Thomas Daschle: “Today, I call the attention of all my colleagues to a very important and historic achievement by one of the Senate's…”

“Today, I call the attention of all my colleagues to a very important and historic achievement by one of the Senate's most remarkable Members. With this vote, Ted Stevens will cast his 12,000th vote in his career. It is certainly fitting that Senator Stevens represents Alaska in the United States Senate. He has lived in that great state and worked for its residents since before it was a state. In fact, as Solicitor of the Department of the Interior, Ted was instrumental in setting the groundwork for Alaska's admission to the Union in 1959. In 1964, Ted was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives. Two years later, his colleagues elected him House Majority Leader, an honor that surprises none of us who have first hand knowledge of Ted's legendary tenacity, legislative acumen and dedication to his constituents. Senator Stevens brought that determination and skill to the Senate in 1968. I'm sure that every Senator has his or her own anecdote to document Ted's dedication and effectiveness as a legislator. Ted once declared that his constituents 'sent me here to stand up for the state of Alaska.' No one who served with Ted over the past thirty years can doubt his commitment to do just that. In fact, some surely wonder at times if he isn't more of an ambassador than a Senator. Ted has endeavored to ensure that promises made to Alaska under the Statehood Act are kept.”