Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with mixed emotions, as this will likely be the final time that I speak in front of this Chamber as a Member of Congress. For the last 22 years, I have had the great privilege of serving the people of Rhode Island's Second Congressional District. It has been the honor of my lifetime to represent the voice and vote of my constituents, and I am so humbled by the faith and the trust that they have placed in me all these years. After my accident, it was my community that was there for me when I needed them the most, and it was their constant love and support, along with my family, which ultimately inspired me to run for office as a way of giving back. My journey to recovery was not always an easy one, but thanks to my family, my faith, and my community, I was able to move forward and become the first quadriplegic ever elected to the United States Congress. For the last 36 years, I have woken up every day with one goal in mind: giving good public service to the people of Rhode Island. That focus has held true since my early days in public service, beginning when I was elected as a delegate to Rhode Island's Constitutional Convention, continued through my time in the General Assembly and as the Nation's youngest secretary of state, and it has remained strong throughout my final days as a United States Congressman. I will forever be grateful for the enduring friendships and lifetime memories that I have forged here in this body.…”