Thomas Daschle: “Mr. President, in the study of political courage, ``Profiles in Courage'', Senator John F. Kennedy observed that ``in…”

“Mr. President, in the study of political courage, ``Profiles in Courage'', Senator John F. Kennedy observed that ``in the United States of America, where brother once fought against brother, we do not judge a man's bravery under fire by examining the banner under which he fought.'' With this in mind, I say farewell to a Senator who has been a study in political courage, the Senior Senator from Oregon, Mark Hatfield. His has, indeed, been a career of bold stands. From his early days in the Senate, when he cosponsored legislation to limit American's involvement in the war in Vietnam, to his votes on the Persian Gulf war, to his recent vote against the balance budget constitutional amendment, Senator Hatfield has consistently taken independent, courageous stands. I have not always with him. But that is not the issue. The issue is the courage each Senator shows in taking a stand for a principle he or she holds dear. The willingness to place principle above politics. The country over one individual career. Indeed, Mr. President, Senator Hatfield's entire life has been one of courage, responsibility, devotion to country.”