Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for all Members to have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order. Madam Speaker, tonight lying in state in the…
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for all Members to have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.
Madam Speaker, tonight lying in state in the rotunda of this Capitol Building is Robert Joseph Dole. Bob Dole was an American statesman, a former Member of this House of Representatives, a former U.S. Senator, a World War II veteran, a tireless fighter for what is right, and, last but not least, a Kansan.
Tonight, we want to reflect on and honor the actions and accomplishments of this great American hero. Today, I am here with my colleagues from the Sunflower State and other Members of the House of Representatives to honor Robert Joseph Dole, one of the finest Americans to ever serve in this institution.
Bob Dole has a record of devotion and service to this country--a World War II hero, the majority leader of the Senate, and a Republican nominee for President. But to truly understand the man Bob was, Madam Speaker, you have to know a bit about where he was from because out of all the things Bob did and accomplished through his long life, I know that Bob always epitomized what it meant to be a son of Kansas.
Our State is situated in the very heart of our great Nation, more than 1,000 miles west of Washington. It is imbibed with a strong sense of freedom and with great compassion for our fellow man. The vivid sunsets of amber waves of grain are a constant reminder of the beauty and grace that only come from a loving God. And our climate, which can include some of the harshest winters or cloudless summers, produces hardy people who are resolute, undeterred, and quick to adapt to any challenges they may face.
It is from Kansas where Bob Dole first entered the world in the summer of 1923.
A natural athlete, he was recruited by famed basketball coach Phog Allen and was a Jayhawk basketball player and football player, and he ran track at the University of Kansas. But the grave threats against our freedom and our Nation called Bob away from his studies at KU and placed him in battle overseas during World War II.
His enlistment in the United States Army would take him far from the flat plains of Kansas to another continent, and he returned to the shores of America with two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and scars of war.
Permanent damage would restrict him to a hospital for more than a year and limit the mobility in his right arm for the rest of his life. Bob Dole's service to our country during World War II is more than most of us will ever give back to the country in our entire lifetime.
But Bob wasn't done yet. After returning to school, this time at Washburn University in Topeka, he served in the Kansas House of Representatives and then as Russell County attorney.
In 1961, Bob Dole brought his grit, optimism, and wit to the Chamber we are standing in today, having been elected by Kansans of the Sixth District, and then again by the First District after redistricting. He represented Kansas in the people's House for 8 years before the entire Sunflower State sent him across the Capitol to the Senate. His passion for the United States, ability to bring colleagues together, and sense of humor elevated him to lead the Republican Party.
But Dole would also seek to serve the American people from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. He was the running mate to President Gerald Ford and eventually earned the respect of voters across the country to be the Republican nominee for President. It was at that time that he left the Senate, noting that the next chapter of his life would either be in the White House or a return to his beloved home State of Kansas. As votes were tallied on November 5, 1996, it became clear that Russell, Kansas, would welcome their son home.
But I can tell you with certainty, Madam Speaker, that his commitment to the United States did not end with electoral defeat, as he continued to stay active in the causes he fought for as a public servant and remained a critical activist in Kansas politics.
Madam Speaker, most of the Representatives in this Chamber are familiar with Bob Dole as a war hero, a statesman, and a Presidential nominee. But I had the privilege of traveling throughout Kansas with him. While the country has gotten to know Bob on the Senate floor or the campaign trail, I saw Bob in small towns and coffee shops with small business owners and farmers.
My wife, Susan, and I were blessed to have known Bob and his wife, Elizabeth--another dedicated public servant--and to witness his genuine warmth and devotion firsthand.
In his farewell address to the Senate on June 11, 1996, Senator Dole quoted the opening verse to Ecclesiastes chapter 3, saying: ``To everything there is a season.'' He went on to say that his season in the Senate was about to end. Today, we recognize that another season for Bob Dole has come to a close.
The Scripture that Bob started to read from continues, saying, ``a time to be born and a time to die.'' And later, it says, ``a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.''
This week is a time for mourning. We grieve the loss of our friend, and we pray for his beloved wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Robin.
This is also a time to honor, which is why my colleagues and I were humbled to introduce the resolution that formally allowed for Bob Dole to lie in state at the United States Capitol rotunda. During his nearly four decades of service in the House and Senate, I know Bob Dole walked through the rotunda with Kansans and colleagues, working to protect our liberties and make our country better for all Americans.
It is fitting that he be honored in that space today. I can think of no other person right now who deserves to lie in state more than my friend and fellow Kansan, Senator Bob Dole, and I believe it will be a long time before we see someone of his stature again.
In the meantime, it is up to the rest of us to carry on his legacy, advance freedom, and maybe even provide some humor to our Nation and our world.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Mann), who is my friend, colleague, and the current Representative of Senator Dole's hometown of Russell, Kansas.
Madam Speaker, it is great and commendable that the current Representative for his hometown is here to be able to speak as a fellow Kansan and representative for Bob.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. LaTurner). The gentleman is one of my other fellow colleagues from the State of Kansas who represents the Second Congressional District and was a former State treasurer as I was before I came to Congress.
Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Congressman LaTurner, for being here to be able to talk about our fellow Kansan and such a great American hero.
At this time, Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the House.
Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman saying those kind words about a son of Kansas and a fellow American hero that we appreciate so much.
We have spent a lot of time tonight talking about all of the great things about Bob Dole and his relationship with Kansas, but he had a bigger impact on people across the country, including his relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, and all the relationships there.
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Rouzer), a former policy adviser for Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Madam Speaker, it is great to be able to have broader reflections of Bob Dole and all of the things and the people that he has touched. He served, obviously, a long time in the Senate, including as majority and minority leader, and with his wife, Elizabeth as well.
Madam Speaker, I actually have a couple of quotes from our current Senators from Kansas, and I wanted to just mention those as part of this Special Order hour tonight.
The senior Senator from Kansas, Jerry Moran, said: Whether it was on the battlefields, in the Halls of Congress, or in his everyday life, Senator Dole's passion and dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a steady reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world.
He held an unmatched patriotism born out of wartime sacrifice that marked every day of his existence. Yet rather than ask for help, he offered it. Senator Dole used his horrific wartime experience to be a champion every day for those with disabilities and for veterans, and I thank him for his service to Kansas and to this country.
Senator Roger Marshall shared: ``As one the heroes from our Greatest Generation, you would be hard-pressed to find somebody with a bigger heart and more resilience than Senator Dole. He was an American hero, a statesman of the highest order, and one of the greatest legislators of all time. While he had incredible negotiating skills and was tough as nails, it was his huge heart and ability to work across the aisle that constantly led the way and delivered results for all Americans.''
Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer), a U.S. Army veteran and a friend of mine.
Madam Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Meijer bringing that up. As we talk about different stories about Bob Dole, his time in the hospital, when he spent 39 months going through and recovering from his injuries, obviously there are some in-depth stories of his time there as well as others.
Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter.)
Madam Speaker, as a fellow Kansan, Bob Dole was able to reach out and have such an impact on so many people's lives across the country and, in some cases, across the world.
I do want to make one comment about just one of the other people that Bob Dole actually touched in his life. There are countless Kansans that worked for Bob Dole and people from Kansas that were involved in the work that he did in the House and the Senate during his time there. It is amazing the number of people around D.C. or back in Kansas or elsewhere in the country.
One particular staff member, David Spears, served for 3 years in Senator Dole's D.C. office as an agriculture legislative assistant and 4 years as state director in Kansas. He wrote me saying: ``It was an honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve on Senator Dole's staff and to serve the constituents of Kansas. I learned many leadership lessons from him that carried over into my additional years of public service as well as my career in the private sector. Senator Dole provided great examples of strong leadership that included listening to all sides and an ability to build a consensus on very difficult and divisive issues. He was a statesman and great American. He made a huge difference in my life and will be missed.''
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney).
Madam Speaker, I thank Ms. Tenney, and I appreciate that tribute to our great Senator from Kansas.
Bob Dole touched so many people's lives around the country and around the world. I do want to just mention some of those folks that we have some comments from. So I will refer to some of those.
Kansas is an agriculture State. Senator Dole served as the ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee from 1975 to 1978. The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers president, Justin Knopf, said, in part: ``Wheat farmers across Kansas are pausing to reflect and honor the life and legacy of Senator Bob Dole, a lifetime friend to Kansas wheat growers. Wheat fields planted to the variety bearing his name will carry extra significance this season as I and other farmers tend to them along their journey in producing grain to feed and nourish people. Senator Dole was an endless champion for farmers and also for those who were food insecure, and saw the potential in connecting grain from Kansas wheat fields to those here at home and around the world who were in need.''
Another thing, as we talk about Senator Dole, obviously we talk a lot about his involvement during World War II. As a World War II veteran, Bob Dole spent a great deal of time working to thank and assist the men and women who sacrificed for our country.
Paralyzed Veterans of America National President Charles Brown released a statement saying, in part: ``PVA joins the Nation in mourning the
passing of Senator Bob Dole and extends our heartfelt prayers to Senator Elizabeth Dole and the entire Dole family. Prior to becoming one of America's longest-serving U.S. Senators, Dole served in the U.S. Army and later became a decorated World War II veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient. A champion of the Americans with Disabilities Act, he devoted his entire life to advancing the cause of people with disabilities as well as advocating for servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for this Nation. Following his tenure in Congress, Dole worked tirelessly on seeking U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.''
The effects of war left Senator Dole with lasting challenges in his life, something that strengthened his resolve to help Americans with disabilities.
Maria Town, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, said in a statement: ``The world as we know it today is more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities because of Senator Bob Dole. Senator Dole worked to elevate the voices and perspective of people with disabilities, encouraging greater leadership opportunities for disabled people, and sharing his experience of disability with his colleagues to build bipartisan consensus for disability policy issues. His passing represents an enormous loss for AAPD, the disability community at large, and the Nation.''
Senator Dole, through all of his work and his life activities, has earned the respect of countless leaders, including our former Presidents from both sides of the aisle.
Former President Donald Trump released a statement saying: ``Bob Dole was an American war hero and true patriot for our Nation. He served the great State of Kansas with honor, and the Republican Party was made stronger by his service. Our Nation mourns his passing, and our prayers are with Elizabeth and his wonderful family.''
Former President Barack Obama said in part: ``His sharp wit was matched only by his integrity, and he lived his life in a way that made it clear just how proud he was to be an American and how committed he was to making this country everything he knew it could be.''
Many of us recall the moving moment when former President George H. W. Bush was lying in State and Senator Dole stood and saluted his friend. It was a moment that reminded us of patriotism, camaraderie, and devotion.
His son and former President George W. Bush said: ``Laura and I are saddened by the passing of a great patriot, Senator Bob Dole. This good man represented the finest of American values. He defended them in uniform during World War II. He advanced them in the United States Senate, and he lived them out as a father, husband, and friend. Our entire family benefited from that friendship, including my father. I will always remember Bob's salute to my late dad at the Capitol, and now we Bushes salute Bob and give thanks for his life of principled service. Laura and I send our heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth and join our fellow citizens in prayer for her comfort.''
Former President Bill Clinton, his political rival, who would later honor the late Senator with a Presidential Medal of Freedom said: ``Bob Dole dedicated his entire life to serving the American people, from his heroism in World War II to the 35 years he spent in Congress. After all he gave in the war, he didn't have to give more. But he did. His example should inspire people today and for generations to come.''
Tonight, I and a lot of the speakers here have talked a lot about the life of Bob Dole, and we have talked about different things regarding his life in Russell, Kansas, the small town that he was born in and grew up in, and his early outlook as a football, basketball, and track star before the war cut that plan short for him.
We talked a lot about his war service, talked a lot about how he was injured in the line of duty trying to rescue somebody else and suffered consequences of war, and the time it took for him to recover in the field, the hospitalization.
His small town of Russell, Kansas, started a crowdfunding process to help him with his recovery, and there was actually a cigar box where friends and family members made donations to help with the 39 months that it took for Bob to go through his hospitalizations and his recovery.
We have talked tonight about his years of service in the House and the Senate. We have talked some about his involvement with the World War II Memorial and how he was a big driving force on making sure that that memorial got implemented and was available for us as a country to see and recognize the work that the Greatest Generation did in keeping and providing the freedoms for us.
We have talked some about the Honor Flights and the effort that Bob took. Even when the weather wasn't good, even when he may not have been feeling well himself, he would come out and greet all these World War II veterans and veterans from other wars who were coming to the memorial that he had helped implement.
My father, before he passed away, was one of those veterans who was able to come and attend an Honor Flight and participate in that process. It meant so much to watch those veterans as they come through that process. They are actually like little kids again when they get off the bus and tour through the monuments. In some cases, they relive some past life, but in other cases, they just reconnect with their brothers in arms.
We have talked some about Kansas, and we talked about the friends and family of Bob Dole. One of his favorite sayings was: ``Remember where you are from.'' That is important for us, particularly as Kansans, to remember where we are from and what we should do and what we should stand up for and be responsible for.
I had the honor as State treasurer to participate in a lot of the stops through the counties that Bob Dole participated in, and it was a time for him to reconnect with old friends. It was amazing to see the respect and admiration that came from his fellow Kansans as they sat down and talked with their friend Bob.
The funny thing about that, or the inspiring thing maybe is a better word for me to use, was just to watch his interaction with fellow Kansans, people who he may not have seen for years or in some cases decades, but he could talk about the same issues with them. He could talk about their family members, be able to connect with the stories that they had and be able to ask questions about: Now, do you still have that big rock on the hill that was in the way when you were trying to work through with the cropland?
It was an interesting life to be able to watch and watch him lead.
He has had an impact on not just Kansas but Americans and internationally. The influence on people who he has been able to touch throughout his life will never be known by all of us, but his engagement, his ability to win friends, his ability to help lead and solve problems will be forever admired.
There is maybe a small army, if you want to call it that, of people who have worked with Senator Dole throughout his life and were engaged with him either as an intern or a staffer in his office or connected with one of his campaigns or connected with one of his causes that he got engaged in. It is important that all of us recognize the value that he has created for the world today.
Last but not least, let's not forget his humor and wit. I mean, we talk about all the commentary, and several of the stories that were told tonight talked about the way he approached life and the comments that he made that were just reflective of what type of man he was.
Mr. Speaker, I would just like to say, may God bless Bob Dole and care for his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Robin. Kansans, Americans, and people throughout the world will miss him, but we are better off for having known him and for his years of service that he provided to us.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.