[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S19]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE 105TH CONGRESS

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me first congratulate, again, all of 
our new colleagues and their families for this very momentous occasion. 
It is one of the most thrilling things for me to watch new Senators 
come down the aisle, accompanied by a colleague, to raise their right 
hand and to take the oath of office. I can recall so vividly my own 
experience in that regard now twice. I know, having had that 
experience, what a remarkable and what a memorable opportunity it is 
for any woman or man.

  Let me also again reiterate my gratitude to the majority leader for 
his remarks and for the kindnesses that he has shown to me and to our 
caucus as we have worked through the schedule, worked through the 
committees, worked through the many procedural matters that we had to 
discuss today. We begin the 105th Congress with renewed hope, with 
optimism, with good will.
  There is much to do, and there is much need to do it together. We 
have had many months of competitive political effort, and now it is 
time to govern. Franklin Roosevelt once said, ``The future lies with 
those wise political leaders who recognize that the great public is 
interested more in government than in politics.'' Let us recognize that 
and seize the future. Let us summon the best in all of those around us 
as we call upon the best within ourselves to join in common purpose and 
in common cause. I have no doubt that our efforts here during the 
course of the 105th Congress will, by any standard, then be judged a 
success.
  Mr. President, I indicated when I introduced the resolution relating 
to Senator Byrd that I had a statement. I would like at this time to 
make that statement.

                          ____________________