On the recordOctober 7, 2002
Ben has had a distinguished career. He has been here for 30 years, been chairman of the Committee on International Relations, been on many CODELs, co-chairman of the New York State delegation, been absolutely wonderful, but, more importantly than that, I would like to say something to Ben. He has been a mentor. The two best friends I have had in this Chamber have been Hamilton Fish and Ben Gilman. Hamilton is no longer with us; and, along with his lovely wife, Georgia, they have been wonderful friends of Priscilla's and mine. But, more important, when a Member comes here, and I did not know anything about politics, I had never been in politics before, Ben took me under his wing and was always there for me. They say a friend in need is a pest. Never would Ben. He was always there, always honest, always leading, always inclusive. I cannot tell Ben how much I appreciate that friendship, and I trust and hope it will continue.
Source
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