Political Quotes

“35 of our colleagues have just sworn the oath of a United States Senator. I wish to congratulate all 35 of our colleagues, the 11 new Members and the 24 returning to this Chamber. I also want to welcome back to the Senate the rest of our esteemed colleagues, the former Members and the many friends that we have with us today, and family members--all who have joined us on what is truly a historic day as we convene the 108th Congress. The very special tradition that we have just witnessed dates back to that first Congress in 1789, when that oath was a very simple one sentence, the oath being: I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States. Those words in the version that we just heard recited--when you come down to the essence--are a truly sacred bond that we all share in this body, regardless of what status, what State, what party, or what rank and what creed we represent. Indeed, it is my hope that in this Congress we will be defined by achievement as well as a cooperative spirit. At this point in time, our Nation faces truly historic challenges-- winning the war against terror, boosting economic growth, job creation, addressing multiple health care challenges that now have become crises, and ensuring our agenda is inclusive of all Americans.”