Brian Jones: “first, let me begin by expressing how honored and humbled I am to be a Member of this body and to represent the great…”

“first, let me begin by expressing how honored and humbled I am to be a Member of this body and to represent the great State of Alabama. Fresh out of law school in 1979, I began my career right here, working as staff counsel to Senator Howell Heflin on the Judiciary Committee. From when I served as a staffer, there are only three Members of the Senate who continue to serve today--Senator Leahy, Senator Hatch, and Senator Cochran. Two of those three, Senators Hatch and Cochran, will be retiring this year--Senator Cochran, in just over a week--and a grateful nation thanks them for their service. For me, personally, I am honored to have come full circle with them, from a young staffer to a junior colleague, and I wish them well in their life after the Senate. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for welcoming me to this body, many of whom are here with me today, braving the wintery weather outside. Thank you for your friendship, your advice, and your willingness to include me and my staff in the great work you are doing. I particularly want to thank my senior colleague from Alabama, Senator Shelby, and his staff. I appreciate their graciousness and patience in helping me as I navigate my new role as a freshman Senator. I thank my family: my amazing wife Louise; incredible kids, Courtney, Carson, and Christopher, who so fully supported me in my quest to reach the Senate but more importantly in my life.…”