Mr. Akaka-I join my colleagues in tribute to my dear friend and tremendous public servant, Congressman, Senator, and Secretary Lloyd Bentsen, on his recent passing.  His tenure in federal service is notable and well-documented - three terms in the House of Representatives and four terms in the Senate representing the people of Texas, and two years as Secretary of the Treasury under former President Bill Clinton.

     I remember Lloyd as a giant in the Senate leadership when I first came to this body in 1990.  He wielded the gavel at the Finance Committee and had already ascended to national recognition as a formidable Vice Presidential nominee in 1988.  He was a Senator who worked hard every day to benefit the people of Texas and of this country.

     As a distinguished World War II veteran, Lloyd was always supportive of our veterans and fulfilling their urgent needs.  He fought to preserve and protect women's rights, including the Equal Rights Amendment.  He understood the needs of America's entrepreneurs and business owners and carried his acumen in economic policy from the Senate into the Clinton Administration.

     Millie and I remember Lloyd and his wife B.A., from our years in the Senate together, with fondness.  We join others in extending his family our warmest wishes in this difficult time.  We say farewell to a true statesman.   This nation is richer for his life and poorer for his loss.