Orrin Hatch: “I want to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, the senior Senator from Wyoming. For some 17 years--really, 17 years…”

“I want to pay tribute to my friend and colleague, the senior Senator from Wyoming. For some 17 years--really, 17 years plus-- Senator Simpson has taken on the difficult and often thankless task in dealing with the immigration issue, an issue which stirs the emotions, and one which people become very passionate about. He has always taken on this task with spirit, diligence and intelligence. His views were always thoughtful. From time to time, I have disagreed with my friend from Wyoming on some immigration issues, but the record should be crystal clear that my friend from Wyoming is a man of great good will, a good will he brings to this issue. He often takes unfair criticism. Indeed, to borrow one of many pithy phrases I will soon miss from my friend, my friend has had several metric tons of garbage dumped on him over this issue-- although garbage is not the exact word he uses. The abuse is very much undeserved. I express my warmth, affection, and respect for my friend from Wyoming as we continue this important debate, and respect for his staff, also, which has worked so hard on these issues.”