Inouye Praises Craig for Service

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) had kind words Tuesday for Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), who is retiring this year.

“Sen. Craig has served his home State of Idaho for 17 years in the U.S. Senate,” Inouye said on the Senate floor. “He has been a fervent leader to the people of Idaho with unwavering devotion.”

Craig decided against seeking reelection in 2008 after he pleaded guilty last year for disorderly conduct. An undercover police officer arrested Craig in June 2007 in a bathroom of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, saying that Craig tried to solicit gay sex.

Read Inouye’s speech below.

Mr. Inouye: Madam President, I rise to recognize the service of a great public servant and an outstanding leader.

Senator Craig has served his home State of Idaho for 17 years in the U.S. Senate. He has been a fervent leader to the people of Idaho with unwavering devotion.

Senator Craig has sought to establish Federal policies that respond to the needs and interests of Idahoans by constructing strong, sustainable rural communities, seeking access to adequate, affordable health care and developing natural resource and energy policies that protect the environment and keep consistency with economic growth.

Senator Craig’s leadership in promoting economic development and strengthening American agriculture has led to the improvement of both agricultural studies and programs. His resilient leadership has helped to foster numerous programs in Idaho that will benefit agricultural entrepreneurship and help to strengthen the partnership between State and Federal groups. Senator Craig has truly served the people of Idaho with distinction.

Madam President, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this magnificent Senator.