Tom Daschle

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, tomorrow marks the momentous day in the life and career of one of this Chamber's most esteemed and respected Members. Fifty years ago, on January 8, 1947, Robert C. Byrd took his seat in the West Virginia State Legislature, thus beginning a remarkable half century of public service. I have quite an extensive statement that I wish to make following the completion of our resolution and consideration. I must again congratulate our distinguished Senator for a remarkable career. We saw another demonstration of his intellect and his institutional memory and the remarkable contribution he makes to that just this afternoon as he talked about the early days of this Senate and how the President pro tempore was selected and the length of time it took and the degree to which we followed procedure in ensuring that we notify both the President and the House of Representatives in proper order. It was a small yet very significant contribution to our dialog this morning and, again, a reminder of what an invaluable and remarkable Senator Robert C. Byrd is. I will have much more to say after we complete our work. I commend him.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I send a resolution to the desk commending Senator Robert C. Byrd for his years of public service, that the clerk read the resolution, that upon its reading, it be agreed to and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I withhold for a moment.

Mr. DASCHLE. First of all, let me say I have not had the opportunity to talk with Senator Feingold and Senator McCain and Senator John Kerry and others, including Senator Levin, who expressed a real interest in this issue as to what timeframe they would propose. I would like to seize on the phrase that the distinguished Senator from Minnesota used just a moment ago. That is ``make your best effort.'' He said, ``Will you make your best effort?'' And he suggested a timeframe. I think I can say on behalf of both leaders--certainly for myself--that we are going to make our best effort. He knows my resolve to get this effort accomplished in a successful way. I think the distinguished majority leader has also expressed a determined interest in finding ways to do it. We will make our best effort and we will do everything possible to bring this to the floor at the earliest possible time with the greatest degree of expectation that we will succeed. It is my hope that we will succeed in 100 days or 4 months or at some timeframe within the first part of this year. I wish we had succeeded in previous Congresses. And I have a very strong sense of urgency about reforming the system as soon as possible so that we can restore some public faith in our electoral system and get on with other pressing business. Still, I think what is more important than the day we start floor consideration is the sincerity of the effort itself and a commitment to that effort on the part of both sides. I think that you have heard that demonstrated again this morning.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, if I could just also respond to a couple things.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, can I also make a comment? Let me, first, compliment the distinguished Senator from Minnesota for his adamant endorsement of the need to move ahead on campaign finance reform. I share his utter frustration and extraordinary concern for the current method with which we finance our campaigns. I share it to the degree that I intend to offer, as the very first bill that I will introduce, in consultation, of course, with our conference tomorrow, S. 11, a campaign finance reform bill built upon the remarkable work done by a previous majority leader, Senator Byrd, years ago, as well as Senators Feingold, Kerry, and others who have played a key role in this debate in the past. I will do so with every expectation that we can succeed, at long last, to pass meaningful, comprehensive campaign finance reform this year. And I feel as strongly as the Senator from Minnesota that the legislation should be considered as early as possible. It is long overdue. But, as the majority leader has indicated, some of that work is already being done, and there are other issues that must also be considered on a timely basis. For example, I am concerned--and I discussed this again with the President as recently as yesterday--about the need to accelerate consideration of the chemical weapons treaty, because if we are not able to complete our work on that particular measure prior to the first part of April, we will suffer extraordinary diplomatic and legal consequences in the international community. So not only do we have the budget, but we have the chemical weapons treaty and a number of other issues that will have to be addressed. That does not mean we cannot begin to work and work through all of the issues relating to campaign finance reform in a timely, meaningful and, hopefully, bipartisan fashion. We must do that, but we don't need immediate floor time necessarily to do that. We do need a commitment on both sides to begin working together to finally enact fair, meaningful reform. The majority leader has given me that commitment in the discussions we have had with regard to both the committees, as well as his individual efforts, to come to some resolution on this matter. I am hopeful we can do that. So, in working with the Senator from Minnesota, and certainly with the majority leader and others, I believe we are off to a start that ought to ensure some optimism with regard to our prospects for success on campaign finance reform this year.

Mr. DASCHLE. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I had suggested the absence of quorum. I think we need to have the opportunity----

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me thank the distinguished Senator from Minnesota for his cooperation this afternoon. He feels very, very strongly about this issue and has confirmed that again in a colloquy over the last half hour. I appreciate very much his resolve and intend to work with him very carefully and closely to see that we expeditiously consider this very important legislation.

Mr. DASCHLE. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, if I could also add, the majority leader has referenced times when we have very willingly accommodated the Senator from Minnesota. I can recall on a number of occasions over the last 24 months requests made by the distinguished Senator from Minnesota that we have been able to accommodate to suit schedules and to suit other legislative needs. I will certainly look forward to accommodating his needs and requests during the 105th Congress. I hope that Senators who have objections will notify me personally prior to the time they are going to come to the floor with indications of this kind. It is cumbersome and certainly has created difficulties for Senators who are not here. So it is my hope, too, to accommodate Senators, to demonstrate again a willingness to work together, again, with the clear understanding that I am every bit as committed as he has indicated he is to campaign finance reform. I also urge the Senator to cooperate and to work with us on this particular matter.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. The overturning of the Chair, back in March 1995, had far-reaching consequences, as the majority leader has indicated. By overturning the Chair, the Senate no longer had the legislation on appropriations point of order to keep legislative riders from being added to crucial appropriations bills. Many on this side of the aisle believe the point of order should be restored. However, we also believe that this situation should be remedied in the same way that it was imposed on the Senate; that is, by rollcall vote. So I intend to work with the majority leader to see if we can, by rollcall vote, restore this point of order at some point in the early months of the 105th Congress. I thank the Chair and I yield the floor.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I think the distinguished senior Senator from West Virginia makes a very good point. I think the point of his inquiry in large measure has to do with whether or not either side will surprise the other with regard to tactics involving the leaders' time that would in some way assist the leaders in doing something for which there has not been proper notification. I believe, as the distinguished majority leader has indicated, both sides are going to make a good faith effort to assure that we are not surprised. I believe in this case that effort will be practiced as well as promised. I think there have been occasions, and I can recall vaguely the occasions, where we have been working under a time agreement and, as a result of negotiations between both sides, have come up with a compromise substitute amendment, through a process that involves the leaders, that may allow us to expedite the legislative process, wherein the leaders will use their time to make the case involving that particular amendment and then offer the amendment at the end of that period of time as an alternative to the pending measure. It would be my hope we could continue to work with that understanding because on some occasions we are out of time, and were it not for the leaders' time, we might not be able to address such a compromise. Of course, we still have the avenue of asking for unanimous consent, but the leaders' time gives us another option in that regard. So I think the distinguished Senator from West Virginia is right on the mark with regard to the concern he raises, and I think I am satisfied that I have the assurances from the majority leader in this case there will not be surprises and we will use this time prudently.

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I yield to the distinguished Senator from West Virginia for some comments in regard to this particular resolution prior to the time we go to the next one.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, if I could apologize to the distinguished majority leader, I have a couple of Senators who have been waiting for me for about a half-hour and I need to get into the room. Out of respect for the Senator, I should stay and listen to his eloquence and his visionary comments about his plans for the 105th, and I apologize. I would like to come back and make a statement with regard to the opening day as well as Senator Byrd, and I will do so at a later time. But I apologize up front to the distinguished majority leader for my absence as he makes his remarks.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. If the majority leader will yield for a moment to let me make a comment, I fully share the views expressed by the leader with regard to the timeframe within which legislation will be considered and introduced. We will be holding a conference tomorrow to talk in part about the intentions of our caucus to introduce the first 10 bills, numbered S. 11 through S. 20. But let me also emphasize how appreciative we are with regard to the early consideration of some of the nominees by the administration. They have emphasized, on a number of occasions, their desire to have their people in place as quickly as possible. That requires, of course, early consideration and early confirmation of many of these nominees. The distinguished majority leader again has reiterated his desire to do that, and I am appreciative of that and will work with him to accommodate that schedule. So, I think we are doing the very best we can in meeting all of the different demands that we have upon us, schedulewise, and I appreciate very much the interest in moving ahead on many of these nominations.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I do have a resolution, and I send it to desk and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I, too, would like, again, to express my gratitude to the distinguished Senator from West Virginia for his kind remarks throughout the day, again most recently. I appreciate very much the manner with which he has expressed himself. It is an honor for me to be complimented in public by the distinguished Senator from West Virginia, and he has done so generously.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me first congratulate, again, all of our new colleagues and their families for this very momentous occasion. It is one of the most thrilling things for me to watch new Senators come down the aisle, accompanied by a colleague, to raise their right hand and to take the oath of office. I can recall so vividly my own experience in that regard now twice. I know, having had that experience, what a remarkable and what a memorable opportunity it is for any woman or man. Let me also again reiterate my gratitude to the majority leader for his remarks and for the kindnesses that he has shown to me and to our caucus as we have worked through the schedule, worked through the committees, worked through the many procedural matters that we had to discuss today. We begin the 105th Congress with renewed hope, with optimism, with good will. There is much to do, and there is much need to do it together. We have had many months of competitive political effort, and now it is time to govern. Franklin Roosevelt once said, ``The future lies with those wise political leaders who recognize that the great public is interested more in government than in politics.'' Let us recognize that and seize the future. Let us summon the best in all of those around us as we call upon the best within ourselves to join in common purpose and in common cause. I have no doubt that our efforts here during the course of the 105th Congress will, by any standard, then be judged a success. Mr. President, I indicated when I introduced the resolution relating to Senator Byrd that I had a statement. I would like at this time to make that statement.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, tomorrow, January 8, 1997, will mark a momentous day in the life and career of one of this chamber's most esteemed and respected Members. Fifty years ago, on January 8, 1947, before this Senator was born, Robert C. Byrd took his seat in the West Virginia State Legislature, thus beginning a remarkable half-century of public service. On this golden anniversary of the beginning of a remarkable career, I want to take a few minutes to call attention to this achievement, to congratulate him for it, and to thank him for his service to the people of West Virginia and the United States. Fifty years of public service. That is a long time. Perhaps I can illustrate. It translates into two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, one term in the West Virginia State Senate, three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and seven terms in the U.S. Senate. Since Robert Byrd began serving the people of West Virginia, 10 Presidents have occupied the White House--that is nearly one-fourth of all Presidents in American history. Robert Byrd began serving the people of West Virginia before 20 Members of this Chamber, including this Member, were born. Before there was a CIA; before there was a Marshall plan; before the Korean war. When Robert Byrd began his political career, Harry Truman had not yet upset Dewey or dismissed Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Senator Joe McCarthy had not yet begun his infamous Red-baiting. Lyndon Johnson was still in the House of Representatives, and he was being joined by John Kennedy and Richard Nixon, both of whom were taking their first congressional seats. When Robert Byrd began his remarkable half-century career in public service, it was 2 years before the Soviet Union had tested its first atomic bomb, 10 years before the Soviet Union launched sputnik, and 12 years before there were 50 States in our Union. Five decades is indeed a long time, but it is not for longevity alone that we recognize and applaud the senior Senator from West Virginia. We recognize our esteemed and respected colleague for the quality as well as the quantity of his public service. His life-long commitment to public service has been one of total dedication to serving the people of his beloved State and to the highest ideals of public service. And the people of West Virginia have honored him for it. In Robert Byrd's 50 years in public service, he has won every election in which he has been a participant. In 1970, he received the largest percentage of the total vote ever accorded a person running for the Senate in a contested election in the State of West Virginia. In 1976, he was the first person in West Virginia history to win a Senate seat without opposition in a general election. He has held more legislative offices than anyone else in the history of his State. He is one of only three U.S. Senators in history to be elected to seven 6- year terms. He is the longest-serving Senator in the history of his State. And, on January 13, Senator Byrd will have served 38 years and 10 days in the Senate, becoming the fourth-longest-serving Senator in U.S. history--behind Senators Hayden, Thurmond, and Stennis. West Virginians are not only pleased with their man in Washington; they are proud of him. They have honored him with nearly every honor the State has to offer; this includes being selected as the West Virginian of the Year three different times--the only person ever selected more than once. This Saturday, January 11, a 10-foot, 1,500-pound statue of Senator Byrd will be unveiled and formally dedicated in his honor in the West Virginia State Capitol. No other person in the history of the State has had such an honor bestowed upon him or her. The statue appropriately depicts Senator Byrd holding the Constitution and pointing to the section of the document that provides Congress with the power of the purse. Of course, West Virginians are in the process of renaming the State after him. Every town you go into, it seems you can find something named after Robert C. Byrd. His name is prominently displayed on hospitals, university buildings, roads, and bridges throughout the State. There is the Robert C. Byrd High School in Harrison County, and the U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies at Sheperd College, in beautiful Sheperdstown. There is the Robert C. Byrd Community Center in Pine Grove, the Robert C. Byrd Visitor Center in historic Harpers Ferry, and the much-needed Robert C. Byrd Cancer Research Center. Last year, the Governor of West Virginia, Gaston Caperton, called Senator Byrd ``West Virginia's most beloved son * * * truly a legend in his own time.'' Truly he is, Mr. President, and Robert C. Byrd has become a legend in the U.S. Senate, as well. More than two-thirds of his 50 years of public service has been in this Chamber. The standards he has set here, the principles for which he has stood, the service he has rendered to this Chamber and every member in it, have all been in the best traditions of American government. For this reason, the ``Almanac of American Politics'' could write that Robert Byrd ``may come closer to the kind of Senator the Founding Fathers had in mind than any other.'' He is the Senate's foremost historian--``the custodian of the Senate's ideals and values,'' as Senator Nunn has called him. He has held more leadership positions in the U.S. Senate than any other Senator in history, and he has cast more votes than any other Senator in history. He was the first man in the history of the Senate to hold the job of Senate majority leader, lose it, and then gain it back again. ``That fact,'' wrote Michael Barone, ``tells us something about the determination, the combination of hard work and ambition which have propelled this coal miner's son to the top ranks of the American Congress.'' I love that description, so I want to repeat it: ``the combination of hard work and ambition which have propelled this coal miner's son to the top ranks of the American Congress.'' This is a remarkable statement about a remarkable man. An orphan boy who was raised by a coal miner in the hills of West Virginia, who once pumped gas at a filling station and worked as a produce salesman to make a living, who worked as a meat cutter and a welder in the shipyards of Baltimore and Tampa in order to feed his family, has risen to and succeeded at the very top of our government. His life, in the words of President Clinton, is a ``testament to the idea that public discourse and public life can be a thing of very high honor.'' One of Senator Byrd's favorite quotes is Horace Greeley's observance that: Fame is a vapor; Popularity an accident; Riches take wing; Those who cheer today may curse tomorrow; Only one thing endures: character. Mr. President, as Senate Democratic Leader, I salute the enduring character of Robert C. Byrd while I congratulate him for 50 years of outstanding public service. And I thank the people of West Virginia for their wisdom in keeping him here with us. Mr. President, I now yield the floor.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me commend the distinguished majority leader for the manner with which he has brought this matter to the floor. We have had a number of opportunities to consult with regard to his intention to make this unanimous-consent request. He has ably outlined the options available to the Rules Committee just now. He has also indicated his desire to ensure that we expedite the consideration of the report of the Rules Committee at the appropriate time. I share his confidence in the leadership of the Rules Committee. Senator Warner is a man of impeccable credibility, and Senator Ford has also led that committee in a similar manner. I know that he and Senator Warner have talked about this matter already and I know that both of them are determined to bring this matter to, not only a successful conclusion, but an objective consideration at the earliest possible date. There is no desire, let me emphasize, there is no desire to hinder the progress of the Rules Committee or the Senate itself, as we expeditiously consider the resolution and the ultimate seating of Senator Landrieu. As the distinguished majority leader has said, Senator Landrieu was seated today without prejudice, as were Senator Coverdell and Senator Feinstein in previous Congresses. So, it is with every expectation that Senator Landrieu will continue to present herself to the Senate with all the credibility of any other Senator that I am sure this matter will be resolved in a fair and expeditious manner at the appropriate time. I am concerned, however, that this particular consent request would require that the minority give up the motion to proceed to the debate and the right to debate the resolution fully if we see some need to go beyond the 30 hours. And it does not allow amendments. So, with every assurance to the majority leader that we intend to work with him in expediting this matter in an objective and fair way, I will object this afternoon to the unanimous-consent request and pledge my support in working with him to resolve this matter without the need for such an agreement today.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me begin by thanking the distinguished majority leader for his comments and welcoming him to the 105th Congress, as we welcome all of the newly elected Members to this prestigious body. As the Senator also noted, we have a number of former colleagues who have now reached the height of ``citizen,'' and we welcome them in their new positions as well. The families are here. We all note their presence and recognize what an important day and a memorable day it is for not only the Senators-elect, but for the families as well. We begin this session with much hope and good will. And I think the remarks just made by the majority leader concerning Senator Landrieu are reflective of that. I would like to believe that the administration of the oath of Senator-elect Landrieu will not prejudice in any way the Senate's constitutional power to judge the Louisiana election. Neither will the pendency of Mr. Jenkins' petition diminish in any way the effect of the oath that will now be administered to Senator-elect Landrieu. Just as in recent cases of Senators Coverdell, Packwood, and Feinstein, all Senators sworn in today are Senators in every sense of the word. Those were the sentiments of leaders in those instances, and I believe they are just as appropriate today. I yield the floor, and I thank the distinguished majority leader.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, on behalf of all the Members of the Democratic caucus, let me congratulate the President pro tempore on his ascension to this position once again. He has served ably in the last Congress and he has gained the respect of many new Members who did not have the opportunity to work with him in the past. I know that will be the case once more in the 105th Congress. So we join with our Republican colleagues in congratulating and wishing you well on your election and expressing the hope that we can continue to work so ably together, as you have so clearly demonstrated the ability to do in the last Congress.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, as the 104th Congress comes to a close, I want to recognize some of the people without whom the Senate simply could not operate--the loyal staff who served this institution with great dedication and pride. The sacrifices staff make are largely unknown to most people outside the Senate. For instance, during the final weeks of this session, many of the staff of the House and Senate appropriations committees worked over 100 hours straight to finalize the omnibus appropriations bill. When I leave for home after a late night, I generally pass by the Official Reporters of Debates, who face several more hours in the office to finish up that day's Congressional Record. Anyone who understands the Senate understands the crucial role staff plays. Today, I want to thank all Senate staff for their service to the Senate and to the Nation. In particular, I want to mention some of the people who are responsible for the daily operations of the Senate. I begin by expressing my gratitude to the office of the Secretary of the Senate. We have a new Secretary of the Senate, Gary Sisco. Though he has been on board only a few days, I am confident that Gary will be as easy to work with and will demonstrate the same dependable professionalism of his predecessor, Kelly Johnston. We also have a new Sergeant at Arms, Gregory Casey. We will miss former Sergeant at Arms Howard Greene's valuable knowledge of the Senate, but I am sure that Greg will approach the job with the same love for the Senate that Howard demonstrated. The Sergeant at Arms has been supported by the capable assistance of the former Deputy Sergeant at Arms, Joyce McCluney, and the current Deputy, Larry Harris. The Sergeant's office is also assisted by the work of Marie Angus and Patty McNally. I would like to give special thanks for the hard work and consummate professionalism of Jeri Thomson, the executive assistant for the minority, who has provided invaluable assistance to me and to my Democratic colleagues. All Senators, I am sure, are grateful for the counsel and support they receive from the staff who work the Senate floor and Cloakrooms. That assistance has become even more valuable to me since I became Democratic leader. Our Democratic floor staff works under the excellent leadership of Marty Paone, the Secretary for the Minority. Under great pressure, often with little time and with little margin for error, Marty has time and again provided wise counsel to me and to my Democratic colleagues. Despite the pressures, Marty always finds time to respond to questions from Senator and staff alike--everything from the routine question about timing of votes to the most complex analysis of parliamentary procedure. The rare combination of a sharp mind, even temperament, and indepth experience makes Marty one of the most valuable officers of the Senate, and I want to thank him and recognize him for that. Marty is assisted by the hard work of Maura Farley McGee and Sue Spatz. Day-to-day management of the floor operation is in the capable and energetic hands of Lula Davis, the Assistant Secretary to the Minority. Lula's ability to juggle multiple tasks--from negotiations over bills that we seek to clear by unanimous consent, to advising Senators and staff on legislative strategy, to acting as informal fashion adviser to many of my colleagues--demonstrates her tireless dedication to making things work around here. Working on the Democratic floor staff with Marty and Lula during the 104th Congress have been Art Cameron and Kelly Riordan, both of whom we have since lost to the Treasury Department and law school, respectively, and Gary Myrick and Paul Brown, who have moved from the Cloakroom and the Democratic Policy Committee, respectively. They were all assisted by the hard work of Brad Austin, who leaves shortly for a professional adventure in Malawi. Our Democratic Cloakroom staff, Lenny Oursler, Paul Cloutier, Christina Krasow, and Brian Griffin, also provide invaluable assistance in many aspects of our Senate life. Among other things, they field countless queries about what the Senate is doing and when votes will occur, including that age-old question, ``Will there be any more rollcall votes tonight?'' They help us stay on schedule and where we are supposed to be, all while keeping track of the flurry of legislation that moves through here and keeping most of us entertained. I salute them for their hard work and good humor and thank them for their assistance. It is no exaggeration to say that our ability to navigate the complexities of Senate rules and procedures would be impossible without the assistance of our Parliamentarians. Senate Parliamentarian Bob Dove, with the outstanding assistance of Senior Assistant Parliamentarian Alan Frumin, Assistant Parliamentarian Kevin Kayes, and Parliamentary Assistant Sally Goffinet, provides an unparalleled level of expertise and understanding of Senate procedure. Our growing C-SPAN audience has no doubt become familiar with the commanding voice of Legislative Clerk Scott Bates and his assistant David Tinsley; Bill Clerk Kathie Alvarez has also become a notable presence. Kathie is assisted in her duties as bill clerk by Danielle Fling and Mary Anne Clarkson. Our legislative and bill clerks deserve the thanks and respect of all Senators for their keen attention to detail and their patient professionalism. Journal Clerk William Lackey and his assistants Patrick Keating and Mark Lacovara; Enrolling Clerk Tom Lundregan and his assistant Charlene McDevitt; Executive Clerk David Marcos and his assistant Michelle Haynes; Daily Digest Editor Thomas Pellikaan, Assistant Editor Linda Sebold, and Staff Assistant Kimberly Longsworth, all have my gratitude for their long hours and hard work. I also would like to thank and commend again our official Reporters of Debates for their hard work: Chief Reporter Ronald Kavulick and Assistant Chief Reporter--and Congressional Record Coordinator--Scott Sanborn; Morning Business Editor Ken Dean and Assistant Editor Lee Brown; Expert Transcriber Supervisor Eileen Connor and her assistants, Donald Corrigan and Eileen Milton; and the Official Reporters of Debates: Jerald Linnell, Raleigh Milton, Joel Brietner, Mary Jane McCarthy, Paul Nelson, Katie-Jane Teel, and Patrick Renzi. I also want to thank our Senate Doorkeepers, directed by Arthur Curran and Donn Larson, for the friendly, and helpful attitude they bring to their jobs, often in the face of long and uncertain hours. Without their assistance and that of all of our Senate support staff, our work simply could not get done. Finally, Mr. President, I want to thank my own staff and the staff of the Democratic Leadership Committees, whom I share with Senators Reid, Rockefeller, and Kerry. These bright, talented people are dedicated to the effort to serve the people of South Dakota and the Nation, as well as every Democratic senator and their staffs. They do a tremendous job, and I owe each of them a debt of gratitude.

Mr. DASCHLE

Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, as we watch them work, I am reminded again of the remarkable contribution made by our staff, the floor staff, our clerks, so many of the people in the cloakrooms and in every facet of the operation of the Senate. I admire them for their amazing dedication to this institution and for their hard work each and every day they come to work. We do not thank them enough. They are hard workers on both sides of the aisle. I will not begin to name names except John Doney only because we know he is retiring, but we thank him, we applaud him, and we admire his great work--and their great work and contribution to our effort each and every day. Again, I thank my colleagues and I thank our leadership, and I certainly thank my personal staff for the great job they have done in serving me and working with us in the last 2 years. With that I yield the floor.