Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, Don Young was my friend. Years ago, before I entered Congress to serve my country at this level, as a police officer I was called upon to address the annual gathering of the Alaskan State Troopers. I will always remember, as our plane entered Alaska, the mountains rose from the Earth, and I had never witnessed such magnificent splendor of the Lord's creation. It was awe inspiring. Frightening even. A couple of years later I met Don Young, and I understood more both about Alaska and creation and, by extension, I understood more about all children of God. Don Young, his spirit, his voice echoed through this Chamber, and every day that I sat next to him for over 5 years I recalled the Scripture that came to my mind when I felt and saw those magnificent mountains arising from the Earth. I recalled the Scripture advised us in Micah, said, ``Hear ye now the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.'' This Chamber has echoed the voice of Don Young for five decades, and now he has gone to his reward. May I say to you, Don, you are the mountain of Alaska, you have been a dear and honored friend. You will be missed, loved, respected, and your memory shall always be honored. I am a better man, having known you. I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Graves), for leading this Special Order.”