Orrin Hatch: “before I begin, I want to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague Howard Baker. I was honored to work with him in…”

“before I begin, I want to pay tribute to my friend and former colleague Howard Baker. I was honored to work with him in the Senate and later worked closely with him when he was President Reagan's White House Chief of Staff. He loved the Senate, and he built an impressive leadership role as majority leader. He was a skilled negotiator, an honest broker, an effective legislator, and a great steward of this institution. I offer my deepest condolences to his wife Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, an incredible woman, a dear friend, and a respected colleague as well. It was truly a privilege to learn from and serve alongside Howard, and I know I am far from alone among his many friends and colleagues in missing him deeply. We miss Nancy too. It was wonderful to see the two of them together. They cared a great deal for each other. He was a wonderful man, she is a wonderful woman, and I personally love both of them. We will miss him. ____________________”