December 19, 1974
Page 41097
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I suppose we ought to give the distinguished junior Senator from Arkansas a chance to defend himself from time to time. But, before we do, I would like to say a few words to add to his burden of defense.
The Senate, in my judgment, Mr. President, is losing one of its most eminent statesmen – a word I am sure the Senator from Arkansas would not like to see applied to himself. But he is, I think he is, one of the most eminent statesmen that the Senate has known since I have been here.
I regard him as a good friend, as the chairman of the committee on which I am privileged to serve with him, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and a deeply respected colleague of us all, whether or not we agree with him always.
I think he will be viewed by historians as one of the most effective and farsighted political leaders of our time. As chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee during the period of sometimes painful transition in U.S. foreign policy, his has been a voice of reason, good judgment, commonsense, qualities that are appreciated in my part of the country. He has mastered the art of speaking truth plainly, and his wisdom and his vision have been a valuable national asset to us all.
In his 32 years in Congress, including five terms in this body, BILL FULBRIGHT became the strongest voice in Congress on foreign policy and international affairs.
As a freshman Congressman in 1943 – I cannot think back that far – the House approved his resolution calling for an international organization for peace. The sentiments that he expressed at that time led to the establishment of the United Nations. It was an auspicious start to a career which has spanned, perhaps, the most difficult and, with the advent of the atom bomb, the most dangerous years America has faced in the international community.
A more recent accomplishment which stands out in the record was his early doubts about Vietnam which predated mine, and his pursuit of the truth of our involvement there. In 1966, he called the first congressional hearings on Vietnam and became a persistent critic and effective opponent of American involvement.
I am sure our colleague, Senator JAVITS, joins me in offering special thanks for Senator FULBRIGHT's dedication and hard work in this Congress to secure passage of the war powers resolution. His knowledge and ability were invaluable in that effort.
His philosophy as an internationalist not only led him to become one of the leading supporters of the policy of detente. They also took more personal form.
As a Rhodes scholar, BILL FULBRIGHT had the opportunity to travel and study abroad. His idea that the United States should have such a program of its own has become the Fulbright scholarships, which are of incalculable benefit not only to many American students every year but to the cause of international understanding and cooperation as well.
Finally, we who live in Washington, and the American cultural community as a whole, owe him a special debt for his work in establishing the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center has become a living, working tribute to Senator FULBRIGHT's imagination and concern for our cultural opportunities.
We will miss BILL FULBRIGHT in the Senate.
I have personally benefited from his enlightened leadership of the Foreign Relations Committee in the 4 years it has been my privilege to be a member. And it has been a personal pleasure to know him as a friend.
I understand he is returning to the practice of law, and Jane and I wish him and Betty all our best in the years ahead.