Thomas Daschle: “213 years ago, the Framers of the Constitution created the United States Senate. In all the years since then, only 1,864…”

“213 years ago, the Framers of the Constitution created the United States Senate. In all the years since then, only 1,864 Americans have been granted the privilege of serving in this extraordinary body; and that includes the new Senators we welcome today. For every Senator, whether serving in the 18th Century or the 21st, whether beginning one's first term, or--like Senator Byrd--one's eighth, the opening of a new Congress has always been a time of great hope. This Congress is no exception. We have important work ahead of us. We also have--within us-- everything we need to do that work wisely and well--if we choose to do so. Never before has America had a 50/50 Senate. Thirty-one State legislatures have dealt creatively with this challenge in the last 30 years, but no U.S. Senate has ever been divided exactly in half. An even split does not necessitate political gridlock--as these States have demonstrated--but does require bipartisanship. Senate Lott and I have had a number of discussions over the past weeks about how to organize this Congress so that it is both representative and productive. Our conversations have been friendly and constructive, and they are continuing. It is my hope that we will have a plan soon that our fellow Senators, and our fellow Americans, will agree is workable and fair. Another reason this Senate is historic is because it includes--I'm happy to note--a record number of women. Of the 11 new Senators who join us today, 4 are women.”