S2840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 22, 2013 years—chairing committees in support heads of state, diplomats, heads of wearing the traditional Bengali of his favorite candidates. He even put major companies and foundations, and jamdani fabric design. his name on the ballot one year for grassroots activists—all of whom have On the reverse, a ‘‘lotus open in full Governor but fell short by just 530 been inspired by the work of one great bloom, rising above the water and cra- votes in the primary. man—Prof. Muhammad Yunus. It was a dling the world in its open petals’’ As a long-time Kansas resident, Don great privilege for me to be there. evokes powerful symbolism. It was de- was well known and respected by many More than 6 years ago I introduced a signed by Wisconsin artist Richard throughout our state, but especially in resolution in the Senate to award Pro- Masters and sculpted by Jim Licaretz. Southwest Kansas. fessor Yunus the Congressional Gold The Bangla inscription in the center is Don was a strong advocate for rural Medal. I was joined in this effort by my a quote taken from Professor Yunus’ Kansas and the special way of life we friends, former Utah Senator Robert Nobel speech and reads, ‘‘Let us send enjoy in small communities across our Bennett and Representative RUSH HOLT poverty to the museum.’’ great State. Through his service on in the House. Beyond the typical pomp and cir- several committees focused on the fu- We had a lot of help outside of Con- cumstance of these ceremonies, last ture of rural Kansas, Don helped make gress in making this happen. Joanne week’s event truly made history. Pro- certain the next generation can return Carter and her team at RESULTS were fessor Yunus becomes the first Muslim to the towns and communities they instrumental. Thousands of RESULTS to win the Congressional Gold Medal. call home. grassroots volunteers across the coun- Additionally, he becomes only the sev- From his participation in Kansas pol- try contacted their Members of Con- enth person in history to receive the itics to his public service career, Don gress and asked them to support the ef- Presidential Medal of Freedom and the was always looking for ways to serve fort to recognize Professor Yunus. Two Congressional Gold Medal and the his fellow Kansans and improve their of those volunteers were Cindy Levin Nobel Peace Prize. In doing so, he joins lives. In recognition of that service, and Richard Smiley from Illinois. I am truly exceptional company. Consider Don was awarded a lifetime achieve- pleased that both could be here to see the six others with whom he now ment award by Washburn Law School their hard work pay off. shares this honor: Nelson Mandela, in 2010. I first met Muhammad Yunus more Martin Luther King, Jr., Norman His family and friends described him than two decades ago in Bangladesh. Borlaug, Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa, as someone whose generosity, enthu- His revolutionary concept of micro- and Aung San Suu Kyi. To most of us siasm, and overall optimism towards credit and the Grameen Bank that he these individuals are giants of history; life touched the lives of so many. It has founded was helping to lift millions out to Professor Yunus they are peers in been said that Don had the character of of poverty. He loaned small amounts of the struggle to advance human dignity. Many probably thought Professor ‘‘one in a million,’’ and that he did not money traditional banks wouldn’t Yunus would be a contender for the ‘‘just participate in life, but made life bother with to individuals traditional Nobel Prize in Economics, but in happen.’’ Don had the unique ability to banks wouldn’t bother with. awarding him the Peace Prize, the connect with just about anyone, but he His innovative idea defied old beliefs. Nobel Committee recognized that last- was especially revered by his family He proved banking could be done with- out collateral and that investing in ing peace and prosperity can only come and friends who looked up to him in when the poor can escape the prison of many ways. Don lived each day to its women worked. Most of Grameen Bank’s loans go to poor women who go poverty. As I noted at last week’s cere- fullest and his commitment to his fel- mony, this simple but important lesson from beggars to entrepreneurs. low man serves as an inspiration to us from a Bangladeshi professor should all. I have seen it myself. Several years ago, in a ramshackle hut in Uganda, I not be lost here in Congress. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to In addition to those I have already met with three mothers who worked in his wife, Sharon, his son, Craig, his mentioned who contributed to this en- the local market. I asked them, daughter, Debra, and his many grand- deavor, there are many more who de- through an interpreter, how micro- children. I know they loved him dearly serve a great deal of thanks. I would credit had changed their lives. One and will undoubtedly miss him. I ask like to thank a few of them. my colleagues and all Kansans to re- woman said: ‘‘My knees have gone First of all, Professor Yunus’ assist- member the Concannon family in your soft.’’ I didn’t understand what she ant and the director of the Yunus Cen- thoughts and prayers in the days meant so I asked her to explain. She tre, Lamiya Morshed. She has worked ahead. I yield the floor. said that before she received the micro- tirelessly throughout this process— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- credit loan that gave her a chance to helping in the medal design and devel- ator from Oregon. go to market and make a little money, opment and successfully taking on the f she used to have to crawl on her knees daunting task of planning and coordi- and beg her husband for money to feed MORNING BUSINESS nating a complex series of ceremonies, her children. But she doesn’t have to receptions, and meetings for Professor Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask crawl anymore. Her knees have gone Yunus. unanimous consent the Senate proceed soft. The dedicated and professional staff to a period of morning business, with Over the last nearly 40 years, more of the U.S. Mint deserve great praise Senators permitted to speak therein than 160 million people on five con- for their work to design and produce for up to 10 minutes each. tinents have received microloans. His the medal. Throughout the process one The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without idea changed the world. person has held this project especially objection, it is so ordered. The Congressional Gold Medal is the close to her heart. Leslie Schwager, f highest civilian honor Congress can be- program specialist for the Yunus Gold stow and the practice dates back to the Medal, worked tirelessly with my staff, CONGRATULATING PROFESSOR Continental Congress. Unlike other MUHAMMAD YUNUS Lamiya, and within the Mint to keep awards, each Congressional Gold Medal the process on track. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, last is unique to the recipient. It is specifi- I would finally like to thank Speaker week Congress recognized one of the cally designed and sculpted according BOEHNER and his staff, as well as the planet’s leading visionaries and hu- to the wishes of the recipient. I staff of the Senate Sergeant at Arms, manitarians by awarding Prof. Muham- couldn’t be more thrilled with how this for their cooperation and leadership on mad Yunus the Congressional Gold tribute to Professor Yunus turned out. the ceremony. Medal. It is truly beautiful. At last, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, my The ceremony occurred just a few The obverse of the medal was de- friend, has received from Congress an hundred yards from here in the august signed by Indiana artist Donna Weaver honor he has deserved for so long. I Capitol Rotunda. There to pay tribute and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. The congratulate him and his family. I to this proud son of Bangladesh, this portrait of Professor Yunus is meant to thank the country of Bangladesh for banker to the poor, this Nobel laureate ‘‘accurately reflect his optimistic and sharing this beloved national hero with were Members of Congress, former cheerful personality.’’ He is depicted the world.

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