Political Quotes

“I simply wanted to rise and pay tribute to the memory of my dear friend and colleague, Major Owens, who passed last week. I express my condolences to his family. As new Members, we take for granted sometimes that there is a system in place to provide support and mentorship to new Members. It is not just the way things operate. When I came to Congress in 1993, Major Owens was already here. He became one of the monitors and advisers who taught me the rules of how this institution operates--the rules of civility, respect, and honor-- and the rules by which we operate the floor of the House. I learned so much from him, and over the years became a good, close friend of Major Owens and the members of his family, all of whom we join in grieving with on this occasion. I simply wanted to say how much I respected him and how much appreciation I had for the advice and mentorship he provided to me. ____________________”