Political Quotes

“before saying a few words about this Medicare bill, I would like to say a few words about the senior Senator from West Virginia. This man is such an amazing person. At 86 years of age, what he brings to public service and what he brings to the Senate is incredible. I was in the Chamber earlier this morning when Senator Byrd arrived. He said he would like to say a few words. I said, quite honestly, I am ready to follow you into battle any day. I deferred to him, which I was happy to do. He is a grand person and such an amazing Senator. I have been fortunate to represent a congressional district in Illinois and the State of Illinois for over 20 years on Capitol Hill, and I have many favorite moments. But in the top tier of those favorite moments was the time in a conference committee downstairs from this Chamber involving Senator Byrd, and I would like to tell those who are following this debate about that experience because I still marvel at what he did that day.”