Political Quotes

“Mr. President, for the last 22 years, Daniel Akaka has represented the people of Hawaii in this body. They have been the better for his service, and I have greatly appreciated the wisdom, humility, and passion with which he has served here. One issue on which we have been able to work closely as fellow members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is oversight of the Federal workforce, a key issue for his State and for taxpayers everywhere. Senator Akaka's passion for Federal workforce issues comes from his passion for public service and for effective government. Just in this Congress, I was an original cosponsor of his Federal Whistleblower Protection Act, to strengthen the law protecting Federal employees who bring to light fraud, waste, and abuse in Federal programs. That Akaka bill is expected to be signed into law before the end of the year. Also this Congress, I was proud to cosponsor his Hatch Act Modernization Act to allow hard-working employees of State and local governments, who are covered by the Hatch Act, to serve as elected officials in their communities. In addition to his focus on Federal workforce issues, Senator Akaka has long been a valued member of the Armed Services Committee.…”