Political Quotes

“on the Fourth of July of the year 1851, the legendary statesman Daniel Webster, himself a former Senator, laid the cornerstone for the Senate Chamber where we now gather. He said: Be it known that on this day the Union of the United States of America stands firm. Today marks the 150th year that this Chamber has housed the Senate of the United States. When Vice President John Breckinridge gaveled the 34th Congress open in this Chamber in 1859, our Republic had a population of one-tenth what it is today. There were just 64 Senators. Each Senator enjoyed a little more leg room, and that is an understatement. Many of these desks we see behind me, and behind the Republican leader, are from the original Senators of this country. They are real old. This Chamber, for 150 years, has served as the primary working space for most Members. The first session held here 150 years ago began as it did today, with the Vice President of the United States administering the oath of office to new Members. Today, nine new Senators joined what many have said, and I agree, is the greatest deliberative body the world has ever known--certainly the greatest legislative body.”