Tribute to Senators

Floor Speech

TRIBUTE TO SENATORS -- (Senate - October 02, 2008)

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JOHN WARNER

Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I rise in tribute to the senior Senator from Virginia, the honorable JOHN WARNER. Senator Warner is without a doubt one of the finest Senators this chamber has ever had, and the Senate will be a lesser place without him.

Senator Warner is truly a great American--a patriot who has devoted 45 years of his life in service to his country. One of America's Greatest Generation, he served his country honorably during World War Two, enlisting before he was 18 years old. When war in Korea broke out, he again answered his country's call to arms. After earning his law degree, he served as the Under Secretary and later the Secretary of the Navy, again serving with great distinction and integrity.

In 1979, Senator Warner came to the Senate to begin his 30 year Senate career. As in every one of his endeavors before, he immediately made an impact, eventually serving with distinction as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. It is in this capacity that I have had the great privilege of working with him and getting to know him over the last 4 years.

Senator Warner's leadership on the Armed Services Committee has been invaluable. There is no doubt that when he speaks, all are wise to listen. He provides unwavering, courageous leadership that all lean upon. There is never any doubt to his motives. His only motive is to look out for our men and women in uniform and ensure our Nation's defense. His first priority is his country.

Senator Warner has never failed to lead courageously. At times, some of the positions he has taken have been politically unpopular, but his latest reelection--with over 82 percent of the vote--attests that his constituents know he is only dedicated to doing one thing--the right thing. In times of crisis, there is no doubt that Senator Warner becomes a rock that we all lean upon when we face the most challenging issues of our time. He was one of the leaders that worked on the Military Commissions Act and the incredibly difficult and contentious issue of detainees. Once again, just this year, he led again, this time by becoming one of the Gang of 20, trying to provide bipartisan solutions to American's energy issues. And, of course, it took his leadership to bring about passage of the Defense authorization bill this year, a bill that by tradition is passed each year, but which was looking extremely doubtful of passage for the first time in decades.

I have only one regret regarding my service with Senator Warner, and that is I did not have the opportunity to serve with him longer. One of the finest statesmen of his time, I am proud to call him my friend. I aspire to his example and his name belongs in the pantheon of the Senate's greatest figures.

Last, I would like to tell him thank you. Thank you for your great service to our great Republic. Thank you for the untold sacrifices you and your family have made along the way in your 45 years of public service. Thank you for your integrity, patriotism, leadership, and honor.

As I noted before, the Senate will be a lesser place when he leaves, but I wish Senator Warner a fond farewell and Godspeed.

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