Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I, along with many others, want to thank Senator Pat Leahy for a remarkable 48 years of service here in the Senate. As chairman of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Agriculture Committees and President pro tempore of the Senate, I believe it is more than fair to say that Pat has had a profound impact on this institution. First elected to the Senate in 1974, Senator Leahy has served Vermont for eight terms and ranks first in seniority, as we know, in the U.S. Senate. There are not many people in history whom you can say that about, as it requires a great deal of hard work, patience, and commitment. Before coming to Washington, Senator Leahy served for 8 years as the State's attorney in Vermont. In 1974, he was elected as one of three outstanding prosecutors in the United States. Clearly, his degree from Georgetown Law School has served him well over the years. Senator Leahy has dutifully served on the Committee on Appropriations for more than 40 years, and I have had the honor of serving alongside him for 28 years. We have gone back and forth as chairman and vice chairman in recent years, and while it is never easy to relinquish the title of chairman, I would not wish to do so with anyone other than Pat Leahy. I am deeply proud of all that Senator Leahy and I have been able to accomplish together on the Appropriations Committee.…”