Remembering Senator Craig Thomas

Floor Speech

REMEMBERING SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS -- (Senate - June 07, 2007)

Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the service and memory of my friend, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming. His exemplary service in the Congress over the past 18 years is a shining example of the good that can be accomplished for the public benefit. A 1955 graduate of the University of Wyoming, Senator Craig demonstrated considerable leadership early in his life; he entered the Marine Corps soon after graduation and rose in rank from private to captain in just 4 years. Following his service, Senator Thomas returned to Wyoming to make a difference in his native State, serving as executive vice president of the Wyoming Farm Bureau and later as general manager of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association. In 1984, Senator Thomas first entered public service as a State representative, was elected to the House of Representatives in 1989, and finally ascended to the Senate in 1995.

It was my honor to work with Senator Thomas during his Senate career. He was a firm believer in compromise and bipartisanship. This was no more evident than when he and I introduced legislation to protect taxpayer privacy. We worked together on a broad range of issues from protecting consumers to stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons to Iran. Senator Thomas and I shared a belief in this body and what it can achieve. I am very saddened by this tremendous loss, but the memory of Senator Thomas and his good deeds remind us all of a long, rich life that should be celebrated, and I respectfully request that this statement be entered into the RECORD.

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