Political Quotes

“I thank the majority leader and the Republican leader for what they expressed about David Schiappa. We rank-and-file Senators feel the same way on both sides of the aisle. I was reminded that the late Alex Haley, the author of ``Roots,'' once said: ``When an old person dies, it's like a library burning down.'' Dave is neither old nor dying, but there is some similarity in what is happening. With his leaving after 30 years, a number of volumes from the Senate library are going out the door. We won't have that wisdom, that experience, or that knowledge that has been so valuable to us, and that has been especially important to the Senate where nearly half the Members are in their first term. This is an institution that depends on precedent, understanding, and respect of its strengths over a long period of time. I had a chance to work with Dave at the request of Senator McConnell at the beginning of the last two Congresses to work on the Senate rules. In working with Dave and with Gary, what I found was they were representing our point of view, but they also had such a love of the institution, they wanted to make sure whatever we came up with enhanced it, strengthened it, and didn't destroy it. We wish Dave the best. We have admired his service and his friendship, and we hope that over the next few years he will allow us to bring those volumes of wisdom, knowledge, and experience back because occasionally we may need to read them. I yield the floor.…”