October 18, 1972
Page 37287
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN SHERMAN COOPER
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I join other Senators in paying tribute to JOHN SHERMAN COOPER, our distinguished colleague and friend.
The State of Kentucky, the Senate, and the Nation have been privileged to benefit from his long and distinguished career. It has been a great personal pleasure for me to have served with him for more than a dozen years on the Public Works Committee and for 2 years on the Foreign Relations Committee. During that time, I have known Senator COOPER as a man of conscience, integrity, and superior ability.
Senator COOPER is perhaps best known for his contributions in the field of foreign affairs. His understanding and wisdom in this area are grounded in broad experience – in his work with former Secretary of State Dean Acheson at the NATO Council of Ministers in the early days of the alliance; in his exemplary representation of the United States at the United Nations; and in his service as the U.S. Ambassador to India and Nepal. He has brought all this knowledge and experience to bear during his years as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
JOHN SHERMAN COOPER has led many battles in Congress for a sound foreign and defense policy. He is best known for his contribution to arms control and his leadership against the war in Indochina. He led the fight against the antiballistic missile system and he has carefully followed the strategic arms limitation talks. He led the fight against the expansion of the Vietnam war into Cambodia and has been an eloquent spokesman of complete U.S. withdrawal from the cruel war in Indochina.
His contribution to domestic policy has also been distinguished – as a member of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, in which he took a special interest in educational policies, and as a member of the Agriculture Committee, in which he initiated a wide range of policies and programs designed to improve the quality of life in rural America.
It has been a pleasure and an honor for me to have worked closely with Senator COOPER on the Senate Public Works Committee. I would like to single out especially his contributions in two areas in which I have been privileged to work closely with him; on environmental matters before my Subcommittee on Air and Water Pollution, and on the issue of a sound transportation policy.
It is, indeed, timely to call the attention of the Senate to Senator COOPER's role in these areas. The Senate has just overridden the President's veto of the Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. This landmark legislation and the overwhelming support it has received in the Senate might not have been possible without Senator COOPER's own deep commitment to environmental protection – not only on this bill, but also with respect to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970 in which his role was equally vital.
Senator COOPER and I have also worked closely together to provide urban centers with balanced transportation systems by increasing the options for which highway trust fund moneys can be used. This year the Senate accepted this position for the first time. Senator COOPER's role was vital in causing this important breakthrough.
Mr. President, JOHN SHERMAN COOPER, in his great sweep of mind and character, represents far more than Kentucky, which has been honored by making him its spokesman in the Senate for almost 20 years. He represents all Americans. He belongs to all the Nation. And this body has been exalted by his presence and will be poorer for his absence.
Mr. President, the staff of the Public Works Committee has sent a letter to Senator COOPER on the occasion of his retirement. It reveals the deep devotion, respect, and loyalty which I am sure all Members of this body feel toward JOHN SHERMAN COOPER – a man who has served this country in many capacities, but always with courage and conviction. I ask unanimous consent that the letter be printed in the RECORD.
OCTOBER 12, 1972. Hon.
JOHN SHERMAN COOPER,
U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
DEAR SENATOR COOPER: It is not easy to put into words our thoughts regarding the role you have played on this Committee. Each of us has served for varying periods of time, in an effective working environment which you have helped create. Each of us has viewed from varying perspectives the contribution you have made. Each of us has learned much from the way you carry out your responsibilities.
It would be enough perhaps for some to wave a hand in passing and say thank you. We feel that you deserve more. We want to thank you for making us adhere to the process, for insisting that the rules be followed, and for passing to us your commitment to make the Congress function as a creative branch of government.
Few Committees on Capitol Hill function with the degree of non-partisanship and unanimity which is the hallmark of the Committee on Public Works. A primary reason for this uniqueness is the role you have played. Few Committees are as creative or as deliberate as this Committee. We believe that this is in large part attributable to your leadership.
No chain is stronger than its weakest link and no chain joined in a circle can hold together if it is not welded properly. We believe the Committee will continue to function with that strength. You have welded it well and we, the staff who have had the privilege of serving you, thank you for this legacy.
In retirement, your access to staff will be greatly reduced. We would feel honored and privileged if you would call on any one of us at any time to assist you in any way in whatever you may seek to do.
With affection and respect,
(Signed by the individual members of the staff of the Senate Public Works Committee).