Volume 143, No. 21 covering the 1st Session of the 105th Congress (1997 - 1998) was published by the Congressional Record.
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN GLENN” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Senate section on pages S1549 on Feb. 25, 1997.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN GLENN
Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a friend and colleague; one who has both orbited the Earth and walked the Halls of Congress. Performing either responsibility on its own has been the dream of many. Achieving both has been realized by very few. Senator John Glenn is a truly remarkable man.
So it was with sadness that I received the news of his plans to retire at the end of this Congress. His early announcement will give us some time to try to get used to the idea of a Senate without his calm leadership, his uncommon commitment and dedication, and his tremendous decency and civility.
Senator Glenn has helped make our Space Agency, NASA, what it is today. Senator Glenn's Mercury space mission 34 years ago sparked a national interest in space exploration that continues to this day. John Glenn is a national hero who is the personification of astronaut. Since his daring and heroic mission, children all over the country have dreamt of becoming astronauts.
The environment of Washington is as foreign to many as the Moon. Senator Glenn left the Moon in orbit, while trying to bring Washington more down to Earth--closer and more responsive to the needs of the American people. John Glenn has played a vital role in helping to pass several measures important to reinventing our Government.
Senator Glenn and I share a strong respect for the environment. I was a proud cosponsor of Senator Glenn's Department of the Environment Act, which would have elevated the Environmental Protection Agency to Cabinet-level status. In introducing this important bill, Senator Glenn noted that, having had the rare privilege to view the Earth in all of its beauty and grandeur from space, he was struck by how thin and fragile the environment is that sustains life on our planet. I absolutely agree with him and appreciate what he has done for the environment. Our environment has had a strong ally in the Senate, and we will miss his leadership on these issues.
When this Congress is over, and Senator Glenn touches down in his home State of Ohio, we will remember him as a friend and hero whose achievements have displayed a strong respect for the Earth and its inhabitants.
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