May 24, 1999 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5881 teach American history and the Con- This remarkable performance is a tribute they are short enough. Good stuff, but, in re- stitution to our young people. to his school, though schools are rarely membering Roman, I’m inclined to want to Each day Melissa teaches eleventh praised these days. This success requires ef- cover everything, filibuster a bit, if you and twelfth graders about the Con- fective instruction year upon year. please, and exhaust both your goodwill and stitution and how it is used in every- His award is an accolade that also belongs patience, so I’ll condense best I can! He was to his parents, who support his studies. so special to me and many of you, too. day life and how it is reflected in our Would that more parents lavished as much HIS WORK ETHIC society. The future of our country de- time on their children’s academics as they Roman’s work was always his total recre- pends on today’s students and on their do on their sports. ation—Oh, occasionally he would super- knowledge and comprehension of our The high finish is also a sign that he is a ficially fish, hunt and in later years, cheer smart kid, very smart, and that is worth a Constitution and government. the mighty Cornhuskers on to victory! Early great deal in the life Alex and his classmates She not only gives her students on, I must concede, he would have easily ac- have ahead of them. greater understanding of our country, cepted the specious thought that ‘‘a quarter- Of course, schools cannot fix their atten- but she also inspires her students to back was a refund on the ticket.’’ tion solely on top students, because they achieve more through her example. By Many here will remember genial Dean must serve everyone who enters their doors. Pohlenz, the Senator’s long time and won- continuing her own education, Melissa But they can recognize talent and reward derful AA. He and I once seriously conspired is showing her students that the edu- performance, because it motivates other stu- against Roman and another very studious cational process should never end. dents, and because it serves as a reminder of and important top aide to Roman, Bob I applaud Melissa for her hard work what school is for: to learn, to strive, to fail Kutak. (Kutak and Harold Rock later orga- and dedication to her profession and at times and gain by the experience, and to nized Kutak-Rock, a very successful national achieve. for her commitment to her students law firm with which Roman proudly associ- ∑ For his knowledge of math, statistics, ge- and to learning. ated after leaving the Senate.) Kutak’s inter- ometry and more, Alex receives a $6,000 col- f est and knowledge of sports made Roman lege scholarship—a fitting prize. Learning look like the legendary Grantland Rice. So, SALUTE TO ALEX XUE offers rewards for every student, though, not Dean and I decided to reserve a table for four just the smartest, and education level is the ∑ Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on Fri- in the Senate Dining Room for Roman and clearest indicator of a person’s later wages. Kutak, and then have two New York baseball day May 14th, MATHCOUNTS held its Won’t it be fun to see what becomes of stalwarts, Casey Stengel and Yogi Berra join national competition in Washington, Alex and his abilities? Wouldn’t it be some- them for lunch, ostensibly for Berra and D.C.—the culmination of local and thing if society thought of every child’s po- Stengel to advise on finalizing a professional State competitions involving 350,000 tential that way?∑ students. It gives me great pleasure to sports anti-trust bill. It didn’t happen, but f we figured that a recording of that awkward inform my colleagues that Alex Xue, a luncheon conversation would have gone resident of Essex Junction, VT finished ‘‘FRIENDS OF ROMAN LEE HRUSKA’’ down in history as a sports classic—of sorts. second in this competition and re- Just a few Hruska vignettes: ∑ ceived a $6,000 college scholarship. Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I ask DEBATE COMRADES In a day and age where we are that the attached comments made by At Commerce High School, Roman was a bombarded by reports of failing school the Honorable at the star debater. His team should go down as a systems and apathetic young people, I memorial service for former Senator Hall of Famer. The team was Harry Cohen, a believe it is extremely important to Roman Lee Hruska, be printed in the brilliant lawyer who was later President of recognize Alex’s tremendous accom- RECORD for Monday, April 26, 1999, im- the Bar Association; Dick Robin- plishment. His success is a tribute not mediately following my remarks enti- son, another very successful lawyer, and a only to his own intelligence and hard tled, ‘‘Tribute to U.S. Senator Roman beloved Federal District Judge; Jerry Kutak, work, but also to his family, his teach- L. Hruska.’’ business tycoon, President of Guarantee Life of Hammond, Ind; and Roman. They stayed ers and his school community. The comments follow: In addition to meeting with Alex and life-long friends and confidants and what a FRIENDS OF ROMAN LEE HRUSKA joy it was just to see the four together vis- his MATHCOUNTS teammates on the Friends all: iting and reminiscing. Senate steps prior to the competition, First, let me, and all of you here today, OMAHA ROOTS by coincidence, I was on Alex’s flight recognize two special people, Millie and Carl Roman loved Omaha, and he effectively back to Vermont on the Sunday fol- Curtis. Sen. Curtis served all 22 years with promoted his town throughout his career—he Roman, and Senator Hruska always ac- lowing his competition. I had a chance was the Senate architect of its Interstate knowledged that no U.S. Senator ever had a to talk with Alex and compliment him System. S.A.C. and his friend, Curtis LeMay, more caring, a better and more cooperative on his tremendous achievement. He were also tremendous beneficiaries of his colleague anywhere—anytime. Thank you, was holding the trophy he had received Senate Appropriation skills. Chuck Durham, Senator Curtis. and when I admired it, although it was Ed Owen, Morrie Jacobs, Art Storz, Don clear that he was happy with it, he was INTRODUCTIONS Ross, John McCollister, Peter Kiewit, Cliff especially pleased with the college It seems only fitting to also recognize all and Ann Batchelder were notables as his scholarship. I praised him as any public officials present. It is from thence, early Omaha Betterment Co-Conspirators. that Roman sprung. He epitomized public WORLD-HERALD RESPECT Vermonter would, but I was impressed service at its best. He lived it! He loved it! He always thought the Omaha World-Her- with his modesty and his pride in his He honored it! ald was easily the country’s best newspaper family and school. This is a young man He would have been pleased to know that, and frequently checked in with then pub- at the outset here, all Judges, current & who will do remarkably well in life and lisher, Walt Christensen and editor, Fred past, all Federal, State and County officials, we Vermonters should be proud that he Ware—and, there was also a brilliant, hard current and past, are asked to stand for a is one of us. working Statehouse and Douglas County brief silent recognition. I also want to espe- I ask that the editorial detailing Court House Reporter named Harold Ander- cially recognize Governor ; Alex’s achievement, which appeared in sen, whom he respected very much. World- Former Governor Kay Orr and Bill; Former Herald-wise, we wonder what ever happened the Burlington Free Press, be printed Governor , Former Governor and to Harold. in the RECORD. U.S. Senator Jim Exon and Pat; former Con- The article follows: gressman John Y. McCollister and Nan; Ne- FAMILY LOVE [From the Burlington Free Press, May 19, braska Supreme Court Chief Justice John Family was most important to Roman. His 1999] Hendry; Congressman and wife and life-long partner, Victoria Kuncl WHAT ALEX KNOWS Louise; and Congressman . Also, a Hruska was simply the best. A special wife Imagine a 13-year-old boy who finished sec- special salute to former chair of the Lan- and mother—and a political associate in a ond in the nation in an athletic event. caster County Board and the lifelong Doug- very effective low-key way—no flim-flam, no Vermont would know exactly how to cele- las Theatre skilled business partner of nonsense, just herself—beautiful Victoria. brate: His parents and coaches would be Roman, Russell Brehm of Lincoln and his We last visited with able and vivacious praised, he would be held up as a role model charming wife Louise Brehm. Also, Attorney daughter, Jana at the David City Library for other kids, his community would be General Don Stenberg, a former Hruska staff Dedication Ceremony. She has been suffering proud. member. terribly with dreaded Lou Gehrig’s disease. Alex Xue of Essex Junction deserves the It was the British iconoclast, George B. Her devoted husband, Charlie Fagan, is here same response, for scoring second in a na- Shaw who once wisely opined, ‘‘No remarks from Maryland. Son Quentin came home sev- tionwide math contest last week. from a former Governor are all that bad’’—if eral years ago and carefully cared so well for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:52 Nov 01, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\1999SENATE\S24MY9.REC S24MY9 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY S5882 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 1999 his parents. You met the ‘‘Big Guy’’, eldest yers here, this was a very substantial over- General Gay’s contributions to the son, Roman Jr., earlier on this program—his haul of the entire title 18 of the U.S. Code. state go far beyond his command of wife is the former MaryAnn Behlen of Co- His was the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. both the Army and Air National Guard. He, John McClelland, John Stennis, and lumbus. Many grandchildren, nieces and His record of community service equals nephews are also here today. Ultimately, Jim Eastland, Senior Democrat on the Com- family was first for Roman—as it is with all mittee, bonded and his working relationship his record of military service and his of us. with the Majority Party was always just participation in such activities as the THE CAMPAIGNER something else, and highly unusual. For ex- Nutmeg State Games and the Char- Roman was never happier nor better show- ample, when he left the Senate, he had pre- acter Counts State Advisory Board cased than when he was on those early day sided or co-presided over the confirmation demonstrate his love for the commu- political campaigns. Ruth and I were visiting hearings of all nine members of the U.S. Su- nity he calls home. the other day about a particular stump preme Court—unprecedented in history—and Even in retirement, General Gay will speech he once made—with a partially eaten that was an era of ‘‘civility’’ that seems to escape such modern day confirmation hear- continue to work for the people of Con- kolache in his left hand—on a Main Street necticut as the state’s Year 2000 Coor- corner at Schuyler during the Nebraska Re- ings. He was the principal architect of both the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets dinator. I am happy to extend my publican caravan. It was indeed a powerful thanks to General Gay for his years of speech, spliced with Czech phrases and when Act of 1968 and the Organized Crime Control he finished his remarks, the audience ac- Act of 1970. In 1972 and the years following, distinguished service and offer my best knowledged him as if he were truly the ‘‘sec- he served as Chairman of the Federal Com- wishes in his retirement.∑ ond coming.’’ The same result happened a mission on the Revision of the Federal Court Appellate System of the U.S. and I could go couple of weeks later in a Hotel Ballroom in f on; suffice it to say that for several years, no Broken Bow where the usually very reserved SUPPORT FOR S. RES. 99 Sandhills crowd gave his at least a five Justice Department initiative, no Federal minute standing ovation on his inspiring Judgeship, no major legislation moved out of ∑ Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask that message and brilliant delivery. Oh, he could the Senate Judiciary Committee until it had the attached letter of support from the be a spell-binder deluxe, given the proper oc- received his careful scrutiny and approval. American Psychological Association be casion. Throughout, he honored the law, and he hon- ored the Senate as an Institution. Roman’s printed in the RECORD in support of S. A NEAR MISS fingerprints, literally, were all over every- Res. 99. In the late 50’s, a national search was on thing processed by Judiciary during these The letter follows: for a new leader of the Republican Party. years. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The conservative kingmakers didn’t pub- ROMAN WAS SPECIAL Washington, DC, May 10, 1999. licize it, of course, but the short list came Hon. HARRY REID, down to the two U.S. Senators with safe Let me say in closing, that we are not here U.S. Senate, seats, Roman Hruska and Barry M. Gold- for Roman, we are here for us. We need this— Washington, DC. water of Arizona. Goldwater was ultimately he doesn’t! Whatever comes to us after the DEAR SENATOR REID: On behalf of the designated somewhat on geography, but moment of our earthly death is beyond our 159,000 members and affiliates of the Amer- mostly because they determined that the TV understanding. So, we remain here alive, confused and dis- ican Psychological Association (APA), I cameras showcased Goldwater better. The concerted. Above all, let’s remember this want to express support for your proposed rest, as they say, is history. about him: Senate Resolution that would designate No- HE HONORED THE LAW Grace was in his soul, a smile and kind vember 20, 1999, as ‘‘National Survivors for Most importantly, Roman Hruska’s entire word were on his lips and friendship was in Prevention of Suicide Day.’’ life revolved around the law. He lived by this his heart always. The APA is concerned that suicide rates creed once enunciated by Patrick Henry, First, last, and always, he was a gen- among young adolescents, African American ‘‘Always honor the law because the law has tleman. males, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, honored you.’’ These words are so true for Roman, and and the elderly have increased dramatically Roman spent his first two law years study- perhaps, just perhaps, they alone might be a in recent years. Since the 1950’s, suicide ing at the Law School. fitting eulogy. And, as a very recent World- rates among youth have nearly tripled. Be- Then he attended the Creighton Law School Herald editorial writer noted: ‘‘The stand- tween 1980 and 1990, the suicide rate in- from which he graduated in 1929, just before ards for integrity and service that Sen. creased by 30 percent in the 10- to 19-year-old the great depression hit with all its fury. He Hruska set for himself, will long stand as his age group. Suicide is the second leading then, in the next 20 or so years, built up a most fitting memorial’’. cause of death for 15- to 24-year-old Amer- substantial law practice, and from there was A quick postscript paraphrasing beautiful ican Indians and Alaskan Natives. For Amer- appointed to the Douglas County Board. He Ecclasiastes, Chapter III, ‘‘to everything icans age 65 and older, the suicide rate in- became its energetic, successful Chairman, there is a season and a time for every pur- creased by nine percent between 1980 and 1992 known for his integrity and ability. He was pose under heaven . . . A time to plant, and Elderly Americans comprise about 13 percent always a prodigious worker. Even his polit- a time to harvest, a time to be born and a of the country’s population but account for ical adversaries conceded that he achieved a time to die.’’ about 20 percent of all suicides. lot the old fashioned way. He earned it. Roman, you had a long and superlative Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death Then to Congress for most of one term, life, and we’re all a little better because you in the United States—our country is in dire then 22 years in the U.S. Senate. In the Sen- cared and touched us. need of a national effort to prevent suicide. ate, he was Minority Leader Everett M. In Czech—Nas Dar—Good Bye—Dear In response to that need, the Surgeon Gen- Dirksen’s right hand bower on the floor of Roman . . . eral has been working with mental health the Senate. Dirksen—‘‘The billion here, and f advocates to develop a National Strategy for a billion there guy’’—called Roman his floor the Prevention of Suicide and is expected to lawyer. Often, on major legislation, Dirksen RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL DAVID W. GAY publish a final version of the coordinated would tell his senate colleagues if they had strategy later this year. amendments, objections, or whatever— ∑ Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I Your proposed Senate resolution would ‘‘Clear it with Roman.’’ Roman became a rise today to bring to the attention of serve to further the intent of S. Res. 84, skilled practitioner of the ‘‘art of the pos- Senators the retirement of Major Gen- which you successfully introduced in the last sible’’ and he closed many legislative deals eral David W. Gay, Adjutant General of Congress, to recognize suicide as a national for Dirksen. the Connecticut National Guard, after problem and declare suicide prevention as a EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE a military career that has spanned national priority. The proposed resolution would acknowledge the trauma of those who It was as the ‘‘Minority Leader’’ of the more than 40 years. Senate Judiciary Committee for almost 20 have suffered the loss of a loved one from years, that Senator Hruska formally and ex- The recipient of many military suicide (suicide survivors) and the support traordinarily honored the law. awards and honors, including the Army they derive from one another. Their active He worked awfully hard and most effec- Distinguished Service Medal, the Le- involvement individually and through orga- tively, to not only give fairness but struc- gion of Merit Award, and the National nizations has been instrumental in efforts to ture and design to the law so it would be Guard Bureau’s Eagle Award, General reduce suicide through research, education, more effective and easier to use by Federal Gay has been a valuable friend to me and treatment programs. Judges, the Federal Court System and law- and all the people of Connecticut. His In closing, the APA lends its support to yers. you and other members of Congress in secur- For the improvement of the rule of law, he experience and dedication have helped ing passage of this resolution. We also look co-sponsored the Criminal Code Reform Act make the Connecticut National Guard forward to learning more about the adminis- of 1975 and the Criminal Justice Codification the exemplary organization that it is tration’s initiatives at the upcoming hearing Revision and Reform Act of ’73. For you law- today. on the National Strategy for the Prevention

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