Political Quotes

“I would like to pay tribute to the Senators who will not be returning when the 113th Congress commences next month. I have already spoken about Senator Kyl and about Senator Inouye, one of the truly great Americans and giants of this institution. At the time of his death, Senator Inouye was just a few weeks short of celebrating 50 years of Senate service. Only Senator Byrd served in this institution longer. Turnover is a natural occurrence, but it's important to acknowledge that the Senators who are departing have served in the Senate for a combined total of 237 years, or nearly 20 years per Senator, on average. Add Senator Inouye, and the total is close to 300 years. That service represents an enormous amount of expertise on issues ranging from national defense and foreign affairs to the Federal budget to energy policy. The departing Senators will also take with them vast institutional knowledge and bipartisan friendships and working relationships that will leave a void we will need to fill. Daniel Akaka Mr. President, Daniel Akaka was born on September 11, 1924 just 4 days after Senator Inouye and, like Senator Inouye, he overcame the prejudice and hostility directed at Asian Americans following the attack on Pearl Harbor to serve with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. Senator Akaka was a civilian worker in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to 1945. Then, he was on Active Duty in the Army from 1945 to 1947.…”