Political Quotes

“Madam President, in keeping with the remarks of the Republican Senate leader, I would like to start with recognition of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer's contribution to America. On July 12, 1994, a court of appeals judge named Stephen Breyer appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was the first day of his Supreme Court confirmation hearing. As he began speaking, Judge Breyer laid out his view of the law and its role in maintaining the fabric of American life. He said: ``I believe the law must work for people.'' He argued that our Nation's vast web of ``Constitution, statues, rules, regulations, practices and procedures . . . has a single basic purpose.'' That purpose, he said, ``is to help the many different individuals who make up America, from so many different backgrounds and circumstances, with so many different needs and hopes, live together productively, harmoniously, and in freedom.'' In his nearly three decades on the Supreme Court, Justice Stephen Breyer has lived by those words. He has helped ensure that the law is a force for good, a force for unity, and a force for freedom and equality. So, for me, I have truly mixed feelings as I stand here today and look back on the incredible legacy of Justice Breyer, who announced last week that he would retire at the end of this term. And what a legacy he leaves.…”