Political Quotes

“I thank the dean of the California delegation and a good friend of Ellen's for yielding. Ellen was one of my closest friends in the Congress of the United States. I think Ellen and I voted the same about almost every time the lights were turned on and the votes were requested. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Lofgren and the California delegation for organizing this tribute. I rise to join in remembering a dear, dear friend, an outstanding colleague, and a respected public servant. In recent days, I have been asked to describe Ellen. Words that come to mind are extraordinarily accomplished, stateswoman, a diplomat, an expert in our Nation's defense as a member of the Armed Services Committee and as a member of the State Department, and a politician in the best sense of the word. Her skill in rallying disparate interests behind a common objective was, I think, almost unmatched. Ms. Lofgren referred to her as presiding. She was a Democrat presiding in a House in which all respected her, which is why she was so effective. She would look to the Republican side of the aisle, and she would tap the gavel. They would know she knew what was right, and they did not want to cross her. Her determination not to be swayed from the principles to which she always remained true was a hallmark of Ellen Tauscher. Many in the House and in our country will remember Ellen for having been one of the first women, as has been pointed out, on the New York Stock Exchange at the age of 25.…”