Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Senator Mark Hatfield. He was a true giant, a man who placed principle above politics--doing what he felt was right for the people of Oregon and the Nation. Senator Hatfield's life was one of service. He served as a naval officer during World War II. He fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Later, he was one of the first Americans to see the effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He served in the Oregon state legislature, as secretary of state and Governor, and then as Senator of the United States. In the Senate, Senator Hatfield was known for his many accomplishments for the people of Oregon. He used his position on the Appropriations Committee, where he became chairman, to bring jobs and opportunity to his State. One of his greatest legacies is in foreign policy, nuclear disarmament, and in the pursuit of peace. Senator Hatfield was one of the first in the Senate to oppose the Vietnam war. He was a leader in the pursuit of nuclear disarmament, and he was a steadfast supporter of civil rights. I was honored to serve with Senator Hatfield in the Senate and on the Appropriations Committee. We were neighbors on the 7th floor of the Hart Building. We worked together on many important issues, especially on international women's rights. As coastal Senators, we also worked together on jobs that affected both of our States--everything from fishery issues to saving jobs in the shrinking shipbuilding industry.…”