Chris Dodd: “I add my voice to my colleagues who have spoken and those who will speak in thanking our wonderful friend from Vermont…”

“I add my voice to my colleagues who have spoken and those who will speak in thanking our wonderful friend from Vermont for his remarkable service to our country. I begin as well by thanking his family, Elizabeth and the children, as well as the people of Vermont, as Senator Kennedy has said so eloquently. Let me also include in enumeration his wonderful staff people, over the years, who have been very much a part of Jim's family. In fact, I note from the interns to senior staff people, everyone refers to him not as 'Senator' or 'Mr. Chairman'--but just 'Jim.' That is certainly a symbol of the kind of relationship he has had with his constituents and with his family over the years. I have had the privilege of serving my entire time in the Senate--in the Congress--with this remarkable person from Vermont. We arrived in the House of Representatives on the very same day, 32 years ago. As Jim pointed out, he had that neck brace on, and I had a head of black hair. We have aged over those 3 decades. But my respect for Jim Jeffords has only grown. He has taught us America will listen to you even if your voice is soft. His achievements in the Senate and the House are the envy of all who wish to improve a quality of life in this great country of ours. Jim's body of work is truly admirable.”