Thomas Daschle: “Let me begin with the chairman. I want to thank the Senator for his kindness. We would not be here if not for the…”

“Let me begin with the chairman. I want to thank the Senator for his kindness. We would not be here if not for the leadership and the extraordinary effort the Senator from Alaska has put forth to bring us to this point. I publicly acknowledge his work and his leadership on behalf of the people in South Dakota and our colleagues here in the Senate. I thank him for all of his effort. I heard my colleague from South Dakota express what I hope to also express, and that is gratitude to so many people who are responsible for the fact that we are here this afternoon. I begin with our Governor, who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in ways that are recognized on both sides of the aisle, and Brenda Barger, the mayor of Watertown. Watertown is lucky to have a leader as talented and as gifted as she is. All across South Dakota organizations have come forth and put so much effort into ensuring that our communities and our people could hold themselves together in the way that they did. South Dakotans have endured much over the past months, but throughout these most difficult and unfortunate times they have shown courage and compassion. I also want to thank my colleagues for all of the effort they put forth in making possible this tremendous assistance. I appreciate very much the work of the administration--the President, the Vice President, James Lee Witt. People in the administration at all levels could not have been more responsive.…”