[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 14] [Senate] [Page 19547] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTES TO RETIRING SENATORS Arlen Specter Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, for five terms, longer than anyone in his State's proud history, Arlen Specter has represented the State of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate. Over that time, he distinguished himself greatly, from his commendable work on the Judiciary Committee to his recent efforts to reestablish legal protections against fraud. We saw from the beginning of his Senate service his impressive grasp of issues. But as he prepares to leave the Senate, I would like to focus on two examples from his time here that I believe speak to his formidable character. In early 2008, our Nation faced its most daunting economic situation in decades. It was clear that private demand in the economy was fading in the face of a devastating financial crisis. Economists across the political spectrum were convinced that Federal fiscal stimulus was desperately needed as part of a strategy to keep recession from turning into depression. And yet there was significant doubt as to whether Congress could summon the political will to do what was necessary. Without at least a handful of Republican supporters in the Senate, the desperately needed economic rescue package would not pass. At that moment, under immense political pressure, Senator Specter was one of just three Republicans willing to vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Thanks to the foresight of these Senators, millions of Americans have jobs today who otherwise would be unemployed. We should all be grateful for Senator Specter's determination to do what the country needed. Senator Specter has faced down more dire circumstances than those surrounding the stimulus vote. In 1993, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor--one neurosurgeon told him he had just weeks to live. In 2005 and again in 2008, he coped with Hodgkin's disease. In each of these cases, Senator Specter not only faced down a deadly disease, but he pushed the limits of physical and mental endurance to remain deeply engaged in his Senate work. Work, for him, was integral to recovery. As he wrote in an inspirational book on his health experiences, ``Good health is a precious possession that is often taken for granted. The same is true of the time we have been given to contribute to the world around us. Poor health may limit our time and capacity for achievement, but I firmly believe that vigorous work provides the best way to overcome a health challenge.'' Senator Specter, thank you for the inspiring example of your determination. Thank you for a long and productive career in this body, a career that has meant much to the Senate, to Pennsylvania, and to the Nation. ____________________