical time in He said: As long as I’m going, can I the parties. That is the mark of a lead- U.S.-Japanese and U.S.-Asian affairs take my camera with me? er. It seems to me that is the primary since the end of World War II. Words

VerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:43 May 24, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G23MY6.096 pfrm04 PsN: S23PT1 May 23, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5569 matter; Howard Baker chooses his well, Mr. HELMS. I defer the question. Shelby Stabenow Torricelli Smith (NH) Stevens Voinovich and I know of no place more than Mr. NELSON of Florida. I just want- Smith (OR) Thomas Warner Japan where words, decorum, and di- ed to say as a member of the Foreign Snowe Thompson Wellstone plomacy matter more. Relations Committee, to the chairman Specter Thurmond Wyden No better choice could be made. I and my ranking member, as a new NOT VOTING—1 compliment the President. Member, I was quite struck today at Ensign The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the testimony taken with regard to The nomination was confirmed. ator from South Carolina. Senator Baker. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I move to Mr. HOLLINGS. Let me commend First of all, I saw the deep respect President Bush on his appointment of reconsider the vote and I move to lay that Senator BIDEN and Senator HELMS former Senator Howard Baker as the that motion on the table. had for him. And then I heard the testi- Ambassador to Japan. I guess, since we The motion to lay on the table was mony from Senator Dole as well, and came to the Senate together, I know agreed to. Senator BYRD. him about as well as any. I have trav- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The eled with him. I have seen him in ac- What struck me was Senator BIDEN’s President shall be immediately noti- tion on trips. I have his photography in words, when he referred to Senator fied of the Senate’s action. Baker as a man of the Senate. Before I my home. I visited in his home at f Huntsville, TN, with his former wife came here, I would not have known the Joy and, since he lost Joy, he is now depth of feeling in that statement. But LEGISLATIVE SESSION married to our great friend and distin- as I have had the privilege of getting to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- guished former Senator from Kansas, know all of you, and to interact with ate will now return to legislative ses- Nancy Kassebaum. you on a daily basis, I now understand sion. They are a wonderful family, Nancy’s the respect that you accorded to Sen- f son, daughter-in-law, the grand- ator Baker by referring to him as a children. They are right down there in man of the Senate: Someone whose ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 24, my hometown of Charleston, so I get to word can be counted on; someone who 2001 see them fortunately from time to has principles; someone whose sense of Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I time. integrity other people recognize. Isn’t ask unanimous consent that when the There is an old wag about coming to that what we need in our Government Senate completes its business today, it the Senate. You wonder how in the these days? adjourn until the hour of 10 a.m. on world, when you first get here, you got So it is with a feeling of great privi- Thursday, May 24. I further ask con- into this exclusive body. Then after a lege that, as a new Senator, I join with sent that on Thursday, immediately couple of years, you lose all humility all of you supporting Senator Baker to following the prayer, the Journal of and you wonder how the rest of them be our Ambassador to this very impor- proceedings be approved to date, the got here. tant country, to further the interests morning hour be deemed to have ex- You observe them. Everyone here has of the United States of America. pired, the time for the two leaders be a talent, all of high intellect and expe- Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I renew reserved for their use later in the day, rience or they would not have been se- my request. and the Senate then begin a period of lected by their several States. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time morning business with Senators speak- But what I really look for is that having expired, the question is, Will ing therein for up to 5 minutes each, judgment. There is no question, more the Senate advise and consent to the with the following exceptions: Senator than a balanced budget we need bal- nomination of Howard H. Baker, Jr., of THOMAS, or his designee, from 10 a.m. anced Senators around here, and that Tennessee, to be Ambassador Extraor- to 10:45 a.m., and Senator DURBIN, or was Howard Baker. When I ran for dinary and Plenipotentiary of the his designee, from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. President, I know no one remembers United States of America to Japan? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that—— objection, it is so ordered. Mr. BIDEN. I do. The yeas have and nays have been or- Mr. HOLLINGS. You and I were out dered. The clerk will call the roll. f there together—to be forgotten. The assistant legislative clerk called PROGRAM We were asked that question, when the roll. Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, for you get along to a stage in your cam- Mr. NICKLES. I announce that the paign, who would you select as Sec- Senator from Nevada (Mr. ENSIGN) is the information of all Senators, the retary of State? This is back in the necessarily absent. Senate will be in a period of morning early 1980s. And I said Howard Baker The result was announced—yeas 99, business beginning at 10 a.m. tomor- because of his sense of history, his ca- nays 0, as follows: row. Senators should be aware that pacity for reasoned judgment, and his [Rollcall Vote No. 166 Ex.] votes may occur during tomorrow afternoon’s session and throughout the intellect. He knows the world. He YEAS—99 knows Japan. He knows our defense remainder of the week. The Senate Akaka Daschle Kennedy may consider the conference report to needs, our security needs in the Pacific Allard Dayton Kerry rim, our trade problems and opportuni- Allen DeWine Kohl accompany the reconciliation bill and ties there and everything else. Baucus Dodd Kyl any executive or legislative items Bayh Domenici Landrieu available for action prior to the Memo- Since others are here and ready and I Bennett Dorgan Leahy take it we are ready to vote, let me Biden Durbin Levin rial Day recess. simply say I am enthused about this Bingaman Edwards Lieberman f particular appointment. I think the Bond Enzi Lincoln Boxer Feingold Lott ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. country is very fortunate to have him Breaux Feinstein Lugar TOMORROW as our Ambassador. Brownback Fitzgerald McCain I yield the floor. Bunning Frist McConnell Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, if The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Burns Graham Mikulski there is no further business to come be- Byrd Gramm Miller fore the Senate, I now ask unanimous ator from North Carolina. Campbell Grassley Murkowski Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, on behalf Cantwell Gregg Murray consent that the Senate stand in ad- of the majority leader, I yield the re- Carnahan Hagel Nelson (FL) journment under the previous order. mainder of the time. Carper Harkin Nelson (NE) There being no objection, the Senate, Chafee Hatch Nickles at 5:57 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, I ask for the yeas and nays. Cleland Helms Reed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Clinton Hollings Reid May 24, 2001, at 10 a.m. sufficient second? There is a sufficient Cochran Hutchinson Roberts f second. Collins Hutchison Rockefeller Mr. NELSON of Florida. Will the Conrad Inhofe Santorum NOMINATIONS Corzine Inouye Sarbanes chairman allow me to say one short Craig Jeffords Schumer Executive nominations received by thing? Crapo Johnson Sessions the Senate May 23, 2001:

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