David Obey: “Mr. Chairman, I have known the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) for a long time now. I have never seen a day when I…”

“Mr. Chairman, I have known the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) for a long time now. I have never seen a day when I have thought that he did not act out of absolute patriotism and out of an absolute dedication to what he believes is good for this country. I deeply believe that being a politician, and I am proud of it, I deeply believe that being a politician or public servant is one of the highest callings that one could have. In a democracy, I know of no higher calling except to be a minister, a rabbi, or a priest. I think the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter) with all of the differences we have had on this bill, I think the gentleman from Illinois has in all ways, as long as I have known him, done honor to his constituency, done honor to his State, done honor to his party, done honor to this institution, and above all, has done honor, great honor, to the country that he has so ably served. I will regret seeing him leave. I will miss him personally.”