On the recordJanuary 25, 1994
I am honored and privileged to be where I am at this point in the Nation's history. We have an exciting and challenging President whose agenda is dear to my heart--improving the quality of life and the personal security of all Americans. As chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, I will devote myself tirelessly to his goals. I want to spend the next year here as a full-time chairman and an agent of change for President Clinton without the demands and distractions of an election campaign. After 40 years of public service, this year--my 30th in Congress--will be my last. My polls tell me that my district is a stronger Democratic district than it was 2 years ago and that my chances of reelection are excellent. But time has snuck up on me. As I approach my 67th birthday, it is time for me to focus on my remaining years. I want to spend more time doing the things I enjoy and concentrating on my family whose sacrifices because of my career have been immense and often painful. I began my congressional career with the Presidency of Lyndon Johnson and am proud to have been here during the enactment of many ambitious Great Society Programs. I leave in the President of Bill Clinton whose proposals renew the Johnson Legacy. Truly, I have seen the pendulum swing. To my colleagues, thank you for your friendship, your support, and the opportunity to realize the goal of my freshman year--the chairmanship of the committee I love.
