Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, we have all seen the news that our friend and colleague, Pete Domenici, is planning to announce today that he will retire from the Senate at the conclusion of his term. Senator Domenici called me yesterday afternoon to tell me of this decision. My reaction was one of surprise first, and then that gave way to admiration and appreciation for this man's decision to conclude his distinguished career of public service on his own terms.

He and his wife Nancy are traveling to Albuquerque this morning for the announcement this afternoon. This is a great gesture to the people of New Mexico, and in New Mexico the Domenicis will be greeted with the affection and respect which they richly deserve. 

When I arrived in the Senate in 1983, Pete Domenici was then a 10-year veteran of this place, and he was here to welcome me at that time. In his 34 years in the Senate, Pete has earned a reputation as a fierce and effective champion for New Mexico. While he and I have not agreed on some issues, I have never questioned his commitment to do what he believed was right for our State and for this country. 

Today, and during his entire Senate career, Pete has achieved what all of us try to achieve; that is, to be effective in getting results in Washington, while also staying close to the people who have sent us here to represent them. 

Pete and I, of course, have worked together on many issues and projects, but our most productive collaboration has been on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. For the last few years, he has been the most senior Republican, and I have been the most senior Democrat. In the last Congress, when Pete was chairman of the committee and I was the ranking Democrat, we were able to secure passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Pete deserves substantial credit for the passage of that important legislation. 

Senator Domenici's announcement today is not, I am glad to say, that he is leaving the Senate at this time. His announcement will be that he will serve out his term, but he will not stand for reelection to another term. He has assured me that he expects the remaining 15 months of his service in the Senate to be productive and, knowing Pete, I am sure they will be. 

There will be time later for valedictories. For today, we will listen to Senator Domenici's announcement and send our thanks and best wishes to him and to Nancy.