On the recordNovember 15, 2010
Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the late Senator Stevens as we prepare to travel to Arlington Cemetery to lay Senator Stevens to rest. Today, Janet's and my thoughts and prayers are with the Stevens family and the others who died, were injured, or had loved ones on that tragic plane trip. Senator Stevens was the first senator Alaska knew. His tenure lasted 40 years in this Chamber. I am proud to have served with him for 10 of those years, most closely on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. During his time in the Senate, he was chairman of the Commerce Committee, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, chairman of the Ethics, Rules and Governmental Affairs Committee, and chairman of a number of subcommittees and President pro tempore of the Senate. He was the embodiment of an effective Senator and leader as he fought every day for Alaska. It was an honor to serve with Ted and amazing to think that his service in the Senate was only part of a life of service. He was instrumental in Alaska achieving statehood. He was a Harvard Law School graduate. He was an U.S. attorney in Fairbanks. He flew cargo over the Hump and into China during the Second World War. He was a decorated war veteran, part of America's Greatest Generation. He was a prostate cancer survivor and an advocate for research and funding to find a cure. He was an inspiration to all and an example of what one individual can do if he puts his nose to the grindstone and gets to work.…





