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November 12, 2002 Remarks of
Honorable Lane Evans I rise to recognize the accomplishments of my good friend, the late Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota. Many have come before me to praise the character and actions of this faithful public servant who left us all too early last month. Many have lauded his commitment to the underdog, to those who lacked a voice, to the “little guy.” I speak of his commitment and passion for veterans. During his 12 years on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Paul was an active and committed member whose heart-felt concern about veterans’ issues was often unmatched. Paul has been remembered for his courageous stands, in both Bush Administrations, against sanctioning military action in Iraq. At one time, Paul was criticized for making his views on this known at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. Even though the gesture may have been misinterpreted, to me, it was symbolic of his constant realization that war has consequences. We must be ever-cognizant of the often painful realities of putting our sons and daughters in harm’s way and resort to force only as the last recourse. But Paul also consistently demonstrated that he believed part of the cost of war was being ready to assist those that were willing to put themselves on the line for their country. For his advocacy he was honored by numerous veterans’ service organizations, including Vietnam Veterans of America, the Minnesota chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars. One of the things that drew people to Paul was his willingness to listen. I was impressed that the Senator rarely missed an opportunity to hear directly from veterans at their annual joint legislative hearings held here in the House. He would often bring the veterans to their feet exhorting them to fight for their rights. Last year, Paul introduced the Senate companion to my bill, Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act, S. 739. This bill addressed so many of the constituencies Paul held dear—men and women without homes, individuals with mental illness, and veterans. I am proud to say, with Paul’s help in the Senate, we enacted Public Law 107-95. Paul also got things done for “atomic” veterans. During his tenure, Congress identified many new diseases which were presumed connected to veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation. Veterans could count on Paul as an ally in the budget process—he consistently put forth initiatives to increase funding for veterans’ health care. I believe my friend Paul would agree that we owe our veterans a great debt and he was always prepared to pay the bill. Paul and I also shared a chronic disability as a common foe. He dealt with his MS without complaint pushing himself to act when lesser men might have faltered. That is part of the personal courage he demonstrated on behalf of himself, his ideals, and the constituents who entrusted him with an office he used to its best advantage every day. Paul, you were a cherished friend to me, to veterans of this great Nation, and to every American who needed a voice. I will miss you.
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