Watson Coleman: “I rise after listening to the words of our distinguished whip, who has been here more than a couple of decades, and the…”

“I rise after listening to the words of our distinguished whip, who has been here more than a couple of decades, and the distinguished Senator from New Mexico, who has been here more than three decades. I have only been in the Senate a couple of years, but I do want to let the distinguished Senator from Oklahoma know and say very publicly what an impact he has had on me and what deep respect I have for him. When he came here, he talked about having respect for the Senate, and I certainly understand that. It is somewhat overwhelming to me. As he kind of recapped the 24 years, talking about the love that he has for this institution, I want to let him know what that means to somebody like me who comes here certainly with that respect--that love is something that grows. Love is something that is in the heart. As I reflect upon a colleague who has been here, who has had some tough things he has had to do, I say to my friend--truly my friend from Oklahoma, the chairman of the Budget Committee--he is in an institution, surrounded by folks who like to say yes, who like to spend money. We like to take care of those around us who have needs. That is a good thing. But we also have to have a fundamental understanding. As in any family, you have to know what you earn and you have to know what you can spend. You have to have some discipline and you have to have some values and you have to do the right thing.…”