John Cornyn: “I wish to join my voice with those of my colleagues in celebrating the life, and mourning the death, of one of the…”

“I wish to join my voice with those of my colleagues in celebrating the life, and mourning the death, of one of the political giants of our time: Lloyd Bentsen fellow Texan, son, husband, father, friend, honored veteran, lawyer, county judge, Congressman, businessman, Senator, and at the peak of his career in public service, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. It is difficult to capture in one brief statement the weight and the impact of one man's life. But we can all be confident that the legacy left by Lloyd Bentsen is one of which his family, his State, and his country can be remarkably proud. Perhaps one important way to capture the meaning of his influence is to listen to those who have known or served with him or those who have had the honor of calling him a friend. Today, the chorus of their voices reminds us. Texas State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn said: ``Sen. Lloyd Bentsen was a true Texas icon and a friend. He put Texans above politics. He lifted all Texans.'' His former aide, and State Representative Richard Raymond said: ``He didn't pass the buck. That's one of the things that stuck with me.'' We should all be fortunate as to be remembered so fondly, and so well. It is clear that Lloyd Bentsen lived a life of purpose; he certainly wasted no time making his mark on our country. Born in Mission, TX, on February 11, 1921, Bentsen received his law degree from University of Texas Law School at Austin. He served as a pilot in the U.S.…”