Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague, but I also thank him for the opportunity to learn. I remember one time we were in a hearing, I believe it was in Idaho, if I am correct in my recollection. You and I were chairing it with Senator Kempthorne. You pointed out the technical problems in many of the roads in the West, where they have to traverse such long distances and it is very expensive, given the weather; therefore, through the years they have shortchanged the sides of the road, the unpaved portions, and how that has contributed to a number of accidents. I just point out that one technical thing because throughout this bill it has been a great learning process on the particular needs of the individual States as they relate to their geographical locations, temperatures and weather conditions that they have. The Senator fought tenaciously for the West. Now he goes in to meet his greatest challenge in the House where there are far fewer Members of the House of Representatives representing the West. I know that the West can count on the Senator for upholding their position in this bill, which he has fought for and achieved, together with Senator Kempthorne, who I think was a partner in this endeavor. I thank the Senator for his kind comments but also for a learning curve that taught me a lot about things, like the shoulders of the road. Now this bears on your shoulders, to protect them in the West.”