Joe Biden: “I rise today to honor our respected colleague, my friend, and a true gentleman of the United States Senate--Bill Roth. I…”

“I rise today to honor our respected colleague, my friend, and a true gentleman of the United States Senate--Bill Roth. I have had the honor to serve side-by-side with the senior senator from Delaware for nearly 28 years. Never once have any of you nor anyone in our home State of Delaware--ever heard me say an ill, unkind or negative word about him. And I might add --nor he of me. In my case, there is a good reason for this. He has never given me cause to say anything negative. I, personally, and my state collectively--genuinely respect and like Bill Roth. He is a true gentleman--with all the politeness, honesty and integrity that word connotes. Personally, I will greatly miss his companionship and friendship. We have racked up more miles on Amtrak between Wilmington and Washington than probably anyone in history! On our train rides, we would often talk about how we could best work together on a project for Delaware. And we would discuss pressing legislative business. But we'd also talk about family and children and grandchildren. Bill Roth has served Delawareans with great distinction for 34 years. Since 1970, he has served in the Senate, and before that, four years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bill Roth is a living legend in Delaware. In a sentence--he is the longest-serving elected official in the history of Delaware. And he has made his name known across this country, and throughout the world.”