Political Quotes

“It is an honor to be at this podium again. When I reflect on my time in Congress and what this House means, I realize that less than 13,000 people in the history of the country have had the opportunity that I have had and I have today. I haven't forgotten that. I came from Kincaid, Illinois, a town of 1,400 people. My dad was a coal miner. If you talk to Members of Congress, those stories are common to people from everywhere, people from all walks of life. Since the first Congress in 1789, this House has been closest to the people. It is the people's House. As was mentioned, it was only by the consent of the governed that what happens here establishes its relevance. Looking forward, I can't tell you how optimistic I am about the future of this country because of the people who are in this room and the people who currently are serving and the history of how Americans kind of come to the top. I have full confidence, again, that this will occur. We have the best form of government that has ever been designed. It will persevere to our 250th anniversary of the Declaration this next summer and for another 250 years or more.”