December 20, 1974
Page 41748
ON THE RETIREMENT OF SENATOR GEORGE AIKEN
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I rise to thank GEORGE AIKEN. I would feel uncomfortable offering tribute to this honest man, or praise to this modest man. But GEORGE AIKEN, a Vermonter by birth, and temperament, has earned the thanks of every American, and uncounted millions of men, women, and children around the globe.
As a practicing politician from a line of politicians stretching back to the 18th century, GEORGE AIKEN has proved by his actions, and not his words, that politics can be an honorable profession.
Since beginning his career in public service in the Vermont legislature in 1931, his name has become associated with such diverse projects and accomplishments as rural electrification, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the rural water and sewer program, Food for Peace, food stamps, school lunch and peaceful uses of the atom.
It is a measure of the high regard in which his fellow Vermonters hold him that in 1968 he was the nominee for the Senate of both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Two themes seem to run through the public life of GEORGE AIKEN, themes which I imagine were first set in his mind as a young man growing up in southeastern Vermont. GEORGE AIKEN has a respect for the land – its bounty, its resources and its beauty. And he carries with him the conscience of the people.
Because of his concern for the land and those who till the land he has been a leader in shaping our Nation's farm, milk and egg programs, rural conservation and development programs, fire and forest protection, recreation and wilderness preservation programs.
His concern for people led him to introduce a food stamp program as early as 1943, and caused him to use his considerable legislative skill to aid passage of such other people programs as school lunch, and a variety of measures aimed at improving the lives of rural Americans at a time of increasing urbanization.
This concern went beyond the borders of his home State, and beyond our national boundaries.
While his name is most closely associated with the St. Lawrence Seaway and power development and Food for Peace, he has been an active member of the Foreign Relations Committee for two decades. I will always regard it as a privilege to have served with him for 4 years on that committee.
And through his work on the joint Committee on Atomic Energy, our distinguished colleague consistently supported efforts to increase the peaceful uses of the atom to meet the people's needs for energy.
Mr. President, the Senate will miss his red ties, his forthrightness, his honesty, and his style of oratory.
There is a feeling common to many in New England that we should only speak when it will improve on silence. It was a maxim that GEORGE AIKEN has followed throughout his long career, and it is too little heeded today.
Jane and I extend our warmest wishes to GEORGE and his gracious wife, Lola, for many, many happy, healthy, and active years in retirement. He has been a good friend, and Washington will miss him.