[Page: S12844]

Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I join the distinguished chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and the two of us are speaking on behalf of all members of our committee and, indeed, the majority and minority staff, in wishing to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Doug George, especially his wife Kathryn, friends, and colleagues.

Doug passed away last Friday night. He was truly a valued member of the Senate Armed Services Committee staff. He was also a professional intelligence officer in the finest sense of that profession. Members of the Armed Services Committee first came to know Doug when he served as the CIA's top arms control specialist, providing members and staff with briefings and testimony on important verification topics. He impressed us as objective, knowledgeable, and always a very hardworking, conscientious individual.

In 1987, Doug was promoted to deputy director of the intelligence community staff, with responsibility to determine the requirements and set the direction of the U.S. intelligence community. He performed admirably in this position, and for his work he was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Nation's highest intelligence award.

Doug joined the staff of the Armed Services Committee in 1990 as a member of the majority to work on arms control and intelligence matters. But despite his membership on the majority, he worked closely with the minority, which is a hallmark of the members of our staff. There is very little, if any, partisanship whatsoever, especially as it relates to arms control and intelligence matters.

During his time on the committee, he provided an invaluable service to members on both sides of the aisle in a wide variety of issues. He was always available, and I stress always available, despite, as the chairman said, in his declining days, he fought courageously against his illness right up to the end to be of service to the members and to join with other staff members. He was willing to work with both at all times.

Doug brought to the Armed Services Committee the knowledge and experience of a senior intelligence and arms control specialist, and he was hardworking, energetic, considerate, and helpful. He dedicated his work throughout his life to service to our Nation. We shall miss him particularly in the months and years to come when the very issues on which he had such a great expertise and a reputation for credibility come up. He will be missed as we address these problems.

I thank the Chair and yield the floor.

END