April 8, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 60 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S2285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Remembering Fritz Hollings

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, the Senate mourns a part of our 
institution's history who passed away over the weekend. Until Saturday, 
Senator Fritz Hollings of South Carolina was the oldest living former 
Senator. He is also the longest tenured junior Senator in history, 
since 36 of his 38 years in this body came alongside Senator Strom 
Thurmond.
  But there was nothing ``junior'' about Fritz's career, his impact, or 
his larger-than-life personality. By the time I arrived in the Senate, 
Fritz had already built a reputation as a war veteran, State 
legislator, Governor, Senator, and as a candidate for the Democratic 
Presidential nomination. He had raised a family between his hometown of 
Charleston and the State capital, Columbia.
  At every turn, he was a square-jawed southern gentleman. In every 
case, he was someone who would call things exactly how he saw them. 
Fritz spoke his mind with cutting wit and undeniable sincerity on 
causes that captured his attention. As a result of his passion and 
skill, his name will be forever linked with a long list of important 
achievements here in the Senate. He called attention to a growing 
Federal budget deficit, advocated for the needs of our Nation's men and 
women in uniform, and confronted the tragic poverty in America's own 
backyard, especially child hunger.
  So today the Senate mourns not just a friend and former colleague but 
a true example of what it means to live a life of service. We mourn 
with Fritz's family and the people of South Carolina, and we join them 
in celebrating a life so fully lived.