Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague from our beautiful State of Hawaii (Ms. Gabbard) for giving us the opportunity to reflect on an extraordinary man. To the family, let me say, as I was sitting here and contemplating the pain and anguish and loss that you feel, I also was reflecting on the fact that many people leave this Chamber after they have served their time. They may be remembered by a moment of silence, maybe not. As painful as it is to have lost Mark and in the way that you have lost him, I hope there is some solace, some balm that will soothe you in knowing how extraordinary it is to have a person like Mark, who has served in this House, be so loved to the point that we would have a special ceremony in Statuary Hall and we would spend an hour reflecting on his life. It is a great reflection on his family. It is a great reflection on our country that we have so recognized such an outstanding leader. When I think of Mark, I think of a number of words to describe him. I think of grace. I think of stoic courage. I think of integrity. Now, many people have spoken about the grace with which he handled this horrific disease and the stoic courage he showed. I am going to spend a few minutes just talking about integrity. I have been working on an issue for some time here in Congress on the incidence of military sexual trauma and the fact that there is so much of it that goes on that goes unaddressed.…”