S6776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 12, 2014 between ensuring our security and pro- domitable spirit of our wounded war- and his unyielding commitment to tecting our privacy is a false choice, riors recovering at Walter Reed, Be- keeping this nation safe. He has been and that we can keep faith with our thesda and in Colorado. I have mourned an enormously effective vice chairman Nation’s founding principles while also our fallen. Their sacrifice, and the loss over the past 4 years. And even as his safeguarding our communities. So that is borne by their families and a tenure here draws to a close, he has when the CIA tortured people in the grateful Nation, is never far from my once again demonstrated his superb name of the Americans it was supposed mind. To all those who have served, leadership in setting the record to serve, we were strong enough as a and to all their loved ones, I offer my straight on the Intelligence Commit- Nation to admit our mistakes and com- deepest thanks and my never ending tee’s investigation of the CIA’s deten- mit to learning from this dark period gratitude. tion and interrogation program. in our Nation’s history. That is why I When I first came to the U.S. Senate, Above all else, SAXBY is a proud hus- led the fight on the Intelligence Com- I told my colleagues that we were not band, father of two, and grandfather of mittee to declassify the findings of our elected to solve Democratic or Repub- six. I know that his lovely wife landmark report on the CIA’s Deten- lican problems, but to find uniquely Julianne and the rest of his family are tion and Interrogation Program, to American solutions to our toughest eager to spend more time together in make sure that future presidents and challenges. Just like mountain climb- the coming years. intelligence community leaders do not ers who are all on the same rope, we Mr. President, SAXBY and the entire violate the principles that make Amer- know that we are all in this together— Chambliss family should know that his ica so exceptional. and that we are only truly successful colleagues, his fellow Georgians, and These are all important accomplish- when we all succeed together. his fellow Americans are truly grateful ments—but I would be remiss if I did The great writer Wallace Stegner for SAXBY’s service and his family’s not acknowledge that true leadership challenged us to build communities to sacrifices. I wish them all the best. is a team sport. I have been fortunate match our scenery. In a narrow sense, TOM COBURN to be surrounded by many people whose that means that we should strive to Madam President, I also pay tribute insights, counsel and contributions make our society as beautiful and to my friend TOM COBURN as he pre- have made me a stronger and more ef- thriving as the natural landscape that pares to leave the Senate. For 10 years, fective advocate for Colorado. In par- surrounds us. But in a broader sense, it TOM has served the people of Oklahoma ticular, I want to point out that former also means that our communities as their junior Senator. He is a man of Colorado U.S. Senator Gary Hart has should bring out the best in us, and principle and fierce determination. He been a key, trusted advisor and a dear that we should never stop building on has shown himself willing time and friend throughout my 18 years of public the uniquely independent yet coopera- again to stand up to special interests service. I want to thank my Chief of tive spirit that makes Colorado great. and to fight for what he believes in. He Staff, Michael Sozan, who has guided That is the spirit that has guided me will be missed. my Senate office with a steady hand throughout my time in public service, Senator COBURN was born in Casper, for the last 6 years . . . and my State and it is the spirit that will continue , in 1948 and was raised in Director, Jen Rokala, who I have had to guide me as I find new ways to keep Muskogee, OK. His father Orin was a the pleasure of working with over the Colorado and our country moving for- prominent optician and the founder of past 15 years as we served the people of ward. Coburn Optical Industries. TOM at- Colorado. I also want to thank Joe It has been the greatest privilege of tended college at Oklahoma State Uni- Britton, my Deputy Chief of Staff; my life to be a United States Senator versity, where he graduated with a de- Jake Swanton, my Legislative Direc- from Colorado and I will be forever gree in accounting. From 1970 to 1978 tor; John Fossum, my administrative grateful for having had the challenge he was a manufacturing manager at his director; and Mike Saccone, my Com- and the opportunity to serve our great family’s company. After a bout with munications Director, for ably guiding country. cancer, TOM returned to school to be- me and my office. f come a physician, graduating in 1983 Even before coming to the Senate, I from the University of Oklahoma Med- had the pleasure of working with many TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING ical School. Following his residency, SENATORS dedicated people who put everything on TOM moved back to Muskogee to prac- the line to better serve Colorado. I SAXBY CHAMBLISS tice family medicine and obstetrics. He want to thank Alan Salazar, my former Mr. HATCH. Madam President, I rise has personally delivered more than Chief of Staff, along with Laura Davis, today to honor my good friend Senator 4,000 babies. Lisa Carpenter, Stan Sloss, Doug SAXBY CHAMBLISS on the occasion of Senator COBURN began his career in Young, Cookab Hashemi, and Tara Tru- his retirement. For 20 years, he has public service in 1994, when he was jillo for their guidance, patience, and served his fellow Georgians in Congress elected to the U.S. House of Represent- good humor. I also want to thank two with honor and distinction. He will be atives from Oklahoma. He served in the staffers who have been with me from sorely missed. House for 6 years, then went back to the start: Jennifer Barrett, one of my A preacher’s son, SAXBY was born in Muskogee to resume his medical prac- most trusted advisers, and Carter Elli- Warrenton, NC. He graduated from the tice. Three years later, in 2004, TOM son, my constituent services director. University of Georgia and the Univer- was elected to the U.S. Senate to fill The list of talented and driven people sity of Tennessee College of Law. As a the seat being vacated by retiring Sen- who have worked with me over the lawyer in south Georgia, he built a suc- ator Don Nickles. Here in the Senate years is too long to read but their com- cessful law practice representing the he has served with distinction on a mitment to serving Colorado and our farmers that are the lifeblood of his number of important committees, in- Nation fills me with awe. I will miss state. cluding the Committee on Homeland my team greatly. He put his expertise on farm issues to Security and Government Affairs, of It also has been my honor to serve as good use here in Congress and became which he is the Ranking Member. a member of the Senate Armed Serv- a key player in negotiations for each of Since first arriving in Congress, Sen- ices Committee for the last 6 years— the farm bills considered during his ator COBURN has been a strong pro- and on the House Armed Services Com- tenure. And just 2 years after he was ponent of fiscal restraint. His efforts to mittee before that. During that time, I elected to the Senate, he assumed the fight deficit spending, pork barrel had the privilege of working on behalf chairmanship of the Agriculture, Nu- projects, and earmarks earned him the of the tremendous men and women who trition, and Forestry Committee, the nickname ‘‘Dr. No.’’ I have always defend our Nation. I have witnessed fastest any new Senator has risen to thought this nickname was a com- their great courage, professionalism chair a standing committee since 1947. pliment to TOM. It shows he is willing and commitment in performing dan- SAXBY and I served together for to stand up against powerful interests gerous missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, many years on the Select Committee in defense of his principles, and that he Djibouti and other places around the on Intelligence, where I came to appre- takes seriously the problems of unnec- world. I have been humbled by the in- ciate his wisdom, his sound judgment, essary spending and long-term debt.

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Earlier this year, TOM and I, along served. I wish him, his wife Stephanie, open-minded, and hard-working. He with Senator , intro- and their children the best going for- will be missed. duced the Patient CARE Act, a mar- ward. Senator PRYOR comes from a distin- ket-based alternative to Obamacare. JAY guished Arkansas . His TOM and I have also worked together to Madam President, in addition I pay father, David Pryor, was Governor of fight waste and corruption at the De- tribute to my friend and colleague JAY and later Senator from Arkansas. partment of Health and Human Serv- ROCKEFELLER, who will soon retire MARK was born in Fayetteville, AR, ices and to reinvigorate the States’ from the Senate. I have known JAY for and attended college at the University roles in meeting transportation, safety, many years. He is a man of principle of Arkansas. He received a law degree and other needs. who has dedicated his life to serving from the University of Arkansas Madam President, Senator COBURN is the citizens of . He is a School of Law and then spent several an honorable and steadfast man. He serious legislator and an honorable years in private practice. has served his country well. I wish him, man. I will miss him. In 1991, Senator PRYOR was elected to his wife Carolyn, and their family the Senator ROCKEFELLER is a member of the Arkansas House of Representa- very best. a prominent and distinguished Amer- tives. Eight years later he was elected Attorney General of Arkansas. In 2002, MIKE JOHANNS ican family. He is the great-grandson Madam President, as well I honor my of John D. Rockefeller, the founder of MARK won election to the U.S. Senate from Arkansas, winning the same seat colleague and friend MIKE JOHANNS. Standard Oil. JAY was born in New his father once held. For many years, Senator JOHANNS has York City and attended school at Phil- In the Senate, MARK has distin- worked tirelessly for the people of Ne- lips Exeter Academy and Harvard Col- guished himself through his independ- lege, from which he earned an A.B. braska, first at the local level, then at ence and his willingness to reach the state level as Governor, and most After college JAY worked for the Peace across party lines. Although MARK and Corps and the Department of Far East- recently as senior Senator from Ne- I have not always agreed, I have always ern Affairs. He then went to work for braska. MIKE is a kind and thoughtful known he has acted in what he firmly man, and I have been grateful to serve the Volunteers in Service to America believes are the best interests of his with him these past 6 years. (VISTA) program, during which time State. Senator JOHANNS was born and raised he moved to West Virginia. Senator PRYOR has served on a num- in Osage, IA, where he grew up working Senator ROCKEFELLER began his po- ber of important committees during his on his family’s farm. After high school, litical career in 1966, when he was time in the Senate, including the Ap- he attended Saint Mary’s University of elected to the West Virginia House of propriations Committee, the Homeland Minnesota and Creighton University Delegates. Two years he later became Security and Governmental Affairs School of Law. Following law school the West Virginia Secretary of State. Committee, and the Committee on MIKE clerked on the Nebraska Supreme After a brief stint as President of West Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Court and then practiced law in Lin- Virginia Wesleyan College, JAY re- tation. I have been fortunate to work coln, NE, where he was a founding turned to public service in 1976, when with him on a number of important partner at the firm Nelson, Johanns, he was elected Governor of West Vir- pieces of legislation, on topics ranging Morris, Holdeman, and Titus. ginia. Following two successful terms from medical care to homeland secu- In 1983, Senator JOHANNS was elected as Governor, he won election to the rity to victim restitution. He has been to the Lancaster County Board. Five U.S. Senate in 1984, where he has a strong partner in these efforts, and I years later he won election to the Lin- served ever since. have been grateful to have him as an coln City Council, and then, 3 years Senator ROCKEFELLER has held a ally. after that, became Mayor of Lincoln. number of important positions in the Senator PRYOR is a decent and MIKE followed his success in local poli- Senate, including Chairman of the Sen- thoughtful man. He has served his tics with success in state politics. In ate Select Committee on Intelligence, State honorably. I wish him and his 1998, he won his first term as Governor where I was privileged to serve with family the very best. of Nebraska, and was reelected by a him. This is a crucially important JOHN WALSH landslide 4 years later. committee that deals with some of the Madam President, finally I pay trib- Senator JOHANNS entered national weightiest issues that come before Con- ute to Senator JOHN WALSH. I have politics in 2004 when President George gress. JAY led the committee with known JOHN for only a brief time, but W. Bush asked him to serve as Sec- equanimity and respect. His work I know that he is a good man who has retary of Agriculture. Four years later helped keep our country safe. served his country well. he won election to the U.S. Senate Senator ROCKEFELLER has also been Senator WALSH began his service to from Nebraska, where he has served an active legislator. I was honored to our country long before he came to the with distinction ever since. work with him on the creation of the Senate. He joined the Montana Na- When he retires later this month, State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- tional Guard right after high school- Senator JOHANNS will have spent more gram, or SCHIP, which has made the start of an impressive military ca- than 25 years as a public servant. I health insurance available to millions reer. JOHN served 8 years as an enlisted commend him for his service to the of children. Other issues JAY and I have U.S. Army soldier before he was com- state of Nebraska and to the people of worked on together over the years in- missioned as a Second Lieutenant in this Nation. clude tax reform, stem cell research, 1987. As an officer, he distinguished Although his tenure in the Senate and protecting the American flag. He himself and quickly rose through the was brief, Senator JOHANNS wasted no and I did not always see eye to eye, but ranks. time. His previous experience as Sec- I always knew he did what he thought Senator WALSH led the 163rd Infantry retary of Agriculture proved indispen- was right. Battalion in Iraq, commanding more sable as a member of the Senate Com- Mr. President, I am grateful to have than 700 Army National Guard soldiers mittee on Agriculture. To this com- been able to serve alongside Senator in combat. He later received the Bronze mittee, he brought an expertise on ROCKEFELLER these past 30 years. He’s Star and the Combat Infantryman’s farming issues unrivaled by other a man of deep conviction, and a man badge for his service. In 2008, Governor freshman senators. He also served ac- utterly devoted to the people of his Brian Schweitzer appointed JOHN the tively on the Banking Committee and home state of West Virginia. I wish the Adjutant General of Montana’s Na- was a member of the Senate’s Gang of very best for him, his wife Sharon, and tional Guard. As Adjutant General,

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I am ship and strength, and he always deliv- His insight and his immediate grasp going to keep your number on speed ered. of the essence of so many controversial dial in my office so I’ll have it when Senator WALSH moved from military and complicated issues has made him a one of those days comes along when I service to public office when he became great asset on the committees on need a thoughtful word or two for a de- Montana’s Lieutenant Governor in which he has served. His willingness to bate or a committee session. As the 2013. Governor Steve Bullock appointed get involved and lead on some pretty saying goes facts are tough and power- JOHN to fill former Senator Max Bau- difficult issues has enabled him to ful things and when it comes to those cus’s seat in February 2014, making make a difference that will be remem- issues in which he truly believes so is JOHN the first veteran to bered around here for quite a while. TOM COBURN. serve as a Senator. In our deliberations one of TOM’s TIM JOHNSON Though his time here in the Senate great weapons has been his mastery Madam President, it is a tradition was brief, Senator WALSH was an active and understanding of the facts sur- here in the Senate to take a moment member of the Committee on Rules and rounding his positions on the issues we before the end of each session of Con- Administration; the Committee on Ag- have taken up in committee and on the gress to express our appreciation for riculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and floor. He is an excellent speaker and the service of those Members who will the Committee on Commerce, Science, when he talks we are all very atten- be retiring at the end of the year. It is and Transportation. He always treated tive. The reason why is simple. If you always a difficult time to lose some of me and our other colleagues with the agree with him you want to know what our best and brightest. One fellow Sen- utmost kindness and respect. his views are so you will be able to ator I know we will all miss is TIM Senator WALSH is a good man who strengthen your own arguments on the JOHNSON. has dedicated his life to serving our bill with some of his reflections and TIM has had quite a remarkable ca- country and keeping us safe. I wish recommendations. If you disagree with reer and legacy of service to South Da- him, his wife Janet, and their children him you will still want to hear him kota of which he should be very proud. the very best. speak so you will know what the He came to the Senate to work for the TOM COBURN toughest arguments are you will be people of his State and he did such a Mr. ENZI. Madam President, at the faced with during our deliberations. good job they kept sending him back. close of each session of Congress it is No matter what side you are on, it is It is been a mutual admiration soci- our tradition to take a moment to ex- rare that anyone has ever questioned ety—the people of South Dakota and press our appreciation and say goodbye his facts. They may not like them—but TIM. to those of our colleagues who will be you can not avoid acknowledging TIM followed a proven path of success retiring at the session’s close. It is al- them. for his service in Congress by first serv- ways a bittersweet moment to reflect In addition, as a father, a grand- ing in the South Dakota State Legisla- on the important contributions our father and a physician, TOM has been ture. He had a knack for getting things friends have made as they worked so an outspoken advocate on health and done there that it preceded him to hard to represent their States and our medical issues. During his career he serve in the House as South Dakota’s Nation. has worked to increase the access of at-large Representative. He quickly de- Such an individual is TOM COBURN seniors to the health care services they veloped a reputation in the House as and that is just one of the reasons why need. He has also been active in efforts someone who had an abundance of good we will miss him. TOM always has and to try to control health care costs and ideas. As a freshman he had a list of always will be a strong voice for con- protect the right to life of the unborn. bills he had dropped in that was longer servative values and principles. There He has such a strong kinship with the than any other freshman in the House. are not many who can express their be- delegations of the West because TOM It was clear to everyone that TIM was liefs with the same kind of clarity and has a strong and heartfelt under- the kind of person who knew how to power he brings to the issues the Sen- standing of the challenges of our urban get results. ate takes up for deliberations. communities. I have often said one of TIM and I were part of the same I will always believe that TOM has our great battles here in Washington is freshman class of the Senate. Over the been so successful in his career as a po- to help our colleagues get a deeper un- years I have enjoyed having a chance litical leader and a doctor because he derstanding of the difference in life in to come to know him. He has proved to began his life with one of the greatest the large eastern cities and the smaller be a good friend, a great ally and some- of all advantages—he was born in Wyo- rural communities of the West. It is a one who was willing to work with ming, in Casper. That was not all. He crucial difference that must be under- members on all sides to get things done graduated from Oklahoma State Uni- stood to get a better sense of what is for South Dakota and our Nation. versity with a degree in accounting. As needed to help both our rural and For me, it meant a great deal to have an accountant myself I was not sur- urban communities to grow and pros- a Senator from a neighboring State prised by that. His love of accounting, per. who had an understanding of our agri- his fondness for numbers and details, In the next session I know we will culture industry. As I have often said, and his Wyoming birth all help to ex- miss him, his understanding of our con- urban life is very different from rural plain his power of persuasion. servative values and principles and his life and it was good to have someone to I am kidding about that but one commitment to this generation and the work with whose background made thing that is true about his back- next—and beyond. TOM knows that if those issues and the need for action ground is how his love of numbers and future generations are to have it as clear to him. his understanding of budgets and ac- good as we have we will all have to That is one of the reasons why TIM counting practices has helped him to learn to get along with a little less. has such a strong understanding of one understand the financial problems we Now TOM is closing that great chap- of the key issues of the West—water. currently face as a nation and the im- ter of his life that contains his service For many of us water is something portance of taking action to address in the House and the Senate. It has not that we take for granted. It is easy. them before they get so far out of hand been easy. The House and Senate are You turn on the tap and you can have we will be jeopardizing the future of very different places in which to as much as you want. our children and our grandchildren. work—and make progress but TOM has Unfortunately, for our rural commu- That would have never happened on managed to do it—and he has the re- nities, it is not that easy. Water is a TOM’s watch. Grandfathers are like sults to show for his efforts. precious commodity—down to the last that. With one eye on the bottom line Thank you, TOM, for all you have drop. In fact, just about everyone from and the other on the future of our Na- done to make our Nation a better place the West has heard the old adage, tion, TOM has developed an amazing to live. We are grateful for your serv- ‘‘Whiskey is for drinking, Water is for knack for finding ways to cut waste ice, for your vision for America and fighting!’’

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That is why you will find his leg- the beginnings of the wars in Afghani- When it comes to protecting and islative record of accomplishments stan and Iraq, the operation against championing people with disabilities, filled with his efforts to pass infra- Osama bin Laden and the current con- there is no equal to TOM HARKIN. He structure projects to ensure our water flict against the terrorist group ISIS. helped write the Americans with Dis- supplies would be both reliable and Chairman LEVIN has guided our caucus abilities Act, ADA, of 1990 and the ADA available. through the National Defense Author- Amendments Act of 2008. These bills I could go on about his other accom- ization Act process every year, work- did for people with disabilities what plishments and our work together on ing to ensure members have an oppor- the civil rights acts of the 1950s and agriculture issues but I would be here tunity to include their priority issues 1960s did for African-Americans. He au- for quite a long time and not begin to in the bill. I am grateful for Senator thored the Television Decoder Cir- make a dent in what he has been able LEVIN’s support of my efforts to ensure cuitry Act to create universal closed to achieve during his career. Let me Afghan women and girls remain at the captioning and he expanded services for just say that the work TIM began in the forefront of our Afghanistan policy children with disabilities under the In- State Legislature and continued when through this transition period. One of dividuals with Disabilities in Edu- he came to Congress has helped to Senator LEVIN’s most important leg- cation Act, IDEA. Under the Workforce make South Dakota what it is today. I acies will be his thoughtful and prin- Investment Opportunity Act, he en- think by any standard he has done a cipled opposition to shifting attention hanced employment opportunities for good job and made the people of his away from the fight against al Qaeda young people with disabilities and home State proud. in Afghanistan to Iraq. Our caucus will under the he cre- Through the years, TIM has had some miss CARL LEVIN’s steady hand guiding ated the Community First Choice Op- health problems, but he never let them us through these important matters. tion to give states that offer services stop him or slow him down in his work At the helm of the Permanent Sub- to people with disabilities outside of for South Dakota. Sometimes I think committee on Investigations, Senator nursing homes extra federal funding. of him as a warrior—a quiet one—who LEVIN has led the charge against some Senator HARKIN pushed the issue of is blessed with a spirit to work for the of the worst abuse and corruption oc- prevention and the health and wellness people of South Dakota that just can curring in our country. Under Senator of Americans long before those issues not be diminished. LEVIN’s leadership the subcommittee became national themes. Senator HAR- When I think of TIM I will always conducted an eighteen month inves- KIN wrote the prevention title in the think of him as someone who leads the tigation into the causes of the finan- Affordable Care Act and introduced the best way, by example. I have learned a cial crisis that culminated in four first bill that allowed the Food and lot from him over the years and I think hearings in April 2010. The hearings Drug Administration, FDA, to regulate we have made a difference together in brought forth information that helped tobacco. He is also the reason the word our shared commitment to our Na- craft the Wall Street Reform and Con- ‘‘Prevention’’ is included in the Cen- tion’s agriculture industry. We have sumer Protection Act of 2010. He also ters for Disease Control and Preven- worked on a lot of bills together and by led an investigation into abusive and tion’s name. Child labor is another placing both our names on a bill we unfair practices of the credit card in- area where TOM was ahead of the curve. made it a bipartisan effort that I would dustry, which would lead to the Credit The Clinton Administration’s Execu- like to think drew a lot of other Mem- Card Accountability Responsibility and tive Order, ‘‘Prohibition of Acquisition bers to our side to work with us. Disclosure Act, along with investiga- of Products Produced by Forced and In- Thank you, TIM, for your service, not tions into tax shelters, offshore tax ha- dentured Child Labor,’’ was backed by only to South Dakota but to the West vens and Federal contractor tax delin- Senator HARKIN and he helped obtain and to all our Nation. You have a lot to quency, among other issues. In 2012, the adoption and Senate ratification of look back on with the satisfaction that the National Journal wrote that ‘‘the United Nations Convention 182, a trea- comes from having done a job and done Permanent Subcommittee on Inves- ty that called for the elimination of it well. Diana joins in sending our best tigations is one of the few institutions the worst forms of child labor. wishes to you for your hard work and in Congress that’s still working. CARL On a personal note, I want to express determined effort to address the prob- LEVIN is a big reason why.’’ my appreciation to Chairman HARKIN lems and challenges of our Nation. CARL LEVIN’s legacy can be summed and his staff on the HELP Committee Thanks, too, for your friendship. Good up in one word: integrity. His commit- for their help in getting three bills I in- luck on the next chapter of the great ment to our security and our service- troduced this Congress passed into adventure of your life. members is incomparable. We wish him law—the Children’s Hospital GME Sup- CARL LEVIN well as he returns to Michigan and port Reauthorization Act, the Emer- Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I moves on to new challenges and I gency Medical Services for Children wanted to speak today about Senator thank him for his service. Reauthorization Act and the Trau- CARL LEVIN and his years of service to TOM HARKIN matic Brain Injury Reauthorization the Senate and the people of Michigan. Madam President, I also wanted to Act. Without the efforts of Chairman Senator LEVIN has served 36 years and speak about my colleague TOM HARKIN HARKIN and his team, these bills would is Michigan’s longest serving senator. who will be retiring at the end of this not have moved forward. John F. Kennedy once said that Congress. I commend him for his 40 The late Senator Paul Wellstone of ‘‘leadership and learning are indispen- years of service in Congress for the Minnesota, once said that ‘‘Politics is sable to each other.’’ Senator LEVIN’s people of Iowa. not just about power and money time here has been an illustration of Senator Hubert Humphrey once said games, politics can be about the im- that statement, and I have experienced that the moral test of government provement of people’s lives, about less- this firsthand ever since I arrived in should be how it treats those in the ening human suffering in our world and the Senate in 2007 and sought his guid- dawn of life, our children; those in the bringing about more peace and more ance on difficult issues like the war in twilight of life, our older citizens; and justice.’’ TOM HARKIN is a living exam- Iraq. He is one of the best informed and those in the shadows of life, people ple of those words. Our Nation and our knowledgeable members of the Senate. with disabilities, among others. TOM world are better today because of his CARL LEVIN has been a leader for HARKIN’s work in the House and Senate life of service. years on the Senate Armed Services has been a testament to what Senator JAY ROCKEFELLER Committee and the Permanent Sub- Humphrey said. Senator HARKIN has Madam President, as the 113 Congress committee on Investigations. Senator never hesitated to stand up and fight comes to a close, the time has come to

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I thank him for his dec- problems and her proactive approach to the . ades of service and wish him well. finding solutions, Congress was able While Senator ROCKEFELLER has ac- MARY LANDRIEU pass a bill preventing thousands of peo- complished many notable things in his Ms. HEITKAMP. Madam President, I ple across the country from being decades of service, you can really sum honor my friend and colleague from forced to pay disastrously high flood up much of what he did for our country Louisiana, Senator MARY LANDRIEU, insurance premiums. in one word—kids. Nelson Mandela who is departing the Senate at the end I have also had the privilege of work- once said ‘‘There can be no keener rev- of this year. Her career in public serv- ing with Senator LANDRIEU on energy elation of a society’s soul than the way ice began 34 years ago when she was issues. There is no better advocate in in which it treats its children.’’ JAY elected to the Louisiana House of Rep- the Senate on energy than Senator ROCKEFELLER worked tirelessly to en- resentatives. During that time and in LANDRIEU. I came here with the intent sure that we never lost sight of our her service in the United States Sen- of learning everything that I could children as we worked on issues large ate, she has proved time and again that from Senator LANDRIEU. My only re- and small. the people of Louisiana could not have gret is that there was no way to fully One key example of his advocacy is asked for a better advocate and fighter take in all of her knowledge in the the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- on their behalf. brief time that I have been here. That gram or CHIP as it is better known. In It is tough to describe someone like is a testament to the incredible work the 1990s, members like JAY ROCKE- Senator LANDRIEU. Senator LANDRIEU that she has done over her career to ad- FELLER came together and created is selfless, dedicated, tenacious, and re- vance a pragmatic energy policy for CHIP to ensure low-income children of silient, but these are just words that, this country, work that I hope to con- working parents had access to health while accurate, fail to truly capture tinue in the years ahead building upon care. When my father was governor of who this woman is and what she stands the energy legacy that Senator LAN- Pennsylvania, he signed into law the for. It is only by looking at Senator DRIEU will leave behind. A word you CHIP program that initially insured LANDRIEU’s significant accomplish- hear often when people describe Sen- over 50,000 children across the state ments that someone can truly begin to ator LANDRIEU is tenacious, and this and served as a model for the national understand the depths of her selfless- was never more apparent than on her program. On a personal level, I thank ness, dedication, and resiliency. During work to advance the Keystone XL Senator ROCKEFELLER for helping to my time in the Senate, I have seen Pipeline. Anyone who watched Senator expand this program to children MARY embody these words like few oth- LANDRIEU work that bill and work be- around the country and I look forward ers in this body. hind the scenes to get the votes knows to working with my colleagues to en- Senator LANDRIEU and I both come that she will fight to the very last sec- sure CHIP remains strong for children from large families. I know the impact ond for what she believes in and that in the years ahead. being one of seven children had on me the word ‘‘can’t’’ doesn’t exist in her In 2009 health care reform was on the growing up and I am sure Senator LAN- vocabulary. Senator LANDRIEU single- agenda again and JAY ROCKEFELLER DRIEU can attest to how big of an im- handedly forced this bill to the Senate played a key role in getting a number pact being one of nine children had on floor and brought us closer than we of important provisions included. He pushed to expand Medicaid and to her. During her time in public service, have been in 6 years to approving this make sure insurance companies actu- Senator LANDRIEU has worked hard to project once and for all. Senator LAN- ally spent the bulk of dollars on health ensure that all children can benefit DRIEU’s pragmatic approach to this care and not administrative costs. He from having a family to call their own. issue and willingness to embrace solu- also worked to ensure that information Senator LANDRIEU has worked exten- tions over politics stands as an exam- provided to consumers buying insur- sively with the Angels in Adoption pro- ple for the rest of the Senate to strive ance on the exchange could be under- gram since its inception, and cochaired for. Senator LANDRIEU always looked out stood by all, and, of course, he led the the Congressional Coalition on Adop- charge to protect CHIP kids and make tion and the Congressional Foster Care for the energy interests of her State, sure they did not end up with the short Caucus. Senator LANDRIEU’s work has while recognizing the need to provide end of the stick. changed the lives of children across and protect her gulf coast commu- Senator ROCKEFELLER’s work extends Louisiana, the country, and around the nities. She has pushed for increased far beyond health care and children. world. Because of her work, there are LNG exports that would bring new jobs Coal miners and their families have countless children who are now able to and significant investment to her had no better friend in the Senate than feel the love and benefits of having a State. She also has been instrumental JAY ROCKEFELLER. He has tirelessly family. in expanding oil exploration and pro- fought and won battles to protect their In 2005, Louisiana was victim of one duction in the Gulf of Mexico, but health, safety and pensions while also of the worst natural disasters to ever while doing so she has made sure that protecting and preserving Black Lung hit this country. Hurricane Katrina her coastal communities receive a big- benefits for workers made sick by devastated New Orleans and Louisiana ger share of the royalties and revenue doing their jobs. His advocacy in this the likes of which this country has to mitigate any impacts from the de- body will be missed. Now it is up to the rarely seen. With one of the country’s velopment. Working for jobs and eco- rest of us to carry the torch. great cities devastated and in ruins, it nomic development and protecting Senator ROCKEFELLER is quoted as was MARY LANDRIEU who took the lead those most impacted by this develop- follows in the Charleston Daily Mail on recovery efforts. It was MARY LAN- ment, that is a pretty good legacy to last year: DRIEU who held FEMA’s feet to the fire leave behind in Louisiana. ‘‘Rockefeller said he knew all the to better serve Louisianans. It was The Landrieu family name comes Kennedys well but liked Bobby best. MARY LANDRIEU who helped direct bil- with a long history of public service in ‘Because he struck me,’ Rockefeller lions of dollars in recovery funds to the Louisiana. The Landrieus, known for said. ‘He had a soul, and there are a lot State. It was because of MARY LAN- their big personalities that are eclipsed of photographs of him in West Virginia DRIEU that the great State of Louisiana only by their accomplishments in of- later when he ran for president sitting has bounced back strong as ever. fice, can rest easy knowing that MARY on a slag heap, looking mournful, look- Senator LANDRIEU’s leadership did has more than lived up to the family ing off into the distance, thinking, not end with the recovery and rebuild- name. The Senate, Louisiana, and the ‘Why does this condition exist, what ing efforts. Following the passage of country, are better off because of the can I do?’ ’’ the Biggert-Waters Flood Reform Act work MARY LANDRIEU has done in the

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I remind my- tremendous work she will accomplish State or Federal level. self that our loss is their gain, as I am outside of this Chamber. I applaud my colleague for his years sure they are excited to have him home MARK PRYOR of tireless commitment in defense of more. I truly enjoyed working along- Madam President, I also wish to his home State, for his service in the side him and look forward to when our honor my colleague, Senator MARK Senate and this Country. I wish the paths cross again. I wish him incredible PRYOR, who will be leaving the Senate very best to him and his family in the happiness and success in the next chap- at the end of this Congress. Senator years to come. ter. PRYOR has been a tireless champion for MARK BEGICH f the people of Arkansas for 12 years in Madam President, finally I pay trib- TRIBUTE TO NANCY ERICKSON this legislative body. However, his ute and recognize the accomplishments commitment and dedication to the of a trusted ally and dear friend, Sen- Mr. THUNE. Madam President, today State of Arkansas is reflected not only ator MARK BEGICH, who will be leaving I recognize Nancy Erickson for her 26 in his work here, but in the public serv- the Senate at the end of the term. years of honorable service to the ice he and his family have given for Mark has been a tenacious and stead- United States Senate. decades. fast advocate for his constituents and Nancy is a native of Brandon, SD, As the son of the former Governor the State of Alaska and a strong mod- and is a graduate of Augustana College and U.S. Senator, Senator MARK PRYOR erate voice during his years in the Sen- and American University, where she grew up in a family which embodied ate. earned her M.A. in public policy. Nancy public service, instilling his interest I have had the honor and privilege to began working for the Senate in 1989, and desire to do the same in his career. work with Senator BEGICH on both the when she accepted a position working After attending the University of Ar- Indian Affairs and Homeland Security for Senator Daschle. In 2005, Nancy kansas and working in the private sec- and Governmental Affairs Committees. began serving as the Democratic rep- tor as an attorney, he turned his sights As someone who represents one of the resentative for the Senate’s Sergeant to public service. While serving as a most rural States in America, he has at Arms. Then in 2007, Nancy became member of the Arkansas House of Rep- an impressive understanding and com- the 32nd person and the 6th woman to resentatives and then as attorney gen- passion for the unique challenges rural serve as Secretary of the Senate. eral for the State of Arkansas, Senator communities face. Nancy has been a constant professional PRYOR honed his understanding of the As a member of the Homeland Secu- in the way she conducts herself and needs of the State and developed strong rity Committee, he played a major role goes about her work. Nancy has played a pivotal role in connections through its institutions in postal reform negotiations. He un- the function of the Senate, and I want which served him well throughout his derstood rural citizens rely most on to extend my thanks and appreciation career. It was here that I first met the Postal Service for critical deliv- to her and wish her continued success Mark. He was serving as attorney gen- eries of prescription medicines, time in the years to come. eral in Arkansas at the same time I sensitive bills, and other important was serving as attorney general in communications. He knew that with- f North Dakota. I was immediately im- out a rural post office, many small, REMEMBERING JOHN KREBS pressed with this young public servant rural communities would cease to Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask and grew to understand that he is in- exist. my colleagues to join me in paying telligent and principled in how he ap- During his tenure on the Indian Af- tribute to the life and extraordinary proaches his life and career. In 2003, fairs Committee, he was dedicated to accomplishments of former Congress- Senator PRYOR was elected U.S. Sen- confronting and addressing the un- man John Krebs, who recently passed ator from Arkansas, reclaiming the pleasant truths about the Federal Gov- away at the age of 87 in Fresno, CA. seat his father once held. ernment’s treatment of Native people John was born on December 17, 1926, As a Senator, he served on various in our country. He understood the in Berlin, Germany. After Hitler came committees which allowed him to fight threats facing subsistence rights, na- to power, he escaped with his family to for the priorities of Arkansas, pass leg- tive languages, and rich cultural tradi- Tel Aviv. There, he became a diamond islation and champion initiatives tions, and fought to ensure they were cutter and joined the Haganah, a Jew- which helped this Nation. During his given parity and respect. Senator ish underground organization that sup- tenure on the Armed Services Com- BEGICH also knew far too many Native ported independence from Britain and mittee, Senator PRYOR protected the women today experience violence and the establishment of an independent interests of Arkansas servicemembers sexual assault, particularly in remote Jewish state. and their families. His work on the Ap- areas, and so he fought for the tribal John moved to California in 1946 to propriations and Commerce Commit- provisions in the reauthorization of the attend the University of California at tees created opportunities for growth Violence Against Woman Act— Berkeley and after graduating in 1950, in transportation, rural broadband, en- VAWA—and advanced his Safe Fami- he became a United States citizen in ergy, and agriculture, all critical inter- lies and Villages Act to extend those 1952. Following two years in the U.S. ests for Arkansas. Leading these issues protections to Native women in Alas- Army, John graduated from the Uni- with bipartisan proposals and working ka. He has also been a fighter for versity of California Hastings College closely with his colleagues on marshal- American Indian and Alaska Native of Law and practiced law for three dec- ling these efforts Congress after Con- veterans and worked hard to increase ades. gress, Senator PRYOR earned the re- their access to care at both Indian Throughout his remarkable life, John spect of his colleagues for his quiet de- Health Service and Veteran Affairs fa- Krebs sustained a strong commitment votion and steadfast commitment. cilities. His compassion for indigenous to public service. He worked on numer- MARK is a Senator who promotes issues extended to tribes in the lower ous state and local campaigns and was common sense solutions—solutions 48 States and Native Hawaiians, and I a respected Democratic activist and that seek strong support and address know Native people across the country community leader before his 1970 elec- some of the more important needs of feel they have lost a true champion tion to the Fresno County Board of Su- this Nation’s citizenry. During my with his departure. pervisors, where he was a courageous short time in the Senate, we served to- Anyone who knows Senator BEGICH and eloquent advocate for his constitu- gether on the Homeland Security and knows he is an intellectually curious ents. Governmental Affairs and Small Busi- and energetic person. He always ap- In 1974, he was elected to the U.S. ness Committees. I very much enjoyed proached issues from a solutions-ori- House of Representatives, where he

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