[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8-S9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE SENATE AT ITS BEST

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, let me congratulate the majority leader 
on his ascension to his new responsibilities and on his remarks just 
now. I have little doubt that we will be led well, and we will be led 
fairly. I look forward to working with him, as I know my whole caucus 
does as well.
  I also congratulate our 35 returning colleagues--those 11 new Members 
and 24 Senators who are returning. There can be no more awesome 
responsibility than to sit at these historic desks--especially as we 
begin the 108th Congress.

[[Page S9]]

  Let me also thank my colleagues for their support, for their 
encouragement, and for the friendship they have given me these many 
months and years. At this time in particular in my life, I am 
extraordinarily grateful for that. I wish to express that in the most 
heartfelt way.
  The 107th Congress was filled with history--filled in the way we 
elected a President, the way we governed as a 50-50 Senate, and in the 
way we addressed so many issues. I have no doubt that the momentous 
decisions made during the 107th Congress will be recorded and reported 
and analyzed and considered for generations to come. We begin a new 
Congress and a new day with a new spirit and a new mood for the 
recognition of new responsibilities and a new opportunity to write 
history.
  Just yesterday, as I was coming back from South Dakota, an older 
woman stopped me in the airport. She pulled me at my arm. And she said: 
Senator Daschle, do your best. Do your best, and remember that history 
is in your hands.
  I think that is our charge--to do our best, to recognize that history 
is now in our hands, and that as we face the challenges and the 
responsibilities as Senators in the 108th Congress, I hope we can look 
back with satisfaction, with pride and with a realization that, indeed, 
we did our best.
  (Applause, Senators rising.)
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader is recognized.

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