On the recordMay 2, 2024
Mr. President, I thank Senator Boozman. I join with Senator Boozman to honor former Senator David Pryor--a great Arkansan, statesman, and dedicated public servant. David Pryor first entered public office in the Arkansas State House of Representatives when he was only 26 years old. Not even 6 years later, his fellow Arkansans elected him to Congress, where he served in the House for 6 years. In 1972, he narrowly lost a race for Senate against a longtime Democratic incumbent, having pushed the race into a runoff, but the grace and magnanimity he showed in defeat that year led him directly to victory 2 years later when he was elected Governor in 1974. After two successful terms in the Governor's mansion, he was elected to this body in 1978. He served here with distinction for 18 years. Over the course of his storied political career, David Pryor won an impressive 12 elections and served the people in public office for more than 30 years. He was a reformer who opposed segregationist policies of his own party, championed the interests of seniors and farmers, and was respected by friend and foe alike. He fought for better conditions in our nursing homes, lower prescription drug prices for our sick, and the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to give relief to the average American. He led Arkansas through recession and recovery and left an enduring legacy on our State government.…





