Political Quotes

“Mr. President, speaking of moving, I wanted to take a few minutes on the floor this afternoon to recognize a couple of individuals who are moving on. We have heard some floor speeches in these past several weeks from colleagues who have been with us, some for decades, like Senator Alexander, Senator Enzi, and some who were with us for not quite as long, Senator Jones. We have had an opportunity to hear from them and to share our thanks, but I think we all know that as Members of Congress, Members here in the Senate, we are as good as our staffs--the staff who help guide us, who help give us the information, who work with us as we not only help to build policy but just kind of probe and develop and encourage us. The work that our teams do for us is considerable, and it is appreciated, and we need to show that thanks and appreciation. I want to talk about two gentlemen today, and I want to start first with a longtime friend and a longtime member of the Senate, a gentleman who has provided absolutely outstanding service to the Senate and to the State of Alaska, and that is Brian Hughes, an Alaskan who has worked tirelessly for our State. He has served as my staff director on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the past several years. Brian has been here a long time. In my view, he has been kind of a fixture on energy issues, and many of you know him. But Brian is going to be leaving on a well-deserved sabbatical when this Congress adjourns.…”