Patty Murray: “I rise today in memory of Paul and Sheila Wellstone. It is hard to believe that on this date 3 years ago, the lives of…”

“I rise today in memory of Paul and Sheila Wellstone. It is hard to believe that on this date 3 years ago, the lives of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, and others, were taken in a plane crash in Minnesota. On that day, I lost a good friend, the Senate lost a leader, and the American people lost an advocate who was never afraid to stand up and speak for those who had no voice. Today I honor my friend and colleague, Senator Paul Wellstone, who inspired so many people to speak up and to serve. Even as I stand here today, I cannot imagine that when I turn around I won't see Paul standing at his desk, his arms flailing in the air, making his point with great passion. Paul inspired me to run for the U.S. Senate. His brilliant example reminded me that you don't need to be powerful or rich to make a difference. You just need to have an honest concern for others, an optimistic spirit, and the courage to act. Paul embodied these traits. I am grateful for the time we had with Paul. He and I worked on everything from domestic violence and education to providing health care to veterans and protecting families from asbestos. As the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, draws to a close, there is much the Senate has accomplished on this issue. The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, which contains many improvements to the current law, has passed the Senate. But the absence of the Wellstones has truly been felt.…”