James Oberstar: “I would express my great appreciation to all the Members who have stayed long after the legislative business of the…”

“I would express my great appreciation to all the Members who have stayed long after the legislative business of the House to express their profound respect for the work of Bruce Vento in this body, for the friendship that he has meant to each of them. Bruce Vento, like all of us, had great moments in this body, but none was greater than the moment that he took some months ago in the well of this House to address us all about the illness which had afflicted him and which he knew would take his life. What stands out is that in a time of rancor, in a body where campaigns have moved from the hinterlands to the House floor and have so often spilled over into invective, that was a shining moment for this House, where he spoke of the politics of joy and of hope, of the meaning of public service, and his pride in serving the people of his district, of his State, and of his country.”