Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to welcome Hawaii's new Senator, Brian Schatz. Brian is a leader for Hawaii's present and for our future and I welcome him with much aloha pumehana, which means warm love. I also welcome and congratulate Senator Schatz's wife Linda; their children, Tyler and Mia; his twin brother, and Senator Schatz's proud parents, Dr. Irwin and Mrs. Barbara Schatz. Senator Schatz arrives in Washington during a sad time as we continue to mourn the loss of our champion, Senator Dan Inouye. Dan Inouye will always be a legend in Hawaii. He will never be replaced. At Dan Inouye's memorial service in Honolulu this past weekend, I was reminded of how many people he touched in Hawaii and across the country. We must honor his legacy by working together for the people of Hawaii. I thank Brian for volunteering for this incredible responsibility. He only learned of his appointment yesterday and did not have any time to spare, so he hopped on Air Force One and flew straight to Washington to be sworn in today. We need him here now because we are facing a major challenge, one that regrettably has been created by Congress in our own inability to thus far compromise. The looming spending cuts and tax increases known as the fiscal cliff must be fixed within the next 5 days. Mahalo--thank you--Brian, for accepting this challenge. I am here to help Senator Schatz in any way I can.…”