Trent Lott: “today I have the pleasure to announce that Senator Susan Collins of the great State of Maine, the current Presiding…”

“today I have the pleasure to announce that Senator Susan Collins of the great State of Maine, the current Presiding Officer, is the latest recipient of the prestigious Golden Gavel Award. Since the 1960s, Senators who preside over the Senate in excess of 100 hours are recognized with the Golden Gavel. The Golden Gavel has long served as a symbol of appreciation for time these dedicated Senators contribute to presiding over the U.S. Senate--a privileged and important duty. With respect to this particular Presiding Officer, two words describe Senator Collins as she presides over this Chamber: reliable and punctual. Senator Collins takes her presiding responsibilities seriously and is someone who can always be counted on to serve. We now take the opportunity to extend our thanks to her for her commitment to the fine way in which she presides. I must say, she has received one of the highest compliments that can be received from the Senate itself. Senator Byrd has commented about what a good job she does in the chair and that she presides fairly and she pays attention to what the Senators are saying. I congratulate her and thank her on behalf of the U.S. Senate for her time.”