Mitch Landrieu: “I rise today as the senior from Louisiana. But I was not born a Senator. I was born a Louisianian. I am a daughter of…”

“I rise today as the senior from Louisiana. But I was not born a Senator. I was born a Louisianian. I am a daughter of the Crescent City, raised by a family of places whose names may seem strange and exotic to people in Washington, DC, and around the Nation places like Plaquemines, Cocodrie, Kenner, Slidell, St. Tammany, St. Bernard and Bogalusa. Most people refer to this region of the country--Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama--as the energy coast the maritime coast, the gulf coast. The largest city in this area is the city of New Orleans, almost 500,000 people, my hometown. At one time or another every Member of this body has told me their own story about what they love about New Orleans and south Louisiana. For some, it is our music. For others it is Mardi Gras. And yet others, it is that special magic. Each one of you has come away from our State with a special memory, a singular moment that reflects the vibrant culture and personality of our State. And what all of my colleagues have mentioned to me over many years is the special, special spirit of the people. Today, I stand before my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to report to the Senate that our people are hurting. Some are despairing and many are still crying. But our spirit is strong and it will be this spirit, along with the best work the Senate has ever done, that we will lift this region and rebuild it. Thousands are dead, and only God knows how many.…”