Barbara Kennelly: “when Congress adjourns for the year we will be bidding farewell to a number of very fine members who represent the best…”

“when Congress adjourns for the year we will be bidding farewell to a number of very fine members who represent the best that this Nation has to offer. Today, we are honoring one of the best of the best, Vic Fazio. I have known Vic since I came to Congress in 1982. He has helped me in many ways; in fact, judging from these tributes, there are few in this Chamber who have not been helped by Vic. He has been a superior leader of the Democratic Caucus--always fair, always judicious, always working to bring about a consensus. We know Vic as someone who loves the people of his district. He has worked exceptionally long hours doing the very best job he could for them. We know Vic as someone who loves his Appropriations Committee work, helping all Members whenever he could, Democrat and Republican alike. And we have all seen him working the House floor during a vote. But let me tell you that none of that compares to what I have learned about him since he became Chair of the Democratic Caucus and I became Vice Chair--his honor, his gentle character, his warmth, his outstanding personal friendship. I will miss Vic, but more importantly this House will miss Vic, as will his constituents. At least we have the comfort of knowing that whatever he does, he will do it exceptionally well.”