May 6, 1980
Page 9917
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ED MUSKIE
(Mr. GIAIMO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. GIAIMO. Mr. Speaker, for the last 3 years it has been a privilege to work in close concert with ED MUSKIE the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee on common problems involving the fiscal policies of this country. I have come to know him and to respect his keen intellect, his dedication to the budget process, and his valuable leadership.
ED MUSKIE and I have argued long and often, for he is a tough adversary. Whenever we have met in conference, we have each been staunch advocates of our respective positions. In the final analysis, each time we have worked to overcome these differences.
When we have appeared together at the White House or at other meetings over the inflation crisis or other matters of great economic importance, we have not been antagonists, but rather on the same side of the issues. Most recently, during the marathon sessions of House and Senate leadership with the administration when we sought to agree on the blueprint for a balanced budget, ED MUSKIE and I were nearly always in agreement.
Heading the Budget Committee is no bed of roses, I know. But ED MUSKIE was capable and conscientious. He carried his load with dignity and conviction.
I shall miss my friendly adversary in the two conferences that we will have with the other body this year. And I shall wish him well in his difficult new assignment.
I cannot envision anything more difficult than heading the Budget Committee except for the Presidency and the job of Secretary of State. So, I am afraid my friend ED MUSKIE has jumped from the frying pan into the fire. But his knowledge of foreign affairs as well as of the many facets of domestic affairs and the high esteem in which he is held at the Capitol will stand him in good stead for his new and difficult assignment.
Congratulations to Senator MUSKIE and to President Carter for having selected him.