On the recordJanuary 5, 2011
happy new year to you. And happy new year to all my colleagues, those returning to the Senate and those taking office today for the first time. I am honored, humbled, and will forever be grateful that the people of Nevada have entrusted me with another term as a Senator. I will continue working hard to create jobs for the people of my State and our country and get our country back on track. I am also grateful for the continued support and confidence of my caucus, which has given me the honor of serving as its leader. Neither title--Senator nor majority leader--is a responsibility I take lightly or for granted. They say you can never step in the same river twice; new water flows in replacing the old and continually renewing the river. The Senate is the same. This body never stops changing. Every 2 years--occasionally more frequently--new Senators take their seats in this Chamber. They join the Senate family in this ever-evolving team of 100 tasked with moving the country forward. Our fundamental responsibilities and traditions anchor us in that river. Our respect and reverence for the people we serve and this institution never wavers or changes. According to academics, pundits, and Congress watchers, the 111th Congress was the most productive in American history. But many challenges and opportunities still lie ahead for this new Congress that starts today.
