April 30, 1980
Page 9430
ED MUSKIE: A WISE CHOICE
Mr. CHURCH. Mr. President, I welcome the nomination of Senator MUSKIE to be Secretary of State.
ED MUSKIE has been a friend and colleague for many years, and I consider him superbly equipped to direct our Nation's foreign affairs in these troubled times.
He is one of the most influential Members of the Senate and one of the most respected. There can be no doubt about his capacities — his intelligence, his judgment, and his soundness of character. He has twice served on the Foreign Relations Committee and is well versed in the major issues which have faced the committee in recent years. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, he understands the economic challenges facing the Nation, both here and abroad — matters relating to trade, energy, and international monetary affairs.
Most especially, I am pleased that the President has reached out to the Senate for his new Secretary of State. Senator MUSKIE has been a statesman in the Senate — a man of wisdom, perseverance, and sound leadership. The President could not have made a better choice.
Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.