He maintained close contact with old congressional friends , and he spent many hours testifying before Senate and House committees .
As a highly respected congressional veteran , Laird had a head start in his efforts to gain more legislative support for Defense programs .
Laird maintained close contact with old congressional friends , and Laird spent many hours testifying before Senate and House committees .
As a highly respected congressional veteran , Laird had a head start in his efforts to gain more legislative support for Defense programs .