over the past 17 years, a lot has changed in the Senate. Back in 2006, we counted two future Presidents in our ranks: Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate was the late Arlen Specter, back when he was a Republican, and I was the most junior member of that Judiciary Committee. Well, today, I want to tell you about one thing that has not changed since those days, and that is the dedicated, diligent public service of a man who stood by my side every step of the way as I have gone from the Judiciary Committee's most junior member to serving as chair of the committee. That man's name is Dan Swanson. Dan is the embodiment of wisdom, patience, kindness, dedication, and selfless public service. Sadly, this is his last week as general counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee. While Dan would never say it himself--he is just too humble--the truth is, he has made an indelible mark on the history of this Nation. For nearly two decades, Dan has been my go-to man in addressing our Nation's most complicated and urgent challenges. In every one of those challenges, he has been guided by a love for the law and a belief that our government can and should help people. When you consider his background, you can understand. Dan is the son of two teachers, and you can see their influence in the way he engages with others.…
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