I am here today to honor Senator David Pryor, a lifelong advocate for Arkansas, who passed away on April 20 at the age of 89. Senator Pryor was a tremendous public servant who dedicated his life to making Arkansas better. His trademark motto, ``Arkansas comes first,'' wasn't only a sign on his desk; it was a mission he pursued relentlessly with passion and a formidable intellect. Senator Pryor represented Arkansas in this Chamber for three terms, but public service at any level was something he learned from the example of his family. His father and grandfather were both sheriffs, and his mother was the first Arkansas woman to run for elected office. That was a good foundation to start from, and the unique skills he possessed to persuade and lead were tools he effectively used throughout his career. Those who worked with him described him as genuine and fair and were in awe of his ability to make real, meaningful connections, whether on the floor of the Senate with colleagues from across the aisle or the folks in small Arkansas towns. Every interaction with David Pryor conveyed that he cared and that he wanted to help. That posture certainly worked to his advantage over decades in public life. Voters elected Pryor to the State legislature in 1960, and in subsequent years, they trusted him to be their U.S. Congressman, Governor, and U.S. Senator.…
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