[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 149 (Thursday, December 1, 1994)] [Senate] [Page S] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [Congressional Record: December 1, 1994] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MITCHELL Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, soon the 103d Congress will be history. The end of the 103d Congress also will mean the end of the historic and distinguished career of Senator George Mitchell as the majority leader of this body. Mr. President, today, I want to pay tribute to a man that every Member of this body holds in the highest regard. Earlier this year, Senator Mitchell was mentioned as a candidate for commissioner of baseball. He was asked about dealing with the egos of the 28 baseball owners. His reply, that the commissioner's job would be a 72-percent reduction from his role as Senate majority leader, has now become famous. But I think his reply also illustrates Senator Mitchell's approach to what is surely one of the most difficult jobs in Washington. There are 100 Members of the U.S. Senate. We come from 50 different States. We are members of different political parties, and we represent a wide variety of personalities, views, and political philosophies. Yet, we are able to work together. Our successes over the years are in no small part due to the fairness, perseverance, integrity and the good humor of Senate Majority Leader Mitchell. I know that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle--even while they might have disagreed with him on various issues--respect Senator Mitchell's ability to deal with them fairly. Senator Alan Simpson, the minority whip, recently said of Senator Mitchell: ``Not once, ever did he do anything he said he would not do. He wouldn't cut a corner.'' All of us who have served with Senator Mitchell would agree with that assessment. It has been my great pleasure to serve with the distinguished majority leader. Like many of my colleagues, I have admired his intelligence, his patience, and his steady leadership. As majority leader, he guided legislation through this body with great skill. As a Senator representing the citizens of Maine, he worked diligently on behalf of his constituents, just as he worked for the well-being of Americans throughout the Nation. We all know George Mitchell could have left this body earlier this year and taken his place on the Nation's highest court. There is little doubt he would have served in that capacity with great distinction, and continued to make a significant difference in the history of our country. But he chose not to take that opportunity. Instead, he decided to remain in the Senate and to attempt to reform our national health care system. Mr. President, he made that decision because of his deep and sincere dedication to accomplishing a goal he felt was in the best interests of our Nation. He put the national interest above his personal interest. While we were not able to pass legislation reforming our Nation's health care system this year, it was certainly not due to a lack of commitment or determination on the part of the distinguished Senator from Maine. Senator Mitchell put his personal convictions ahead of personal gain, and demonstrated to every other public servant the true meaning of public service. In that spirit of public service, Senator Mitchell has established a scholarship fund with the remainder of his campaign fund and the donations of many, many generous people from across the country. That fund will help needy and deserving students receive a higher education. At the fundraising dinner for the scholarship bearing the majority leader's name, George Mitchell said: ``Public service must be and is its own reward, for it does not guarantee wealth, popularity, or respect.'' I know many of us share those sentiments. While he may be correct that serving in the Senate does not guarantee those things, Senator Mitchell has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. He will leave this Chamber with a wealth of memories of legislative battles--he has won some impressive victories, and suffered some disappointing defeats. But above it all, he has earned the respect of everyone who has had the privilege of working with him. Although he may be retiring from the Senate, I know that will not mean the end of his desire to serve his country. Indeed, just today President Bill Clinton announced that George Mitchell has agreed to serve as a special U.S. adviser for economic initiatives in Ireland. As that troubled area moves toward ending decades of violence and confrontation, efforts to ensure economic stability and growth will be an essential part of helping Northern Ireland achieve peace and prosperity. The President said he needed someone of ``great talent, great stature and great wisdom'' for the job as special economic adviser to Northern Ireland. Mr. President, I think all of us who have served with Senator Mitchell agree the President has found the right man. All of us in this Chamber have been fortunate to serve with him in the Senate, and his steady and distinguished presence will be missed. ____________________