Political Quotes

“I join my colleague Senator McConnell and offer my congratulations and my kudos--that is singular, as we learned in our caucus lunch a few weeks ago--to my dear friend from Vermont, Senator Pat Leahy, on his 16,000th vote as Senator. He is only the fourth person to reach this milestone out of nearly 1,900 men and women who have served in this Chamber. It is a great achievement and a great mark on history. So many of his votes were so significant--on healthcare, education, declaration of war, international treaties, every issue foreign and domestic. They cover four decades, each vote in some small way impacting the trajectory of our great Nation. Just a little perspective. Imagine taking 16,000 pennies and stacking them one on top of the other. They would surpass the height of the Washington Monument. They would be more than double the height of the Capitol dome. It is a reminder that a multitude of smaller actions and the accumulation of smaller accomplishments over a lifetime of quiet dedication can amount to a great monument of achievement. Leader McConnell noted that Senator Leahy was the youngest Senator ever elected from Vermont. He is still just as young at heart, at dedication, and at conviction as he was the day he came to the Senate. We welcome Senator Leahy and know that he will serve many, many more happy, productive years in this Chamber. (Applause.) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alabama.”