Thomas Daschle: “let me first congratulate, again, all of our new colleagues and their families for this very momentous occasion. It is…”

“let me first congratulate, again, all of our new colleagues and their families for this very momentous occasion. It is one of the most thrilling things for me to watch new Senators come down the aisle, accompanied by a colleague, to raise their right hand and to take the oath of office. I can recall so vividly my own experience in that regard now twice. I know, having had that experience, what a remarkable and what a memorable opportunity it is for any woman or man. Let me also again reiterate my gratitude to the majority leader for his remarks and for the kindnesses that he has shown to me and to our caucus as we have worked through the schedule, worked through the committees, worked through the many procedural matters that we had to discuss today. We begin the 105th Congress with renewed hope, with optimism, with good will. There is much to do, and there is much need to do it together. We have had many months of competitive political effort, and now it is time to govern. Franklin Roosevelt once said, "The future lies with those wise political leaders who recognize that the great public is interested more in government than in politics." Let us recognize that and seize the future. Let us summon the best in all of those around us as we call upon the best within ourselves to join in common purpose and in common cause. I have no doubt that our efforts here during the course of the 105th Congress will, by any standard, then be judged a success.”