Thad Cochran: “the decision of the distinguished Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Nickles, to retire from the Senate will deprive this body…”

“the decision of the distinguished Senator from Oklahoma, Mr. Nickles, to retire from the Senate will deprive this body of one of our most trusted and insightful leaders. I will miss very much the pleasure of serving with such an honest, forthright, and diligent colleague. He brought to the Senate the valuable experience of running a family business which was translated through the use of his legislative skills into public policies that strengthened our economy by improving our tax and labor relations laws. As chairman of the Budget Committee he was successful in his efforts to curb unnecessary spending. He was fairminded in his dealings with Senators on both sides of the aisle. He was a true friend to me in the Senate and a great help as a coach on the golf course. I wish him and his wife, Linda, much happiness and success in the years ahead.”