Kent Conrad: “I also pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe, who is retiring from the Senate after 18 years of…”

“I also pay tribute to my friend and colleague, Senator Olympia Snowe, who is retiring from the Senate after 18 years of exemplary service representing the people of Maine. Though thousands of miles apart, Maine and North Dakota face similar challenges. In particular, we share very similar climates. Our States' residents must endure long winters, and, for the most vulnerable, keeping their homes warm is sometimes a challenge. Senator Snowe has always understood how difficult it can be for some families to pay their utility bills and keep their heat on through harsh winters and has been a tireless supporter of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides struggling families in our States with the certainty of a warm home. Senator Snowe's constant attention to constituent concerns have made her one of the most popular Senators in the Nation, and her dedication to her State and country has not gone unrecognized. Throughout her 37 years of public service, Senator Snowe has earned many honors and distinctions. In 2005, Forbes rated her as the 54th most powerful woman in the world. Later, in 2006, Time magazine recognized her as one of America's Best Senators. She was also recognized as one of eight female politicians that could run and be elected President of the United States. Senator Snowe is a true statesman and public servant, never hesitating to put people over politics and fiercely representing the values and needs of her constituents.…”