Daniel Inouye: “I rise to congratulate and commend Chairman Hollings and Senator Gregg and their staff for their tireless work in…”

“I rise to congratulate and commend Chairman Hollings and Senator Gregg and their staff for their tireless work in crafting the Conference Report on the Fiscal Year 2002 Appropriations Bill for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State and the Judiciary. Because of their efforts, we have before us today a fair bill that puts aside partisan politics in favor of delivering to the American people the governmental programs and support they need. I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to strike balances among competing interests, and the introduction of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, have only compounded these difficulties. The efforts of my friends, Chairman Hollings and Senator Gregg, were supported by the work of their extraordinary staff. Under the leadership of Ms. Lila Helms on the majority side, and Mr. Jim Morhard on the minority, this dedicated crew stayed late and came in on weekends to help my distinguished colleagues put together a conference report that every one of us can vote for with pride. Accordingly, I also wish to extend my congratulations to each member of Chairman Hollings' staff, Ms. Lila Helms, Ms. Jill Shapiro Long, Mr. Luke Nachbar, and Mr. Dereck Orr, and to each member of Mr. Gregg's staff, Mr. Jim Morhard, Ms. Katherine Hennessey, Mr. Kevin Linsky, and Ms. Nancy Perkins. Ladies, gentlemen, my esteemed colleagues, I salute you all.”