Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Louisiana for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues on this House floor and remember our good friend, the dedicated dean of the House, Congressman Don Young, from the great State of Alaska. Don had a fire in him. He exuded joy in everything he did. And when he walked into a room, you knew he was there. Don was passionate in his desire to serve the people of Alaska, and for almost 50 years, he did just that. Don loved this House and chaired two of our key committees, Natural Resources and Transportation. As a freshman, yes, I, like, so many new members, sat mistakenly in his seat. The big bear growled me away. Once during a vote series, I voted ``no'' on a Don Young bill building roads in Alaska and walked out of the Chamber. Three minutes later, the whip team is texting me. Representative Ann Wagner is texting me: Don Young is screaming your name on the House floor. He wants to know why you voted ``no''. I went to dinner. The next morning, I found him and asked if he still needed me. He asked why I was a ``no''. I told him, and he smiled with that great big smile and asked if I could vote for his Alaskan fishing bill the next week. I said, yes, you bet, Mr. Chairman. You bet. I would like to extend my condolences to Anne, his children, and all who loved him. Don was a great man who will not be forgotten. May his life of service be an example to us all. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Louisiana.”