Political Quotes

“Thank you very much, Mr. Fattah, for taking this Special Order as part of the Congressional Black Caucus period of mourning for President Mandela. I was so proud that so many members from the CBC, Mr. McDermott, and others went to South Africa to be present at the celebration of the life and the memorial services for President Mandela. I wish that I could have gone. In fact, I thought I was. So did Mr. Van Hollen and Mr. Clyburn. But the business of the budget kept us here. Our thoughts and prayers were with all of you as we were at the National Cathedral yesterday. What I came to the floor to say is I wish to associate myself with all the beautiful sentiments expressed by my colleagues about an icon in the world--a person that is so unique in history, not just in our lifetime, but in the history of the world. When I was asked today some thoughts about President Mandela, I said that what he did reminded me of King Solomon. When King Solomon was to inherit the throne from his father, King David, he prayed to God with a great spirit of humility. In humility, he said: God, please give me the wisdom to be the king of your people and to follow in the footsteps of King David. Please give me wisdom and understanding so that I can do the job.…”