Thomas Daschle: “Today the Senate must bid farewell to a great group of young people who served as U.S. Senate pages during the fall…”

“Today the Senate must bid farewell to a great group of young people who served as U.S. Senate pages during the fall semester. These young men and women from across the country witnessed history during their service to the Senate. Among other things, this class of pages saw the inauguration of President Clinton, the first Democrat to be reelected President since Franklin Roosevelt. They also were here for the confirmation of the first woman to become Secretary of State, Madeleine K. Albright. These pages witnessed the final weeks of Senate service of our colleagues who retired at the end of the 104th Congress, many giants of the Senate among them. In the last few weeks, they also saw the swearing in, the first speeches, and the first votes of our new freshmen Senators, any one of whom may be a Senate giant of the future. Having seen our debates and deliberations up close, this group of pages will take away from here many memories and valuable learning experiences. But they also should take with them our gratitude for everything they have done for us and recognition for a job well done.”