Cord Byrd: “Today, I join in commending Senator Stevens on having cast his 12,000th vote. Since arriving in the U.S. Senate on…”

“Today, I join in commending Senator Stevens on having cast his 12,000th vote. Since arriving in the U.S. Senate on December 24, 1968, Senator Stevens has worked tirelessly on matters relating to defense and national security. Having served in World War II, as a pilot in the China-Burma-India theater, Senator Stevens was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, two air medals, and the Yuan Hai medal awarded by the Republic of China. He joined the Appropriations Committee on February 23, 1972, and 3 years later he began service on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, where he has served continuously since that time, and served with great distinction. Since he became chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in 1981, Senator Stevens has served either as chairman or ranking member of that vitally important subcommittee. As of January 1997, Senator Stevens assumed additional responsibilities that come with being named chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.”