Political Quotes

“Since 2003, Bill Pickle has served this body with enormous distinction. As the Senate's Sergeant at Arms, he has helped us and he has protected us. Now, as he departs, I wish to thank him, recognize him, and honor him. For over 3 years, he has excelled in one of the hardest jobs I know of, not just in the Senate, not just in our legislative branch, not just in our Federal Government but I honestly believe, in the entire Nation. When I came to the job as majority leader, I wanted to find the best professional possible in law enforcement, information technology, security, and continuity planning to lead the Sergeant at Arms operation. I found him in Bill Pickle, and it was one of the smartest decisions I made during my tenure as leader. Bill is the consummate professional. He is smart, with good instincts, and like my colleagues, I value his counsel and insight. Originally, his office existed to keep order in the Senate Chamber and compel the attendance of Members for votes. In this body's early days, the Sergeant at Arms would circulate through the drinking houses of what was then known as Washington City, rounding up recalcitrant Members and dragging them--sometimes by the coattails--back to the Senate Chamber. Perhaps today's members do a slightly better job showing up for votes. To my knowledge, Bill Pickle has never had to bodily drag any of my colleagues in for a vote, but that has not made his job easier.”