Orrin Hatch: “I rise to pay a word of tribute to Dr. Richard Lesher, outgoing president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mr.…”

“I rise to pay a word of tribute to Dr. Richard Lesher, outgoing president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mr. President, it has been my pleasure to know and work with Dick Lesher since I was a freshman Member of the Senate. We have served in the army of free enterprise in many important legislative battles. Dick was a dedicated fighter for small businesses. Dick can also be justifiably proud of the growth and success of the U.S. Chamber over the last 22 years. During his tenure as president, the Chamber has grown to 215,000 strong. The Chamber has also expanded its information services to include television. "First Business" is carried on 42 local stations, the USA Latin American channel, and USIA's WorldNet. "It's Your Business" is seen on USA Cable Network and 140 stations around the country. Dick Lesher also took very seriously the Chamber's responsibility to help educate the next generation of business leaders and created the Center for Workforce Preparation. These are just a few of Dick Lesher's many accomplishments as president of the flagship business organization in our country. But, Dick is a man we can appreciate as much for who he is as for what he did. I have always known Dick Lesher to be straightforward and honest. He never pulled punches. You knew where you stood. And, even if Dick disagreed on a matter of policy, he admired his opponents' convictions. Such a fair-minded attitude sets the stage for alliances on other issues.”