Barbara Boxer: “this is a moment for me that, I think it is fair to say, I will never ever forget. I am so honored. I am so honored to…”

“this is a moment for me that, I think it is fair to say, I will never ever forget. I am so honored. I am so honored to have members of my family here, staff from past and present from both my personal office and committee, extraordinary colleagues whom I adore and love, whom I worked with, fought with and debated. I am so honored that Senator McConnell and Senator Reid have said really nice things about me. I think, in Senator Reid's case, we go back so long, and I will talk a little bit more about that. In Senator McConnell's case, we didn't talk for a long time, and then we did get together and we did some great work together. But I think he was here just to make sure I am leaving. My leader over in the House is here--Nancy Pelosi. I will talk about her more. My colleagues from the House came over in the midst of all their work. I love them. I have enjoyed working with them. I look around this Chamber, and I realize the reason I am able to actually leave is because I know each of you and your passion to make life better for people, and that is what it is all about. When I decided not to run for reelection, you know how the press always follows you around. They said: ``Is this bittersweet for you?'' My answer was forthcoming: ``No way is it bitter. In every way it is sweet.'' Why do I feel that way?…”