Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my condolences to the family of Jack Murtha and to pay tribute to him. As a relatively new Member of this body, I knew Jack Murtha only briefly, but I am so grateful even for that. One day very early in my tenure here in Congress, I needed some guidance on a military issue, and everyone told me I needed to speak directly with Mr. Murtha. I have to admit I was just a little bit intimidated. It wasn't just his size and the boom of his voice and his upright carriage, but I knew he knew stuff and that he could guide me. But to my great surprise, Mr. Murtha was so wonderful to me. His advice was sage, his generosity was unlimited, his inquiry was precise, and his kindness and gentleness were truly genuine. And from that moment forward, I am honored to have been guided by his good counsel. I can still see on occasion when I sit in the Speaker's chair a twinkle from his eye, and when it got a little rough, a little bit of a nod from that back corner. On a personal note, Jack Murtha remembered that I grew up in a military family, and he asked me about my father's and my brother's service and my experiences growing up. And I talked to him about being a candy striper and reading to our service men and women at veterans' hospitals. And I know that he cared deeply about our servicemembers and about their families and about the special obligation that we owe to them.…”