Kent Conrad

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Almost 29 percent was the rate of poverty for the elderly; 29 percent of the elderly lived in poverty as recently as 1966. What did it drop to?

Mr. CONRAD. You mentioned that the poverty rate for the elderly was at a level of 28 percent, or more than 28 percent in 1966.

Mr. CONRAD. Will the Senator yield for a question?

Mr. CONRAD. Again, it follows the trend we are seeing nationally. President Clinton has the best record in terms of an increase in business investment, the rate of increase, of any President since World War II. You see the stock market at an all-time high. Virtually every indicator shows clearly that this economic plan has been a tremendous success. I might just say that when we passed that plan, we took a lot of heat for it. I remember our friends across the aisle said that this plan would crater the economy. They said that if we passed this plan, it would increase unemployment, it would reduce economic growth, it would increase the deficit. They were wrong. They were wrong on every single count. The fact is, those of us who voted for that plan, it was controversial and we took a lot of political heat for passing it, that plan has proved itself and proved itself remarkably well.

Mr. CONRAD. That is a remarkable accomplishment. I think any objective observer who looks at the economic indicators can only conclude that this economic plan has been remarkable in its success. In fact, last year, for the first time in many years, the United States was judged to be the most competitive economy in the world. That designation has been given to the United States again this year. It is the first time in a very long time we saw the United States replace Japan as the most competitive nation in the world. So again, I think the evidence is clear and powerful and compelling that this President's economic plan is working and working well.

Mr. CONRAD. It is true. The Federal work force is at its smallest level since the 1960's, during the administration of President Kennedy. I might also point out, and I think this is interesting, that Federal spending--this President is accused of being a big spender--Federal spending measured against our national income has gone down each and every year of the Clinton administration. Interesting. During the Bush administration, Federal spending went up. Under President Clinton, Federal spending has declined each and every year as measured against our national income. I might just conclude that yesterday we got more good news. We got the Census Bureau report showing that incomes are going up; poverty is coming down. Median household income showed its largest increase in a decade. We had the largest decline in income inequality in 27 years. We saw the biggest drop in poverty in 27 years; 1.6 million fewer people in poverty. We saw the poverty rate for the elderly drop to its lowest rate ever, lowest rate ever for elderly poverty, and the biggest drop in child poverty in 20 years. It seems to me that part of any Presidential campaign ought to be the record. The record, with respect to the economy, of this administration is crystal clear: The deficit is down, unemployment is down, poverty is down, incomes are up, jobs are up, business investment is up. That is an outstanding record. I hope people will have a chance to learn this record between now and the election. I think if they do, this President will be reelected with a resounding vote. I am happy to yield the floor. Mr. DORGAN addressed the Chair.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, yesterday we received more good news on the performance of the U.S. economy. Yesterday, the Census Bureau reported outstanding news with respect to increases in personal income and reductions in the levels of poverty in our country. I believe a significant part of the reason for the excellent economic performance is the Clinton economic plan that was passed in 1993. I believe that plan has contributed by reducing the deficit, reducing the deficit 4 years in a row. That took pressure off interest rates, and that fueled an economic resurgence in this country. I think when we evaluate the performance of the last three Presidents on the question of deficit reduction, the record is remarkably clear. Back in 1981, President Reagan came into office and inherited a deficit of $79 billion. The deficit promptly skyrocketed under the theory of supply-side economics--the notion that we could dramatically cut taxes while increasing defense spending and somehow it would all add up. Unfortunately, it did not add up. In fact, the deficit exploded. The deficit went up to over $200 billion a year and stayed at that level through much of the Reagan administration, although there was some improvement in the final years of that administration. Then we saw President Bush come into office. He inherited a deficit of about $153 billion, and then the deficit truly went out of control. Each and every year the deficit rose, until in the final year of the Bush administration, we had a budget deficit of $290 billion. That was the budget deficit. Perhaps it would be helpful to explain the difference between deficits and debt, because I often find that people are confused by the two. Deficits are the annual difference between what we raise in revenue and what we spend. It is the annual difference. Debt, of course, is the accumulation of all of the deficits. Under President Clinton, unlike President Bush where the deficit went up every year, in the Clinton years, the deficit has declined each and every year. In fact, we went from a unified deficit of $290 billion----

Mr. CONRAD. I will be happy to yield.

Mr. CONRAD. That is correct. The first time that we have seen the deficit decline 4 years in a row under one President was back in the 1840's.

Mr. CONRAD. If you measure the deficit against the size of our national income, which is probably the best measure of the deficit, that is true. In fact, the deficit measured against the size of the economy is the lowest it has been since 1974. In fact, we now have the lowest deficit of any of the major industrialized countries in the world. Again, I think that is the central reason we have seen this economic resurgence.

Mr. CONRAD. I think that is the goal that many of us share. I hope that would be what we could accomplish, to have a balanced budget in this country. It is critically important that we do that, because we face the demographic time bomb of the baby-boom generation. In very short order, the retirement of the baby boomers is going to double the number of people eligible for our major programs, from 24 billion to 48 billion. That is why we have to keep the pressure on to keep the deficit down. I will conclude the point with respect to the Clinton administration's performance. In 1992 President Clinton promised he would cut the deficit in half. He has done much better than that. In fact, the deficit is down about 60 percent during the Clinton years. Interestingly enough, the Federal Reserve Chairman, not known as a strong supporter of the Clinton administration--in fact, originally appointed by a Republican President--said that the deficit reduction in President Clinton's 1993 economic plan was ``an unquestioned factor in contributing to the improvement in economic activity that occurred thereafter.'' This is the Chairman of the Federal Reserve in February of this year indicating that the Clinton plan was the central reason we have seen that dramatic improvement in the deficit during the Clinton years. Not only do we see an outstanding story with respect to deficit reduction, this chart shows what has happened to real business fixed investment in billions of 1992 dollars. This chart goes back to 1985. You can see, ever since Bill Clinton has been in office, we have seen a dramatic improvement in business fixed investment. In fact, this is the best record for increases in business investment for any President since World War II. The good news doesn't stop there, because we also see the misery index at its lowest level since 1968. The misery index is a combined measure of the unemployment rate and the level of inflation. The misery index is now at the lowest level it has been in 28 years. Again, the good news doesn't stop there. We remember when President Clinton was seeking the office of President. He said that he would have as a goal the creation of 8 million jobs in the first 4 years of his administration. He has exceeded that. He has delivered on his promise. We have more than 10 million new jobs. In fact, we have now reached 10.5 million new jobs. And unemployment is down, down sharply, under President Clinton. In December of 1992, the level of unemployment in this country was 7.3 percent. This chart shows in June of 1996, it was down to 5.3 percent. It has gotten even better since then. The level of unemployment was down to 5.1 percent in August 1996. We have also experienced strong economic growth under President Clinton. In fact, this chart compares private-sector growth under President Clinton as compared to President Bush. Under President Bush, the private sector grew at a rate of 1.3 percent during his 4 years. Under President Clinton, this chart shows 3.1 percent. With the latest update, private-sector growth in this country is up to 3.2 percent during the Clinton years. In fact, this is the highest rate of growth of any of the last three Presidents--private sector economic growth, the best of any of the last three Presidents.

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I will be happy to yield.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to one of the Senate's most respected and accomplished Senators, Sam Nunn of Georgia. Despite the counsel of Democrats, Republicans, and even the President to seek an assured and well deserved fifth term, Senator Nunn has decided to retire from the Senate at the end of the 104th Congress. Clearly, Senator Nunn's departure is this Chamber's loss. As anyone who has attended or testified before a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee over the last 24 years is well aware, there is no member on Capitol Hill today who understands defense issues better than the Senior Senator from Georgia. Throughout his nearly two and a half decades on the Armed Services Committee and 10 years as its chairman or ranking member, Senator Nunn has been routinely consulted by Senators-- including this one--when particularly difficult and complex issues have been before the Senate. With little doubt, few Senators in the history of this distinguished body have shown Senator Nunn's acumen for balancing Congress' prerogative to raise and support our Armed Forces with respect for the judgment of our military's leadership. Mr. President, in his capacity as chairman and ranking member of the Armed Services Committee and as a member of this Chamber, my friend from Georgia has conducted his career in the best tradition of the Senate. The reputation of Senator Nunn's committee for bipartisanship is due in part to the leadership of the Georgia Senator. Better than most, Sam Nunn has understood that compromise is absolutely essential if the Senate is to function as effectively and fairly as the American people expect, and deserve. Although I do not expect it to last, Senator Nunn's departure from the national stage will be the Nation's loss. His influence has been apparent in the policies of every administration since the senior Senator from Georgia was elected to this body in 1972, and has been especially evident over the last decade. Since the end of the cold war, Senator Nunn has guided the reorganization and reduction of our global military posture, effectively balancing the necessity to maintain forces appropriate for an increasingly complex threat environment, with the need to put our fiscal house in order. Senator Nunn's participation in a bipartisan budget coalition testifies to his commitment to the cause of responsible deficit reduction, and it has been my honor and privilege to work with him toward this important end. Mr. President, Senator Nunn has established the benchmark for sound leadership, and I have no doubt that his influence will continue to be felt once he leaves the Senate. As my friend from Georgia is aware, there has been speculation for years that he would one day become Secretary of Defense or Secretary of State. But as many of his colleagues have knowingly observed, Senator Nunn has long exercised influence on defense matters worthy of the Secretary's job itself. I wish Senator Nunn the very best as he begins a new chapter of his life. As a Senator and citizen, I offer my sincere thanks to the Georgia Senator for his excellent service, for which we are all better off. I know that I speak for all Senators when I say that Senator Sam Nunn will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Chair.

Mr. CONRAD. I will be pleased to.

Mr. CONRAD. I am happy to yield to the majority leader.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today the Census Bureau has released a report on income and poverty in America in 1995. Here are some of the findings from that report. Typical household income in America showed the largest increase in a decade: Household income up about $900 in 1995. It is the largest 1- year increase since 1986; typical family income since the President's economic plan has passed is up $1,631 in this country. Mr. President, the report also indicated and demonstrated that we have had the largest decline in income inequality in 27 years. In 1995, household income inequality fell, as each income group, from the most well-off to the poorest, experienced an increase in their income for the second straight year. One measure of inequality, the Gini coefficient, dropped more in 1995 than in any year since 1968. The number of people in poverty fell by 1.6 million--the largest drop in 27 years. Mr. President, that is remarkably good news for the American economy. It is remarkably good news for American families. It is remarkably good news about what has happened since the President's economic plan passed in 1993. The good news does not stop there. The poverty rate fell to 13.8 percent, the biggest drop in over a decade. The elderly poverty rate dropped to 10.5, the lowest level ever. In 1966, 28.5 percent of America's elderly citizens lived in poverty. In 1995, the elderly poverty rate declined from 11.7 percent to 10.5. That is a new record low for the elderly poverty rate in America. In addition, we saw the biggest drop in child poverty in 20 years. In 1995, the child poverty rate declined from 21.8 percent to 20.8 percent, a full 1 percentage point reduction, representing the largest 1-year drop since 1976. These statistics, I think, again demonstrate that President Clinton's economic plan that passed in 1993 is working. Clearly, we are moving in the right direction. Not only do these statistics reveal substantial income gains, reduction in income inequality in this country, a reduction in the poverty rates across the board in America, but we know from other statistics as well that the indications and the evidence are now very clear that President Clinton's economic plan, which was passed here in 1993, has been remarkably successful. We have 4 years in a row of deficit reduction. All we have to do is think back to 1992. The deficit was $290 billion. President Clinton came into office and every year since then the deficit has been reduced. This year we anticipate the deficit will be $116 billion, a 60-percent reduction. The good news does not end there. Because in part the deficit reduction program was so successful, we have seen a resurgence in this economy. Not only do these statistics indicate it, but we know from previous indications the American economy is moving in the right direction. Looking at the misery index, that is the measure of unemployment and inflation, it is at a 28-year low. If we look at the rate of business investment, business investment is increasing at a rate that is the best in 30 years. Again, I would say the good news does not stop there. This economy has created over 10 million new jobs since we passed the President's plan. The United States has now been rated the most competitive economy in the world for 2 years in a row, replacing Japan. The evidence is overwhelming that the economic plan we passed in 1993 was the right medicine for the American economy. We can remember at that time the deficit was growing, the economy was dead in the water, virtually no new jobs were being produced, we had very weak levels of economic growth. But then, in 1993, President Clinton came with an economic plan that passed in this Chamber by a single vote, one vote. Our friends on the other side of the aisle said that plan would crater the economy. They said it would increase unemployment. They said it would increase the deficit. And they were wrong. They were dead wrong. That economic plan has reduced the deficit every single year for 4 years in a row. It has reduced unemployment. We have the lowest unemployment in 7 years. It increased economic growth. And now, further evidence from the Census Bureau report, household income is up. It is the best increase in a decade. Poverty is down. We have a decline in income inequality that is the largest in 27 years. The number of people in poverty showed the biggest drop in 27 years. The poverty rate fell to 13.8 percent, the biggest drop in over a decade. The elderly poverty rate fell to the lowest level ever. Mr. President, more evidence, strong evidence the Clinton economic plan is working and that America is moving back on track. I think everybody who participated in that plan can take special pride in the report that was released today, that indicates that we have finally got this economy moving in the right direction. I yield the floor. Mr. LEAHY addressed the Chair.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, before Congress adjourns for the year, I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Senator Jim Exon, who is retiring this year. For more than a quarter-century, Jim Exon has served the people of Nebraska as Governor and as United States Senator. He has represented his state well. Jim Exon has been a leader on budget issues, a good friend to agriculture and the needs of rural America, and an accomplished legislator in the areas of transportation and national defense policy. I was privileged to serve on the Senate Budget Committee with Jim Exon. He joined the committee in 1979, and in 1995 became the ranking member. Senator Exon and I usually saw eye-to-eye on budget issues, probably because we share Midwestern values about the need to control spending and keep our Nation's fiscal house in order. Senator Exon worked hard for passage of the balanced budget amendment. But his support for the amendment did not stop him from speaking out frankly this year when he believed the issue had become a political football, rather than an honest effort by those who truly wanted to balance the budget. Jim Exon also worked for years to draw attention to our skyrocketing national debt, because he understands that this debt is not a legacy we want to leave for future generations. Senator Exon has also been a good friend to our Nation's family farmers. Throughout his time in the Senate, he fought for sensible agricultural policies and a safety net for our Nation's producers. Senator Exon and I were a terrific team on the Senate Budget Committee, ensuring that deficit reduction efforts treated agriculture fairly. Jim Exon always understood the special needs of rural areas, and promoted programs like Essential Air Service, that are so important to smaller towns and cities. During the last Congress Senator Exon chaired the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Surface Transportation. In 1994 he succeeded in ensuring the termination of the ICC would occur in a manner that still protected the needs of agricultural shippers who needed effective oversight of the rail industry. Senator Exon was also a champion of rail safety issues, and in 1994 led the fight to authorize rail safety programs and ensure minimum safety standards for railroad cars. Senator Exon has also worked for some time on nuclear weapons testing issues, at one time chairing the Armed Services subcommittee with jurisdiction over this issue. He joined Senator Hatfield and former Majority Leader George Mitchell in 1992 in support of a measure to restrict and eventually end U.S. testing of nuclear weapons. Just this week we have seen the fruits of those efforts, with the signing of a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty at the United Nations. Senator Exon attended that signing, and should be proud that through the efforts of many, the world will be a safer place for our children and grandchildren. Senator Exon will soon return to his home in Lincoln. With more time for leisure activities, I am certain he won't miss many baseball games when the St. Louis Cardinals are playing. But Jim Exon's dedication and expertise on many issues will be missed greatly in the U.S. Senate, even as Nebraskans welcome him home. I will miss my good friend and colleague.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the most well-liked and respected members of the Senate. Judge Heflin has brought to this body a keen mind, a sharp wit, and a pleasant sense of humor that makes it a true pleasure to serve with him. His retirement this year is a tremendous loss to the Senate, his State, and the Nation. I have come to know The Judge best through our work on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Since I joined the Senate in 1987, Judge Heflin and I have worked together to improve the quality of life for rural citizens. Senator Heflin represents a rural State, Alabama, and he knows what's needed to maintain quality of life. He knows that everything which makes up the rural way of life--jobs, schools, hospitals, the rural infrastructure-- depends on having a vibrant economic base. As it is in North Dakota, agriculture is key to rural life in Alabama. Senator Heflin understands the need to preserve and protect the economic viability of American farmers in fiercely competitive global agricultural markets. He understands the complexities of world agricultural trade and has stood strongly behind U.S. farmers in their efforts to compete. A staunch defender of U.S. peanut growers, The Judge is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their concerns are heard in the development of agricultural legislation. But more than that, he always works hard to convey to the nonagriculture community the importance of maintaining a strong, broad-based agricultural system in the United States. Closely linked with agriculture is the rural infrastructure, and Senator Heflin knows perhaps better than anyone in this body that a strong infrastructure is absolutely crucial to preserving the economic base of rural areas. Rural electric and telephone cooperatives are the lifeblood of rural areas, and without them many citizens would receive poor service, expensive service, or no service at all. Senator Heflin fights off critics of Federal Government rural development efforts with stern determination, clear arguments and effective strategies. I truly admire him for it, and am glad to say I've joined him in that effort. I'm sure every Member of this body has a favorite story about Howell Heflin. His character and personality have often brought easy smiles into what many times have been very difficult situations. One of my favorites occurred just last year in the Senate Agriculture Committee during negotiations on the 1996 farm bill. The Committee Democrats were present, waiting for our Republican counterparts to finish their caucus and enter the room. Suddenly, above the din of the Members, staff, and lobbyists came a bellowing call, ``Sound the pachyderm horns!'' The Judge had made it known he wasn't interested in waiting for the Republicans any longer. They promptly returned. But it will not be for just his wit that I will miss Judge Heflin. He is a good friend, a great Senator, and a remarkable American. I admire him greatly for all that he has done. And knowing that this week he admitted himself into an Alabama hospital, I can only say that I wish him a speedy recovery, my sincerest appreciation for the years we've served together, and my best heart-felt wishes for a long, happy, and comfortable retirement.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I salute one of my Democratic colleagues who is retiring at the end of this Congress, Senator David Pryor of Arkansas. I have been privileged to serve with David Pryor not only in the Senate but also on the Finance and Agriculture Committees. Senator Pryor is a true gentleman, a thoughtful statesman, and a champion for all taxpayers, farmers, and senior citizens. His presence in the United States Senate will be missed. Senator Pryor's service to his constituents in Arkansas and the Nation is remarkable. He was elected to the first of three terms as a U.S. Congressman for the Fourth District of Arkansas in 1966. He became Governor in 1974. In 1978, the people of Arkansas elected him to serve in the U.S. Senate. Senator Pryor was elected to his third Senate term in 1990 without a challenger. Through his service on the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Pryor has made a difference in the day-to-day life of every American. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights will be considered as one of Senator Pryor's lasting legacies. Thanks to his efforts in enacting this legislation, taxpayers are guaranteed certain basic rights when dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. The Agriculture Committee provided Senator Pryor with the perfect venue to improve the lives of America's farmers and ensure an abundant and safe food supply for this country and the world. He has been a watchdog for the interests of Arkansas farmers. His work on improving food quality and safety will be remembered by many future generations. Senator Pryor is probably best known for his work on behalf of our senior citizens. The Senate Special Committee on Aging was chaired by Senator Pryor for 6 years and he currently serves as the ranking minority member. Senator Pryor fought to save the Social Security system and reform the nursing home industry. He also focused the Nation's attention on the soaring prices of prescription drugs. His dedication to the issues facing our senior citizens is inspiring. Mr. President, dedication, integrity, and humility are characteristics that best describe Senator Pryor's presence in the Senate. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his Arkansas constituents and the Nation to achieve important goals in health care, aging issues, and agriculture. His accomplishments have been remarkable, and will be recognized for many years. I have been deeply honored to serve with my distinguished colleague Senator Pryor, and wish him every happiness and good health in the years to come.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute and bid farewell to the distinguished Senator from Colorado, Senator Hank Brown. Senator Brown has committed many years to the people of Colorado, spending 10 years in the House of Representatives and 6 here in the Senate. Though he has much to offer this body, Senator Brown has chosen to limit his time in Washington. The Senate will certainly miss his leadership and commitment. Senator Brown and I share a common concern for getting this country's fiscal house in order, though, at times, that involves making difficult choices. I have had the great pleasure of working with Senator Brown as a member of the Centrist Coalition, a bipartisan group of Senators. This group worked diligently to agree to an alternative budget plan. This plan incorporated the suggestions of the National Governors' Association on welfare and Medicaid issues, while preserving a safety net for our Nation's most vulnerable populations. Though our plan was narrowly defeated, it was the only bipartisan budget effort to receive strong support during the 104th Congress. I was honored to work with Senator Brown on the effort. Prior to his time in Congress, Hank Brown served our country in Vietnam. A decorated veteran, he has maintained a commitment to ensuring that the United States dealings with Vietnam are appropriate and fair. His unique knowledge and perspective have made him an invaluable contributor to the debates on foreign policy and U.S. military involvement in the world community. Senator Brown has also exhibited leadership on behalf of ranchers; as a Senator from North Dakota, I fully appreciate his efforts in this area. During debate on the 1994 Interior appropriations bill, Hank Brown led the fight against an amendment to raise grazing fees. I was proud to join him in this successful fight, and the ranchers of my State are thankful for his leadership. Above all, it is Senator Brown's integrity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to principles that make him a valued Member of the Senate. He will be greatly missed in this body, and I wish him well as he embarks on the next stage of his life.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, the Senate this year will lose a long-time friend, Alan Simpson of Wyoming. Senator Simpson has served his state well for three decades, including 18 years in this chamber, and 12 years before that in Wyoming's House of Representatives. As many here know, he was raised in politics: his father Milward was a former governor and U.S. Senator. While I congratulate Senator Simpson on his retirement, I also have to say I am sorry to see him go. As members of different parties, we have not always seen eye to eye. But even in those times I have disagreed strongly with him, I have always been impressed by his passion. He is a formidable opponent, and any Senator who challenges him better be fully versed on the issue and ready for a tough debate. Because Alan Simpson is always ready. This smart, principled legislator also possesses a unique sense of humor that can inject laughter into even the most difficult situations. And on many issues, such as the current immigration debate which he has led in the Senate, he has shown a willingness to find a bipartisan solution to our mutual problems. In a Congress that has become increasingly more partisan, many of Senator Simpson's colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle, would do well to heed his example. Compromise and cooperation are seen by some as a lack of leadership. But the ``my way or the highway'' attitude often short-changes the American people. Senator Simpson's willingness to achieve solutions for the greater good is the embodiment of leadership. On the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Simpson and I have examined some of the most pressing issues before us; reduction of our national debt and the future of entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans' benefits. As colleagues on the bipartisan Centrist Coalition we worked together to find a fair and reasonable solution to reducing the deficit and controlling the growth of entitlements, when the White House and congressional leaders reached an impasse. Anyone who works with him on these issues knows without a doubt that Senator Simpson cares as deeply about the future of our country as anyone in Congress. Federal spending on entitlement programs is growing at an alarming rate, but suggesting change to entitlement programs is considered political suicide by some. But that has never stopped Senator Simpson. His work on the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform confirms that he is willing to advocate tough solutions to these growing problems. I may disagree with some of his conclusions, but the fight to reform these programs, as well as the fight to reach a fair balanced budget, is ongoing. I am saddened that he is not staying on to help lead these fights. But perhaps in the coming years, all of us in Congress will learn to embody the virtues of courage and leadership that we have seen in Alan Simpson.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I offer tribute to my friend and colleague, Senator Nancy Kassebaum. The Senate will miss this respected and fair minded policy maker. While the distinguished Senator from Kansas may no longer physically be present on the floor of the Senate to fight the battles she believes in, she will leave a legacy of intelligence, honesty, and common sense that will always be respected and never forgotten. Among her many accomplishments, Senator Kassebaum will go down in the textbooks of American history as the first woman to Chair a major Senate committee, the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. This fact makes a statement about the strength of Nancy Kassebaum as a leader. Senator Kassebaum successfully challenged institutional gender biases, paving the way for other women who aspire to become powerful Members of the Senate. I compliment Senator Kassebaum for this significant accomplishment. Throughout her 18 years of dedicated service as a member of the Senate and her tenure as Chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, Senator Kassebaum has fought to preserve the health and dignity of America's families, children, and the poor. She was a moderating force throughout the welfare debate. Her strong stance on issues such as ensuring abused and neglected children are protected, increasing the availability of child care for low-income families, and preserving child care health and safety standards was a key to the successful passage of a welfare reform bill that received bipartisan support. I had the recent privilege of working closely with Senator Kassebaum on a comprehensive budget proposal formulated by a bipartisan group of Senators. This proposal was based on compromise, fiscal responsibility, common sense, and fairness. It balanced the unified budget by 2002, while preserving important social safety nets for some of our most vulnerable citizens. My colleagues and I worked long hours on this proposal, which received substantial support on the Senate floor. I was proud to have the opportunity to work with Senator Kassebaum on this compromise agreement and was impressed by her diligence and thoughtfulness throughout the discussions. Senator Kassebaum's spirit of fairness is exemplified by her work in the Foreign Relations Committee. As a member and Chair of the African Affairs Subcommittee, she fought to break down the barriers that oppress and divide people. She would not condone intolerance and took decisive action to suppress apartheid by supporting sanctions against the South African Government in 1986. She applauded the fall of apartheid in 1993 and the election of Nelson A. Mandela as President of South Africa in 1994. People and governments worldwide will thank Senator Kassebaum for her work on this issue. In closing, I will look back on the long career of a great Senator, Nancy Kassebaum, with admiration and respect. I thank Senator Kassebaum for her honesty and fairness and wish her well in her future pursuits.

Mr. CONRAD

Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I want to pay tribute to Senator Bill Bradley's distinguished service in the U.S. Senate. From his election to the Senate in 1978, Bill Bradley has influenced the policymaking agenda in Washington by plunging into the intricacies of an impressive array of interests and learning the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents' arguments better than they did. His sheer intellectual dominance of issues has allowed him to succeed against the political odds on issues as far-ranging as tax reform and water-use policy. Senator Bradley has been a true leader on tax reform and fiscal responsibility. He was an early and persistent voice urging us to put our fiscal house in order. If we had had more Bill Bradley's in the Senate in the early 1980's, we could have avoided the deficits of the Reagan era and subsequent years that have left us with our enormous national debt. Last year, I was privileged to work closely with Bill Bradley in putting together a fair share budget plan that would have balanced the unified Federal budget. His advice was absolutely central to developing the specifics of the plan and bringing together a coalition of supporters. In 1986, Bill Bradley almost singlehandedly pushed through a tax reform bill that dramatically reduced the number and size of tax loopholes, gave middle-class American families tax relief, and greatly simplified the Tax Code. Since joining the Finance Committee, I have had the opportunity of working with Bill on tax policy, and his knowledge of the intricacies and politics of our Tax Code is truly astounding. We will sorely miss his knowledge on these issues as we consider tax issues in the future. Senator Bradley has also been a courageous voice on other issues that many politicians choose to avoid. For example, he has been one of a very few Members of Congress to move beyond sound bites and talk honestly and directly about the issue of race in America. And he was a strong voice criticizing those who seek to use race to divide us for political purposes. Senator Bradley also devoted a great deal of time to foreign policy. Whenever a complex foreign policy issue forced itself upon the Senate, it seemed like Bill had found time to think through the options and U.S. and regional interests involved. In short, Mr. President, Bill Bradley has been an intellectual giant in the Senate. The U.S. Senate is losing a champion for average American families and particularly for the least fortunate among us. But I do not doubt that he will continue these fights. As he said when he announced his decision not to seek reelection, there are other places where he can put his skills to work making our country better and stronger. I wish him well as he seeks out the best place and way to continue his calling to public service. Mr. BIDEN addressed the Chair.