Trent Lott: “it is my distinct honor to support this resolution submitted today by Senator McConnell assigning the Henry Clay Desk in…”

“it is my distinct honor to support this resolution submitted today by Senator McConnell assigning the Henry Clay Desk in the Senate Chamber to the senior Senator from Kentucky. This resolution will ensure that the Henry Clay Desk will forever stay within the family of Kentucky Senators. The Senate has a proud tradition of passing this type of resolution. During the 94th Congress, for example, the Senate adopted a resolution assigning the Daniel Webster Desk to the senior Senator from New Hampshire. And, during the 104th Congress, the Senate agreed to a resolution ensuring that the Jefferson Davis Desk would forever reside with the senior Senator from Mississippi. Let me take a brief moment to reflect on the life and legacy of Henry Clay. Henry Clay began his political career in the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1803, at age 27, and remained in public service until his death in 1852. During Clay's long and distinguished career, he served his state and his nation in a wide range of capacities including speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and, of course, as a U.S. Senator for fifteen years. Clay also served President John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State for four years, and received his party's nomination for President in 1824, 1832, and 1844. Henry Clay's ability to facilitate compromise was quickly recognized in Washington, and he became well-known as a highly-skilled negotiator.”