Political Quotes

“I rise to speak for just a few moments on a very special anniversary that we are celebrating, not just here in Washington but around the country; that is, the 40th anniversary of the Close Up Foundation, familiar to us all. It is a foundation that was started in 1971. Close Up has worked for four decades to promote responsible and informed participation in the democratic process through Washington-based civic education programs and classroom publications. I had the pleasure myself of participating in one of the first ever Close Up programs back in 1972. So I participated in the second year when the program was in its fledgling stage. Little did I believe then or know then that I would be a Member of the Senate. But I can remember the tremendous impact that program had on me at that age. It was the first time I had ever visited Washington, DC. I can tell you without the Close Up program, I probably would not have made that trip until many years later. But it made a lasting impression on me and I believe gave me some idea back then of a potential career in public service. I am very proud to be an alum of this important program, and I am delighted to help celebrate that later tonight at a reception for the 40th anniversary, which is today. Close Up's mission is to inform, educate, and inspire young people to be active citizens in our democracy.…”