Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I would hope that anyone who has ever had the privilege to serve as a Member of Congress leaves this place with a heart full of gratitude. After 32 years as a Member of this body, I certainly feel that way. It is hard to believe that I have been elected for 16 terms, 32 years. I came here at age 41, not knowing exactly what to expect, and I have learned a great deal in these 32 years. I send gratitude, first and foremost, to the people of the 16th District of New York for sending me here 16 times. It has been an honor to have your trust and to be your voice here in the House. Gratitude to thousands of people: the Capitol Police; the Sergeant at Arms; the Congressional Research Service; the Architect of the Capitol; the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr. Brian Monahan; and so many others. It takes a small army to keep Congress running, and you seldom get the recognition you have earned. Gratitude to my staff over the years, and let me acknowledge a few who have been with me for a long while: the staff director on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Jason Steinbaum; my chief of staff, Bill Weitz; and my administrative assistant here in Washington, Ned Michalek. Madam Speaker, I will include in the Record a full roster of my staff in the office of the 16th District and on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, with my profound thanks. And, of course, Madam Speaker, I send gratitude to my fellow Representatives.…”