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 RETIRING CONGRESSMAN DAN SCHAEFER” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Senate section on pages S12859-S12860 on Oct. 21, 1998.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO RETIRING CONGRESSMAN DAN SCHAEFER
Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to may good friend and colleague from Colorado, Congressman Dan Schaefer.
Congressman Dan Schaefer is retiring from the House of Representatives after 15 years of service to the people of Colorado's 6th Congressional District and the United States. I would like to take this opportunity to share a few reflections on Dan Schaefer's many accomplishments as a Congressman.
Not only did Congressman Dan Schaefer ably step into the void left when Congressman Jack Swigert died shortly after being elected, but he also successfully led the charge in Congress to have a statute depicting Jack Swigert as a young and daring astronaut of Apollo XIII fame added to Congress' statuary collection as Colorado's second and final contribution. With its wonderful combination of bronze and a colorful space suit, the statue is both visually striking and proud. The Jack Swigert statue is perhaps one of the most popular in the halls of Congress for visitors from all over the world. I know it is one of mine.
Over the years Congressman Dan Schaefer has been a leader in the fight to balance our nation's budget. In fact, Dan Schaefer is the one who introduced H.J. Res. 1, a joint resolution calling for an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the U.S. federal government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation in the 105th Congress. H.J. Res. 1 clearly merits the cosponsorships of the 229 of his colleagues in the House of Representatives who joined in support of Congressman Schaefer's resolution.
I am an original cosponsor of S.J. Res. 1, the companion legislation in the Senate to H.J. Res. 1. While this worthy legislation fell just one vote short of passage in the Senate in the 105th Congress, this Congress also just passed the first balanced budget in many, many years. Dan Schaefer is retiring from Congress with its books balanced for the first time in generations. His role in achieving this important historic victory for the American people will be remembered.
Congressman Dan Schaefer has also been a national leader in energy issues. In the 105th Congress he led the drive for Public Law 105-28, a law that amends and updates sections of the Department of Energy Organization Act. He has also been a ground breaker in the quest to deregulate American electricity. Even the exceeding complexities and deep vested interests involved in our nation's electricity markets and monopolies did not deter Dan Schaefer from introducing H.R. 655. This bill's goal was to give all American consumers the right to choose among competitive providers of electricity in order to achieve lower prices and better service. His steadfast work on this complex issue has made valuable progress that can be built upon in years to come.
Finally, as the Coach of the Republican Congressional Baseball Team, Dan Schaefer has established a winning record, batting 60% as the Republican team has won 3 out of 5 games under his leadership, including winning for the last two years, in 1997 and 1998. Dan has also been selected as the team's Most Valuable Player twice. It is clear that Congressman Schaefer's leadership will be missed both in the halls of Congress as well as on the Congressional baseball diamond.
As he retires from the House, Congressman Dan Schaefer has a record of accomplishment to be proud of. He is the undisputed Dean of the Colorado delegation. He will be missed. I wish him well and best of luck in all of his future endeavors.
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