Harry Reid: “Before my friend from Hawaii leaves the floor, we have all come and given speeches--a lot of us, at least-- about…”

“Before my friend from Hawaii leaves the floor, we have all come and given speeches--a lot of us, at least-- about Senator Akaka, but we have not had a lot of people on the floor when we have done that. The presentation just now is typical for Dan Akaka: never a word about himself, always about somebody else. If the new Senator has Senator Akaka's qualities--the kindest, gentlest person I have ever served in this body with--it is something for which he should strive. The shoes he has to fill, we all know--Akaka and Inouye--are significant to fill, but he can do that. For you, Senator Akaka--with these people on the floor--we are going to miss you so much. You are a wonderful human being and have been a great Senator.”