Political Quotes

“Today we honor America's domestic defenders, the 1.5 million men and women across the country who serve every one of our communities in responding to every type of disaster known to mankind. This evening, 2,000 of their leaders are assembled here for the eighth annual national dinner to honor the fire and EMS personnel. When I started this effort 8 years ago, it was to give proper recognition to these unsung heroes, and tonight we continue that tradition. We will be joined by the Honorable Senator Bob Dole, who will give a keynote address, along with the Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, both of whom have strongly supported, in a bipartisan way, the efforts of these brave men and women. We will also honor the brave firefighters of the Long Island fire departments who provided such valuable service last year in responding to an unbelievably large incident in Long Island. Mr. Speaker, today is the day when our colleagues can join together and pay appropriate tribute to these brave men and women by showing up at the dinner this evening and by meeting with them in their offices as the 2,000 leaders of the fire service address Capitol Hill and plead their case for more support and more recognition.”