SENATOR INOUYE REACHES SENATE MILESTONE

OCTOBER 22, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON-Senator Daniel K. Inouye became the third longest serving Senator in U.S. history today.

Senator Inouye received a congratulatory phone call from President Barack Obama and was lauded on the floor of the U.S. Senate by a bipartisan collection of his colleagues.

“I rise to congratulate and bring Aloha to my good friend, brother and colleague Senator Inouye on reaching this impressive milestone today, becoming the third longest serving Senator in United States history.  His dedication to public service and to this great country is an inspiration to me and many others,” said Senator Daniel K. Akaka.

“Our colleague, Senator Dan Inouye, has earned on the field of battle the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Congressional Medal of Honor.  The man we work with on a daily basis is an American hero.  He’s earned the admiration, respect and trust of the people of Hawaii and the entire nation.  Today he’s reached another milestone,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, (D-NV).

“I would just say to my good friend from Hawaii……he has been an inspiration not only to members of the Senate but to many Americans throughout his life beginning, obviously with his extraordinary service to our country during World War II.,” said Senator Mitch McConnell, (R-KY).

 

Senator Inouye has represented Hawaii in Congress since the island archipelago became a state in 1959 and was the first Japanese-American member of Congress.  He was elected to the Senate in November 1962 and has cast 15,508 votes.

“This day I’m reminded how grateful I am to the people of Hawaii for honoring me all these years.  I just hope that my work here has returned this great favor that they have given me.  It’s an achievement to think I lasted this long.  When I took the oath, there was one woman in the Senate, Margaret Chase Smith, and 99 men.  Today, women chair five different committees.  Helping the people of Hawaii through my service in the Senate is a privilege and an honor that I cherish.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the Senate.  During that time I’ve witnessed many historic events, participated in some of them and I’ve found that each day was a new and exciting one for me in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Inouye. “The challenges were numerous and that makes my life interesting.  I was able to serve on the Watergate committee which I had refused to do, but when the majority leader, Mike Mansfield (D-MT), said that my presence was important because, number one a member of that committee had to be a lawyer, and number two members who serve must not have aspired for the presidency of the United States.  He said ‘that brings it down to you.’”  With that solemn explanation I couldn’t say no.  When I was appointed to serve as chair of the Iran/Contra investigation, which required work and travel, to the U.N. in New York and to Israel to meet with the Mossad, I knew it would be challenging but I recognized the importance. Early on in my service I found myself very much involved in the civil rights movement.  Because of my color and ancestry people expected me to play a role.  To find myself today serving as chairman of the Appropriations committee is a great honor.  I represent Hawaii’s needs and interests in any given situation and I take that responsibility very seriously.   There is a challenge every day.”