Christopher Shays: “as I was listening to my colleagues, I thought what a special moment this is that we get to share with each other and…”

“as I was listening to my colleagues, I thought what a special moment this is that we get to share with each other and how grateful I am to have this opportunity to share this moment with all of you. Ron, I think of you as a very beautiful man inside and out. I think of you as a great legislator, and I do not use that word advisedly, a great legislator, an outstanding chairman, and a true friend to so many. I think you have more friends in this place than any other Member of Congress. I think of you as very gracious, highly intelligent, gentle, but very strong, and an absolute wonderful articulate spokesman for the causes you had every reason to believe so passionately in. As I was listening, I realized I had never seen you fulfill a partisan role. When you spoke, I never thought you were speaking as a partisan. Ron, you helped bring out the very best in all of us, you help bring out the very best in this institution, and you don't even ever have to wonder if you have left your mark. You have left your mark with everyone here, with so many people around this country. You left a mark that cannot be replaced.”