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[Page S3209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THAD COCHRAN
Mr. ENZI. Madam President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy
of the late Senator Thad Cochran.
I appreciate having this opportunity to celebrate the life and
accomplishments of Senator Cochran. His loss will be deeply felt by all
of us here in the Senate, not only by those of us who served with him,
but also by the many staff and individuals he has worked with over
time. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1972, Senator Cochran
touched many lives in his 46 years faithfully serving his State of
Mississippi in Congress.
As the son of a school principal and a math teacher, Senator Cochran
understood the value of hard work and dedication. He emerged as a
leader among his peers from a young age. He was an Eagle Scout who
helped establish a new troop and valedictorian of his class in high
school where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball,
baseball, and tennis. At the University of Mississippi, Senator Cochran
was a fraternity president, student body vice president, and a member
of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national honorary leadership fraternity.
Senator Cochran began his service to our country while at the
University of Mississippi as a company commander in the Navy ROTC and,
once graduated, was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve
and assigned to duty aboard the USS Macon.
As a fellow Eagle Scout, Senator Cochran demonstrated core scouting
values like trust, loyalty, courtesy, and reverence. He displayed these
values not only in his nearly five-decade-long career in Congress, but
also as a father to his two children, Kate and Clayton.
Described as gentle and soft-spoken, Senator Cochran was a defender
of Senate procedure and often worked across the aisle. Senator Cochran
was known to hold strong opinions; yet he developed close working
relationships with members of both parties. Senator Cochran was
determined that, if you look hard enough, there is common ground to be
found with everyone. He earned his nickname of the Quiet Persuader
through a determined yet respectful approach to negotiations.
I had the honor of working with Senator Cochran in his role as
chairman of the Appropriations Committee while I was chairmen of the
Budget Committee. He was a hard worker and always guided by his core
values. As a good statesman, he didn't let party politics get in the
way and always did what he thought was right.
In a nearly five-decade-long career in Congress, it is difficult to
pinpoint Senator Cochran's single greatest achievement. Following
Hurricane Katrina's devastation, Senator Cochran played a central role
in security relief funds for Gulf States, especially for his home State
of Mississippi. During his tenure as chairman of the Agriculture
Committee, Senator Cochran was a champion of the farm bill's nutrition
programs. Senator Cochran served as a tireless advocate for farm
families and America's agricultural industry.
Senator Cochran authored the Mississippi Wilderness Act, which was
the first Federal legislation ever passed for the perpetual protection
of lands in the State of Mississippi. He was greatly involved in land
and wildlife conservation in Mississippi, a legacy of his that will
endure for future generations to enjoy.
Senator Cochran was an effective lawmaker who was a tireless advocate
for his constituents. His model of public service was that the
constituents are always right. He said we are in Congress to serve, not
to be served. Senator Cochran's model of public service is one to look
up to and his style of leadership will serve as an inspiration for
future generations to come.
Senator Cochran was a committed man of faith. A member of the
Southern Baptist Church, he was always one to do what he thought was
right rather than what was easiest.
My wife Diana joins me in sending our deepest condolences to his
loved ones and know he will find eternal peace and happiness knowing he
had a profound effect on all that knew him a colleague, as a father,
and as a friend.
____________________