Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise this evening to deliver my final floor speech as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. For 26 years now, it has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve my incredible constituents of California's 12th Congressional District. I was sworn in on April 21, 1998. The late, great Ronald V. Dellums retired early. I was his former intern, his former staffer, and he was my former colleague, my mentor, and good friend. Ron was actually the first African-American chair of the House Armed Services Committee, and I remember that day so well. He sat right here and encouraged me to give that first speech and to actually turn around and to sign a petition then calling for campaign finance reform. I was the 218 vote to sign the discharge petition on my swearing in day, which I was very proud of. Let me just first and foremost start by thanking my staff and all of the members of Team Lee that have worked tirelessly to serve our district 24/7 and to help us achieve so much. These are truly dedicated public servants, and their commitment has undoubtedly left an indelible mark, not only on myself, but on our district and our country. As I say constantly, once a member of Team Lee, always a member of Team Lee. Also, let me take a minute to thank my family who has stood beside me through all of the triumphs and challenges of the last 26 years. I could not have done it without them.…”