Russ Feingold: “I rise to salute the energy, intelligence, and personal strength of a man who is leaving a remarkable career in the U.S.…”

“I rise to salute the energy, intelligence, and personal strength of a man who is leaving a remarkable career in the U.S. Senate, the majority leader, Senator Robert Dole. Many of my colleagues have worked with Senator Dole far longer than I, but it didn't take me long after I arrived here in 1993 to develop a healthy respect for his skill as a legislator and for his ability to lead his Republican colleagues. Moreover, it quickly became clear to me that Senator Dole is a man shaped and defined by his ability to meet challenges without flinching and to overcome them. He has been accorded well-deserved praise from both sides of the aisle, and his colleagues on the other side have demonstrated their respect for his abilities by making him the longest-serving Republican majority leader in the Senate's history. Mr. President, Senator Dole's government career since he joined the Senate in 1968 is widely known and respected. He has played a pivotal role in the passage of several pieces of important legislation, including, for example, the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. For many years, Senator Dole was a supporter of legislation to protect civil rights. For example, his efforts were crucial in the passage of the renewal of the Voting Rights Act in 1982. His imprint is also on the Food Stamp Program, on Social Security, and other important measures.”