On the recordFebruary 4, 2010
first I wanted to say a few words to welcome our new colleague, Scott Brown, who has joined our ranks as a Member of the Senate from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I wasn't able to be here at 5 p.m. when he was sworn into office, but I wish him the very best. I had a good conversation with him a couple weeks ago after his election and look forward to serving with him. I rise this evening to honor a good friend and a legendary public servant. Although he only served here a short time, Paul Kirk has been a public servant for decades. I wish to tell him and his wife Gail and their family what a remarkable contribution in a few short weeks Paul Kirk has made as a Member of the Senate. Paul is an American who will never get the kind of attention he deserves for the rich life of public service he has led throughout his career. That won't bother him one bit because that is who Paul Kirk is. For over half a century, he has been motivated not by a desire to seek recognition or to receive it but by a passion for progress and a deep love of his own country.
