Political Quotes

“I have been in the Senate just a few weeks shy of 40 years. For the past 2 years I have had the distinct honor of serving this Chamber as the President pro tempore. Just four Senators from Vermont have held this title. I am the first in more than a century. It has been among my greatest privileges to represent Vermont in the U.S. Senate, something I dreamed about as a child, and it has been day after day after day a privilege to represent my very special State of Vermont in this body. It has also been an honor and privilege to serve as the President pro tempore in this institution, the U.S. Senate. This is an institution for which I will always have the greatest respect and affection. When I assumed the position of President pro tempore, something I had not realized would happen, Marcelle and I welcomed into our family over time nearly 20 invaluable members of the U.S. Capitol Police. As President pro tempore and third in the line of succession, the office comes with a security detail. It is not something I had asked for. In fact, I said, well, I don't really need that, and they said: You don't get any choice in the matter. I got to know them well. I had a background in law enforcement before I came to the Senate, but I have never served with such professionals as those who comprise this team. They sacrifice time at home. They sacrifice time with their families and weekends and holidays.…”