Walter Scott--

Floor Speech

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Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speaker, lifelong Nebraskan, CEO of Kiewit Construction, cofounder of Level 3 Communications, board member of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, the late Walter Scott, Jr., 90, was one of America's leading builders and entrepreneurs. He will be best remembered, however, for his generous and wise philanthropy. Raised during the Great Depression, grandson of an immigrant carpenter from Dundee, Scotland, Walter learned early on the importance of education and of institutions that make it possible for a person to be educated. His philosophy was to enable others to achieve their own personal success.

As friend Warren Buffett said, ``Walter's philanthropy is legendary, even though he doesn't publicize it.'' He left an indelible mark on Omaha and Nebraska: a new veterans' care center, best-in-class exhibits at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Scott Campus at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. His contributions to Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska ensure that future generations of students at those institutions will go on to make their own marks as well.

Walter's vision and passion extended to service on the international stage. He was past Chair of the Open World Leadership Center--now the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL)--and a member of the Library of Congress Madison Circle. In both capacities, he was close friend to long-serving Librarian of Congress Dr. James H. Billington. Following Billington's passing in 2018, Walter provided long-term funding for the Billington Initiative at the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute to continue Billington's legacy of scholarship on Russian history and culture.

Walter Scott had this advice to young people: ``The greatest thing you can do in life is to be a giver because the world already has plenty of takers.'' May he rest in peace.

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