Commending Coleman

Floor Speech

COMMENDING COLEMAN -- (Senate - July 09, 2009)

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Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I enjoyed hearing my colleague's comments about our friend Senator Norm Coleman because I share the same sentiments. I rise today to speak about the extraordinary service of this extraordinary individual.

When I became the chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee in 2003, a freshman Senator took over the position that I had held as the chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. During the next 6 years, I came to know Senator Norm Coleman as an energetic, farsighted, and committed public servant, but most of all I came to know Norm as a dear friend.

As chairman, and later ranking member, of PSI, Norm demonstrated unfailing leadership and extraordinary dedication. Working with his colleague from across the aisle, Senator CARL LEVIN, Norm enhanced PSI's reputation as the Senate's premier investigative subcommittee. He undertook many complex and important investigations.

Under this team's leadership, the subcommittee was successful in ferreting out waste, fraud, and abuse to the tune of $14 billion. I remember particularly well an investigation that exposed tax cheats in Medicare and in defense contracting.

Another success resulting from Norm's leadership was his highly successful and courageous ``oil for food'' investigation. Norm's investigation uncovered billions of dollars of fraud in this program operated by the United Nations. Norm was focused, determined, and undeterred in his pursuit of the facts, in his pursuit of the truth.

Norm's abiding concern for upholding the public trust is rooted in his background. As a former prosecutor, he is a champion of the rule of law. As a former mayor, he understands the concerns of State and local government. As a Senator, he always worked hard for the people he represented and for the people of this entire country.

These traits were evident in his service as a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Norm's hard work ensured that the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction had the resources and the authority necessary to do his work effectively. Norm's keen insight into local government was invaluable during our extensive investigation into the failed response to Hurricane Katrina. His insight--critical insight--helped to shape reform in so many areas, ranging from our intelligence agencies, the postal service, and government contracting.

Norm was also a passionate advocate for educational opportunity. His support for strengthening the Pell Grant Program demonstrated his belief that the benefits of higher education should be available to everyone with the determination and the desire to pursue more education.

In fact, the only quibble I have with Norm's public service dates back to his tenure as mayor of St. Paul. His success in bringing professional hockey back to Minnesota was certainly commendable, but it was based, as I understand it, on the flawed premise that Minnesota is the hockey capital of the United States. The people of Maine know better, of course, but this was typical of Norm's pride in his State.

The past election brought great disappointment, but it also revealed character. Norm ran a vigorous, honorable campaign, under very difficult circumstances. He never betrayed his constituents, nor compromised his principles. When the final court decision went against him, he graciously conceded defeat. In fact, I had the opportunity to talk with Norm right after the supreme court in Minnesota ruled against him. I was struck, once again, by his determination to do what he felt was best for his State, even though it was not best for him. I was also touched by his commitment, once again, to his constituents and to moving on and ensuring that they had two Senators representing them. He was not bitter. He was not hurt. He was at peace. He was at peace because he knew he had served the people of his State to the best of his ability and with all his heart and tremendous intellect.

It has been a true honor to serve with Norm Coleman in the Senate, and the American people--not just the people of Minnesota--are better off for his service. It has been a joy to develop our friendship--a friendship I will always cherish and always continue. I will miss serving with Norm day to day, but I know I will see him many times.

I wish Norm and his wonderful family all the best in the years to come.

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