Joe Donnelly: “I thank the leader, who is my friend and colleague, Chuck Schumer, for his kind words. I thank Senator Durbin, who is…”

“I thank the leader, who is my friend and colleague, Chuck Schumer, for his kind words. I thank Senator Durbin, who is here, as well, and I thank all the Members. I see my friend Senator Fischer. We team up on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Of my friend Senator Grassley, not everybody knows Senator Grassley has relatives who are spending eternal rest in Michigan City, IN, which is not too far away from where I live. To everybody who works here--to the incredible team that makes everything go and to all of our pages who have done such a wonderful job--it has been such a privilege to serve in the U.S. Senate. What an unthinkable thing for a kid to have a chance to do. To actually be here takes your breath away. Our Nation is so extraordinary, such a wonderful place. The trust we are given to represent our people is something that we take so seriously. To the whole team, nothing we do could ever be done without your hard work, and the effort we have put in to be part of that is something I will never forget. I just say thank you. Thanks to everybody here. It has been such a privilege. I yield the floor. ____________________”