On the recordDecember 18, 2012
the Senate and our Nation have lost one of our finest leaders, Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. He was an outstanding Senator, a true statesman, a patriot, and a gentleman. It has been an honor and pleasure to be able to work closely in the Senate with Dan Inouye as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. His service as chairman of the committee--and especially the Subcommittee on Defense--has been marked with consistently strong and thoughtful leadership. He was appreciated for his courtesies to other Members and his seriousness of purpose as he carried out his important responsibilities. He has also earned the high praise he received from the men and women of the Armed Forces, who are the best equipped and trained military force in the world thanks to his diligent efforts on their behalf. Senator Inouye was friendly and kind to all, but he was also a man of resolute courage and strength. He was very successful as an advocate for his State of Hawaii and our Nation. All Americans should be grateful for his service in the Senate. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum. The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
