Political Quotes

“I rise first today to pay tribute to our majority leader. I, like many of my colleagues, was stunned by his retirement announcement last Friday. His leadership in the Senate has been a source of pride for this body. When I arrived a little over a year ago, I was not sure what my reception would be. Senator Mitchell quickly dispelled many of the myths that I had heard about the good old boys in the Senate. He treated everyone with dignity and respect. He provided opportunities for us as newcomers to grow and learn and be a part of the decisionmaking process. Under his leadership, the Senate last year passed history-making legislation from the Family and Medical Leave Act and the budget deficit reduction package to the National Community Service Act and the Brady bill. Senator Mitchell's courage and determination are nationally recognized, but I also want to thank Senator Mitchell personally for his willingness to be a coach and a mentor to me in my freshman years in the Senate. Senator Mitchell, you have made me believe that this body can work for the good of all people. On behalf of thousands of families in my State, I thank you for your willingness to make a difference for our children, our families, and our communities. We will miss your leadership.”