Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, it is so fitting that today we are passing the Coast Guard reauthorization bill, a very good bipartisan piece of legislation, naming it in honor of our dear friend and colleague, Don Young of Alaska, who did so much during his time here for the Coast Guard. A fixture in the House for 49 years, Don Young took care of the needs of Alaskans like no other could. So it was a natural fit for him to serve as chairman of both the Natural Resources Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee during his time here. His accomplishments for Alaska and throughout the course of his life are well known and numerous. He was certainly a throw-back to the old days on Capitol Hill. He fought hard for his constituents, for Alaska, for America. He had the force of a lion, but great compassion. And, boy did he know how to live life to the fullest. He was the perfect public servant for he had two attributes one must have to survive and serve the public well: A tough hide but a tender heart. That is the gentleman from Alaska that I got to know. That is the man who, with his dear wife, Anne, by his side, told me at my birthday party last month that he wanted to get the show on the road, go up to the stage and sing happy birthday. I simply said, ``Yes, sir,'' and what a memorable night he made it. {time} 1545 Sometimes words cannot properly describe a man, for the emotions that stir the heart are so powerful, words cannot possibly reflect them.…”