Political Quotes

“I wish to spend a couple of minutes to express my gratitude to a lot of people. I begin by thanking my colleagues here, both Democrats and Republicans. Obviously, all of us would have liked to have had a health care bill that was more than a partisan vote. It didn't turn out that way. I am glad we ended up with the result we did. I thank the members of the HELP Committee on which I serve, both Democrats and Republicans. Although we didn't end up with a bipartisan vote on that committee, there was a very vibrant, active, civilized discussion over many days last summer regarding the HELP Committee's portion of this health care product. Obviously, having been the acting or temporary chair of the committee in the absence of our friend and colleague from Massachusetts who was obviously ill and could not be there, I begin by thanking Tom Harkin. You have heard people talk about him already. He has taken over the reins of that committee and has done an excellent job. I thank Barbara Mikulski, my long-time friend and colleague, who did a tremendous job in dealing with various aspects of the health care debate, as Tom Harkin did, Jeff Bingaman, Patty Murray--again, seasoned members of the committee and Members of this body who have contributed to many pieces of legislation over the years.”