S5660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 25, 1995

serving as chairman of the Senate

Armed Services and the Senate Appropriations Committees and as President

pro tempore of this body.

Among his legislative achievements

was his ability to bend and flow with

the times. Once a staunch segregationist, Senator Stennis cast his vote for

the Voting Rights Act of 1982.

One area in which he never changed,

however, was in upholding the safety

and security of this great country. Senator Stennis warned against overextending our military capacity. He

also warned against wasteful defense

spending. But he never wavered in his

support of the country’s national defense and ensuring that it maintained

the military capacity to guarantee our

freedoms and our liberties.

During his four decades in the U.S.

Senate, Senator Stennis was always an

abiding example of integrity and fortitude. His respect for the institution

of the Senate and the law of the United

States made him an early opponent of

the excesses and abuses of Senator Joe

McCarthy. As a result, he and Senator

Sam Ervin were named as the two

Democratic members on the Watkins

committee that investigated the recklessness of Senator McCarthy and led

to his censorship.

In July 1965, the Senate created the

Select Committee on Standards and

Conduct, the forerunner of our current

Select Committee on Ethics. This was

a controversial creation, and everyone

knew that whoever chaired it would be

in a difficult position. The Senate had

traditionally relied upon the voters of

a State to discipline a Senator for improper behavior, and institutional discipline is a painful problem in an institution that depends on the collegiality

of its Members. The only logical choice

for this important and difficult leadership position was Senator Stennis. The

Mississippi Senator became so successful and so respected in this position

that the committee quickly became

known as the ‘‘Stennis Committee.’’

Mr. President, the career of Senator

John C. Stennis was marked, not only

with legislative triumphs, but with numerous personal triumphs over personal adversity.

In 1973, he was shot by robbers in

front of his house and left for dead.

In 1983, his beloved wife of 52 years,

Coy Hines Stennis passed away.

In 1984, a battle with cancer resulted

in the loss of one of his legs and confined him to a wheelchair. While in the

hospital recuperating from the surgery,

he was visited by the President of the

United States, Ronald Reagan. President Reagan later said that he had

dreaded going to the hospital that day,

for he feared the impact such a life-altering operation would have on a

fiercely independent man like Senator

Stennis. But the President explained,

‘‘when I left, it was I who had been

strengthened.’’

He had been strengthened by the Senator’s confidence, his faith, and his optimism.

Those qualities defined Senator Stennis’ outlook on life. On his Senate desk

he kept a plaque that simply read:

‘‘Look Ahead.’’

‘‘That’s my philosophy,’’ he explained. Don’t waste time lamenting

the past. ‘‘You have got to look ahead.

I realize that life’s not altogether what

you make it. But that’s part of it, what

you make it yourself.’’

Senator Stennis made for himself a

wonderful life, and the Senate and the

country can be grateful for it.

When he retired from the Senate in

January 1989, Senate Majority Leader

ROBERT BYRD called it ‘‘the end of an

era.’’ And indeed it was.

Perhaps a greater compliment came

from a Republican Member of Congress

from Mississippi, who said, ‘‘We’ll miss

him. Even if he’s a Democrat, he’s a

great man.’’

As the Senate Democratic leader, I

say that is a great statement, even

from a Republican.

In 1988, Congress established the

John C. Stennis Center for Public Service Training at Mississippi State University. The center covers a range of

historical projects, including an excellent oral history program. When a congressional historian approached him

about an oral history of his own life

and career, Senator Stennis initially

opposed the idea, saying it would be

too self-aggrandizing. The historian

proceeded to explain that it was not

only an honor, it was his duty to record

for posterity his personal account of

the historic events and decisions in

which he had been involved.

‘‘Well, sir,’’ responded Senator Stennis, ‘‘If you say its my duty, then I

must do it, because I’ve always done

my duty.’’

Indeed he did.

It was not only his legislative accomplishments—and they were many—for

which we so loved and remember him,

it was also his commitment to God and

country.

No person who has ever served in the

U.S. Senate was ever quicker to tell

you what was wrong with this country.

But no person was ever quicker to tell

you what was right about it, either.

Mr. President, Linda and I extend our

most heartfelt condolences to the family of John C. Stennis: we share their

grief and their loss. But we also thank

them for sharing him with us, and I

thank the people of Mississippi for selecting him to serve in the Senate for

seven terms.

Mr. President, I yield the floor.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Mississippi.

Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I first

SENATOR JOHN C. STENNIS

fwant to commend the distinguished

Democratic leader for his comments

about our departed colleague and my

good friend, Senator John C. Stennis.

Today, there was a very appropriate

editorial published in the ClarionLedger, in Jackson, MS, describing the

effect that Senator Stennis had, by virtue of his service in the Senate, on the

State of Mississippi.

I commend the editor for such a fine

article and I ask unanimous consent

that it be printed in the RECORD.

There being no objection, the article

was ordered to be printed in the

RECORD, as follows:

[From the Clarion-Ledger, Apr. 25, 1995]

JOHN C. STENNIS: INTEGRITY SET STANDARD

FOR CONGRESS

The accomplishments of former U.S. Sen.

John C. Stennis could fill pages.

Stennis’ long and full life ended Sunday at

age 93, and during the next few days, Mississippians, will hear many of the senator’s

accomplishments recounted.

His long and distinguished career in government left his mark on many of the policies of the United States, especially in military matters. There are many institutions

that bear his name, even an aircraft carrier.

Mississippi is a much different place, and a

much better place, because of the policies

and economic development projects he

brought to the state.

But, all of the political achievements, the

things that most politicians are measured

by, fall short when it comes to Sen. Stennis.

Stennis was, above all else, a man of integrity, a true statesman, whose adherence to

honor and code of conduct made him legendary in the U.S. Senate, which he loved so

dearly.

That is indeed a rare quality, especially in

the mean-spirited politics of today.

Sen. Stennis’ reputation for fairness made

him a trusted colleague and confidant of

presidents of both parties. He was known as

the ‘‘conscience of the Senate’’ because of

his high ethical standards and respect for the

institution.

Throughout his long career, integrity and

service were watchwords. It is appropriate

that, of the institutions that bear his name,

the Stennis Center for Public Service at Mississippi State University seeks to encourage

young people to public service careers.

In his 1947 campaign, Stennis stated a simple creed: ‘‘I want to plow a straight furrow

right down to the end of my row.’’

Sen. John C. Stennis succeeded with that

pledge.

Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I want

to invite the attention of the Senate to

a couple of points that are made in this

fine tribute. After talking about many

of the things that Senator Stennis did

for the State the editorial writer then

says:

But, all of the political achievements, the

things that most politicians are measured

by, fall short when it comes to Senator Stennis.

Stennis was, above all else, a man of integrity, a true statesman, whose adherence to

honor and code of conduct made him legendary in the U.S. Senate, which he loved so

dearly.

Mr. President, as I was beginning to

think about putting this in the RECORD

for the information of Senators, I realized that I sit at the desk that was occupied by Senator Stennis during the

time he served in the Senate.

As you know, there is a tradition

here to put your name in the desk

drawer like schoolboys used to. Senator Stennis’ name is in this desk

drawer which he wrote in there and put

the date that he began service, 1947,

and a dash, and never did, of course,
April 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5661

put the date on which his service

ended, which the distinguished Democratic leader pointed out was in 1989.

One other aspect of this desk is that

not only has it been occupied by many

Mississippians over the years, Jefferson

Davis, to name one, John Sharp Williams, a very distinguished Senator

who had served as Democratic leader in

the House before he was elected to the

Senate, and then served three terms in

the Senate and probably was one of the

most respected national figures of his

day serving in the Congress. And serving from Mississippi it made our State

very proud. But Senator Stennis occupied this desk from 1947—well over 41

years, as the Senators know.

But toward the end of his career he

lost a leg to cancer, and this desk was

located in the rear of the Chamber. So

his wheelchair could move right up to

the desk. But he never failed to rise

and address the Senate even though he

was confined to the wheelchair and had

only one leg. He had the carpenters put

a special place here where a bar could

be fitted. There are two holes carved

for wooden inserts in this desk to hold

that bar. And the bar would rest inside

the desk. Most Senators put the rule

books of the Senate and a couple of

other reference books in the top of

their desk. But that had simply a bar

there. He would put it there and pull

himself up, and with that one leg stand

erect to address the Senate because he

respected the institution so much, its

traditions, and its customs, always

pointing out to other Senators that we

should be in order; and having a tremendous influence because of his presence in this body.

The Senate is much better off because of his service here. The State of

Mississippi is truly blessed to have

been the State represented in the U.S.

Senate by John C. Stennis.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence

of a quorum.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The

clerk will call the roll.

The legislative clerk proceeded to

call the roll.

Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, I ask

unanimous consent that the order for

the quorum call be rescinded.

The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without

objection, it is so ordered.

IN MEMORY OF THE LATE JOHN C.

fSTENNIS

Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, I would

like to speak for a few minutes this

evening on a subject close to my heart,

and that is the memory of our former

colleague, John C. Stennis, who passed

away on Sunday, April 23, at the age of

93. Senator Stennis served in this body

for over 41 years, from 1947 to 1989.

For a long number of years, as I was

growing up and following the activities

of the Congress of the United States,

Senator Stennis was one of my heroes,

and that was long before I came to U.S.

Senate. John Stennis personified for

me the image of what a Senator should

be, and that image inspired me as I

considered whether to seek a seat in

the U.S. Senate in the 1972 election.

From my first days in the Senate, John

Stennis was a patient mentor, a strong

and valuable colleague, and a cherished

friend.

It has been said that ‘‘Great men are

like eagles, they do not flock together.

You find them one at a time, soaring

alone, using their skills and strengths

to reach new heights and to seek new

horizons.’’ Such an eagle was John

Stennis.

John Stennis was a Senator’s Senator. He was gentle and courteous in

conduct, but tough and strong in conviction and in character. He was a man

of singular purpose and broad vision—

yet he was sensitive, very sensitive, to

the needs and the wishes of others.

John Stennis personified the highest

ideals of honor and integrity within

the U.S. Senate. Members of the Senate from both parties and from widely

divergent philosophical points of view

treasured his steadfast leadership, his

fearless courage, his kindness toward

others, his unselfish devotion to public

service, his love and respect for the

U.S. Senate, the Congress, his reverence for the U.S. Constitution, and

his unshakable faith in God.

Senator Stennis was an outstanding

lawyer and judge before he came to the

Senate, and his judicial temperament

marked every aspect of his Senate

service. Time after time, the Senate

turned to him to address the most difficult and divisive issues, such as the

conduct of Senator Joseph McCarthy.

When the Senate established the first

Select Committee on Standards and

Conduct, which was the predecessor of

the Ethics Committee, it was only natural that Senator Stennis was selected

as the first chairman. From 1961 to

1981, he served as chairman of the

Armed Services Committee. As chairman, he set a standard that all of his

successors strive to meet. He was a

man of conviction, strong, moral character, and absolute and total courage.

Despite much adversity—a life-threatening gunshot wound in 1973, right

after I came to the Senate that tragedy

happened, also the loss in 1983 of his beloved wife, Miss Coy, and the challenges of serious operations in later

years, through all of that he served the

people of Mississippi and the people of

this Nation with courage and with

strength.

Chairman Stennis was the Senate’s

preeminent authority on military affairs. His career spanned the period of

the cold war. He came to the Senate in

1947, the year the Marshall plan was

announced. He left in 1989, the year the

Berlin Wall came down. He played a

very large role in those events and all

the events in between. He had guided

this body through the difficult years of

the post-Vietnam era and through the

subsequent revitalization of America’s

Armed Forces.

Senator Stennis consistently supported a strong national defense even

in times when it was not popular to do

so. I recall clearly the first few years

after I came to the Senate in the early

1970’s, when virtually all defense programs were being challenged one after

another on the Senate floor. Senator

Stennis remained in the Chamber

steadfast for hours and weeks and

sometimes even months while the bill

was pending in the Senate, making the

case for maintaining a strong defense

for our Nation.

At the same time, Senator Stennis

was downright intolerant of wasted and

misspent dollars, and he consistently

opposed those who simply wanted to

write a Pentagon blank check.

Senator Stennis remembered well the

lessons of pre-World War II isolationism and he constantly opposed the recurring isolationist impulse, especially

during the difficult post-Vietnam

years. He was a rock of support for

NATO at a time when there was strong

opposition in the country to foreign

military alliances. One of the first assignments he gave me when I got to

the Senate was going to NATO and

coming back and reporting to him on

what I found there.

Yet he remained skeptical of excessive military involvement overseas and

he expressed great concern about the

plans for intervention in Vietnam before that intervention occurred. Once

the Nation was committed to war, however, he always believed that American

forces should be provided with the

means necessary and the backing to accomplish the objectives assigned to

them.

It was my privilege to serve with him

since coming to the Senate in 1973

until he left in 1989. He was my friend.

He was my mentor. He remained my

hero. I will miss him, and I will miss

his sound advice and wise judgment.

During my first campaign for the Senate in 1972, I came to Washington to

meet with Senator Stennis. This was

before I was elected in November but

after I had won the Democratic primary. I told him of my strong interest

in military affairs, and I asked for his

support in obtaining a seat on the

Armed Services Committee if I should

be elected.

I will always be grateful for his assurances of support and his assistance

once I arrived, and certainly all of that

played a very important part in my

Senate career. With his support, I obtained a seat on the Committee on

Armed Services, and I promptly sought

his advice on how I should fulfill my

duties. He told me, and I recall it well,

that the best way to learn about the

Defense Department and the military

services was to deal directly and extensively with the men and women in uniform as well as the civilian employees

of the Department of Defense. He encouraged me to listen to their advice

and understand their point of view, to

remain open and objective but always

to at least listen.

He appointed me to be the chairman

of the newly created Manpower and