Bob Dole: “the State of Maine has a rich tradition of sending independent and thoughtful voices to the U.S. Senate. Margaret Chase…”

“the State of Maine has a rich tradition of sending independent and thoughtful voices to the U.S. Senate. Margaret Chase Smith and Ed Muskie are just two Senators with whom I have served who have carried on this tradition. For the past 18 years, that tradition and the best interests of Maine citizens have been very ably represented in this Chamber by our colleague, Bill Cohen. One thing I have learned about Bill Cohen is that he does not know how to just touch the surface of an issue. If I gave him an assignment, or if he involved himself in a problem, then along with learning everything there is to know about that problem, he also would provide innovative solutions. Military preparedness, the Central Intelligence Agency, lobby reform, health care fraud and abuse, Medicare, international trade, these are just a few of the countless areas that have benefited from Bill Cohen's intellect and energy. As my colleagues know, Bill has also found time to publish a number of books, including a very thoughtful look at his first year in the Senate, a spy novel, an account of the Iran-Contra investigation, and a number of volumes of poetry. Bill's departure from the Senate will leave him with more time for writing, and more time for thinking. And I have no doubt that his writing and his thinking will continue to influence American public policy for many years to come.”