Political Quotes

“I appreciate the gentleman from Butler's courtesy. It was my pleasure to sit next to Bill Pascrell for 16 years. We came to Congress at the same time. We entered the Ways and Means Committee at the same time, and he was right there every step of the way. We have these special moments, learning more about our colleagues. Who knew that he had a master's degree in philosophy? You think about it, it is not unrealistic. I appreciated John Larson's three times a year celebrating the 10th anniversary of his 90th birthday, and the way that Bill took it in stride and brought people together. He was playing baseball well into his 60s with energy. People talk sometimes about Bill being angry. I don't think so. It was passion. He carried a spark of passion for people he cared about, for issues he cared about--the unformed firefighters, police officers. He had deep concern for people who had suffered traumatic brain injury. He had, obviously, special interests. We found out a lot about trade and Donald Trump, but he added a human dimension that is too often lacking here. I will cherish those memories sitting next to Bill. Ben, those times when you couldn't quite contain him as he would reveal that passion and get things going, but it adds a dimension to this institution that at times is lacking, the human nature. I know the chairman has endless stories about his experience here.…”