On the recordSeptember 28, 2016
on a codel that I led, we were going to stop in Israel, and I told all of the Senators with me that I wanted to take time while we were there to meet my favorite statesman who I had ever met, and that is Shimon Peres. As my friend the Republican leader outlined, he has a distinctive resume. I will always remember Eric Cantor, the Republican leader in the House at the time--I called him and said: Shimon Peres is going to be 90 years old, and it would be wonderful if we could get that Gold Medal done during the time he is 90. Eric delivered. It wasn't easy, but he delivered, and I will always remember that. It meant a great deal to this man who had received so many different awards, but to get the highest distinction we as Members of Congress can give someone is something he deserved. As I have indicated, he is the most inspirational public servant I have ever encountered. And when we met him in Israel, he didn't let me down. He was stunningly visionary, like I had always known him to be. What I have said is not hyperbole in any way. I repeat, he was the most visionary and inspirational leader I have ever known. Let me repeat some of the accomplishments my friend the Republican leader just outlined. He was the Prime Minister of Israel twice, Acting Prime Minister twice, President of Israel, Minister of Defense twice, Minister of Finance, Minister of Transportation, and he served in eight other Cabinet posts. That is a pretty good record.…





