On the recordDecember 20, 2022
when I left home this morning, I told Myrna I was going to be speaking in regards to Patrick's speech on the floor. She wanted to make sure that I expressed our deep love and appreciation to Marcelle and to you, Patrick, for your friendship and for your genuine concern. You call this the Senate family, and I can tell you that, for the Cardin family, the Leahy family is part of our family. And your deep concern about our challenges really helped us get through some very difficult moments. So, first, I just want to express my appreciation to the Leahys for what they have meant to the Cardins. It was 16 years ago when I came to the U.S. Senate. I knew Patrick Leahy from my service in the House. I knew he was an incredible leader on the Judiciary Committee, and I asked the then-majority leader, Reid, whether I could serve on the Judiciary Committee because of Patrick Leahy's leadership. What I didn't expect was a chairman embracing a first-year member of the committee with responsibility and resources to make a difference. He brought every member of the Judiciary Committee into the process. He gave us an opportunity to be Senators, and my first year was so rewarding because of Senator Leahy's confidence in each of us contributing and giving us the resources to do that. I have sought Senator Leahy's advice over my 16 years in the Senate with him, and our friendship has grown stronger each year. Senator Leahy is special for many reasons.…





