September 22, 1976
Page 31754
Mr. MUSKIE Mr. President, I thank my good friend from Rhode Island and my good friend from Alabama for giving me this courtesy. I especially value this occasion to say a few words of tribute to my good friend from Rhode Island, Mr. PASTORE.
As long as I have been in the Senate, the name of JOHN PASTORE has been spoken with respect and admiration.
For few other Senators have championed the cause of working families, the elderly, and poor more eloquently and forcefully.
Now that he is retiring after 26 years of service, I feel a special sadness.
For JOHN PASTORE and I are the sons of immigrant tailors. We both grew up in industrial New England. He was the first Italian-American elected to the U.S. Senate. I was the first Polish-American. And we have stood together many times on this floor fighting for progressive social change.
I have heard many people say that his greatest accomplishment was his oratory. Others have cited his central role in shaping our Nation's broadcast media. And others have said that the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was his greatest accomplishment.
I do not agree. These all were great accomplishments.
But JOHN PASTORE established his place n the history of the Senate with the sum of his work — with his consistent leadership on the broad range of important issues — with the force of his reasoned arguments and moral purpose.
When we needed to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act, he was there as a floor leader. When we needed reform of campaign finances in 1971, he was there to pass the first campaign spending reform in a half century — and the dollar check-off amendment for financing Presidential campaigns.
When public broadcasting came under intense political pressure, he obtained long range funding that insured independence for innovative programing.
When we needed a congressional energy policy, he chaired the Senate Democratic Task Force on Energy and the Economy that outlined our goals and shaped our present policy.
When space technology made satellite communications a possibility, JOHN PASTORE sought legislation that helped make that a reality.
When the widespread abuses by our intelligence community became known, he sponsored the bill that established the Senate Committee on Intelligence.
I could go on about his distinguished record.
But it is sufficient to say that whenever you needed him, JOHN PASTORE was there. When we had to fight for the redevelopment of cities, for expanding human rights, for jobs for the unemployed, or aid to education, for consumer protection, for assistance to our elderly — in short, when the people's needs were at stake, he was there.
He was not there just to vote, either. You could count on him to take an active part — debating on the floor — rounding up votes — clarifying complex issues — persuading his fellow Senators — performing the tough jobs demanded by the legislative process.
And he always did these jobs with a vitality, dignity, and good humor that have made serving with him a pleasure.
JOHN PASTORE has served his country and the people of Rhode Island well. He has served the Senate well. He has been a good friend to us all, and we will miss his peppery nature.