On the recordJuly 31, 2013
just a brief word or two about the Presiding Officer. When he took the oath to become a Senator, we had a lot of things going on here. I did not have the opportunity to say as much about him as I would have liked because we were in the thralls of a real battle that we seem to have resolved. I do not know if there is anyone in my 31 years of Congress who has been better prepared to be a Senator than the Senator from Massachusetts who now is the Presiding Officer. His stunning record has already been established with his work in the Senate. I have, from afar, admired this good man and for 4 years up close when I served in the House with him. His work for the environment has been unparalleled. His is one of the rare voices that have for many years understood the dangers of nuclear waste. He has been aware of the benefits of nuclear power but also the dangers. There is a long resume the Presiding Officer has. I want the record to reflect that I am terribly impressed with the work he has already done in the House and will be even more impressed with the work he will do here in the Senate. The people of Massachusetts are very fortunate in having the Presiding Officer from Massachusetts. ____________________
