The Capitol Dome--regular editions

Fall 2013

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(From left) Hon. William S. Cohen and Hon. Ron Sarasin honoring Secretary Cohen by Sen. Susan Collins, who began her political career as a staff assistant to then-Senator Cohen and was elected to succeed him in 1997. Collins noted that Cohen's distinguished service made him a worthy recipient of the Freedom Award, remarking that "during his many years of public service, as Secretary of Defense, as a United States Senator, as a Member of the House of Representatives, Bill Cohen has strengthened our nation's core values through his intelligence, integrity, and imagination." In accepting the Freedom Award, Cohen remarked on the compromises that must be reached in order to cross the aisle to work for a president of the opposite party, saying that "[President Clinton] and I did not know each other before I agreed to serve and he offered me the position as Secretary of Defense. I said, 'On one condition.' We both had one condition. I said, 'You should understand if I agree to serve on your team, if you offer me this position, you will never have to second-guess me as to whether my loyalty lies to you or not. You will not have to worry that I'll go in the back room and call up my former colleagues and say, 'Guess what these guys are doing?' And by the same token, you have that pledge from me, but I need a pledge from you, and that is that you never ask me to engage in a political discussion as long as I am trying to run the Department.' And he said, 'You absolutely have it.' And he was true to his word, and I must tell you, out of the 31 years of public service, the four years serving with Bill Clinton were the finest of my life." Later, Rep. Mike Honda introduced Secretary Mineta and reflected on Mineta's early political career and the inspiration that he was to others. Recalling Mineta's decision to run for Congress, Honda said "In '74, he decided to run for Congress. I was glad, because I got to be involved in the first congressional race with an Asian American running for office, and I was proud." Honda also spoke of Mineta's experience as a Japanese American who was placed in an internment camp during WW II and his work to right that injustice. Honda 2 THE CAPITOL DOME concluded by remarking that Mineta continues to inspire others, even after his career in public service ended. Honda said, "Norm has been first in many things being a Japanese American, but his character says to him, 'I shall not be the last.' So he always makes sure other people can go on, keeping that door open behind him, so other people can pass through and take advantage of many opportunities in this country, including in the halls of Congress." In accepting the Freedom Award, Secretary Mineta spoke of how his experience as a Japanese American during WW II shaped his understanding of freedom and citizenship. He explained his response to Executive Order 9066, which interned "those of Japanese ancestry…[at the camps] it said—[with] big placards—it said 'Attention: All those of Japanese ancestry, alien and non-alien.' Well, as a 10-year-old kid, I read that, and I was wondering what's a non-alien. I know what an alien is. That's my dad, but what's a non-alien? So they weren't even treating us as citizens, and yet when was the last time that any of you stood up, beat your chest and said, 'I'm a proud non-alien of the United States of America?' I don't think you have, and that's why to this day, I cherish the word 'citizen,' because my own government wasn't looking to call me a 'citizen.'" Earlier in the program, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi offered her congratulations to all the honorees and reminded attendees of the importance of the Capitol as a symbol of democracy. Look for additional coverage of the awards, including extended renditions of the speakers' comments, in the next special edition of The Capitol Dome in February 2014. ALL—PORTRAITIONS (From left) Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Hon. Norm Dicks, Suzie Dicks, and Hon. Tom Coleman FALL 2013

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