Trent Lott: “I have never known one that I have been more proud of than I am today of William Cohen in this new position. Bill Cohen…”

“I have never known one that I have been more proud of than I am today of William Cohen in this new position. Bill Cohen and I came to Congress together at the same time in 1973. We served in the House together. We served in the Senate together. We didn't always agree. In fact, we fought or disagreed pretty strongly the first couple of years we were in Congress, and it took years to get over that disagreement. But over that period of time in the House and Senate we became close friends, and I grew to admire him and sought out his advice and counsel which I found always very good even when he didn't agree sometimes with what I was trying to do. He gave me advice and help that was invaluable. I will also be thankful for that. We have much in common. We both represent small coastal States which face similar challenges and interests. He has truly become a great friend to me and to our people in my own home State. He has my respect and my unqualified support as the next Secretary of Defense.”