Political Quotes

“I come to the floor today a little sad but also immensely full of gratitude. Earlier today, our dear colleague Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he will retire from the Senate at the conclusion of his term. Now, this Chamber has had a long history of many a dedicated public servant, but there has only been one Patrick Leahy. For eight terms, the gentleman from Vermont has been a Senator's Senator, one of only four in the history of the Senate to surpass 16,000 votes in service to his beloved home State. Today, I can only say this: Thank you. Thank you, Pat, for your many years of friendship, leadership, and dedication to the Constitution and the rule of law. The Senate is better off because of you. Vermont is better off because of you. Our country is better off because of you. Now, we still may disagree strongly about which State has the best maple syrup, but we never let that get in the way of doing great things together. Pat, you are a great guy. It is bittersweet. You deserve a wonderful retirement with Marcelle and your beautiful children and grandchildren, but we are going to miss you dearly. I wish you and Marcelle the very best on the road ahead and the best of luck. Godspeed. ____________________”