Kent Conrad: “the death of Ed Mudkie marks a deep personal loss for me, and a loss for our Nation. Senator Muskie was a close personal…”

“the death of Ed Mudkie marks a deep personal loss for me, and a loss for our Nation. Senator Muskie was a close personal friend and leader in both the Senate and our national political scene. As a young man, I can remember my admiration for his integrity and dedication when I served as a midwestern State coordinator for his Presidential campaign in 1972. In the Senate he was the leader in urging creation of a Senate Budget Committee so the Chamber would have a committee with a board overview of the budget process. In this time of public concern over the Federal budget, it is important we remember that as the first chairman of the Budget Committee, Senator Muskie warned the Congress and the Nation of the need to balance our Federal budget to protect America's future. Those of us who serve on the committee today are still mindful of the foresight he showed, and are working to see that his legacy is fulfilled. Americans of this generation also owe a debt to the former Senator from Maine for his vision and his tireless efforts in awakening Congress and the Nation to the critical importance of enacting comprehensive laws to protect our Nation's environment for future generations. Our Nation owes him a deep debt of gratitude we can never repay.”