[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



  (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)
                                 ______
                                 

                        DECISION TO LEAVE SENATE

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, 35 years ago Lois and I, along with 
John Jr. and Bill Breaux, rented a U-Haul truck and headed north to 
Washington, D.C.
  Lois tells the story about Bill the night before we left saying his 
prayers and concluding with ``Good-bye God, we are moving to 
Washington.'' And, we had to pull John Jr. from under the house.
  Well, today, John Jr. is 38 years old. Bill is 37, and Beth is 
married to Jeff Shepherdson and has three children--Anna Kate, 6, 
Campbell, 4, and C.J., 2 years old, and Julie, our youngest is now 28, 
works in New Orleans, and is here with us today.
  I'll always remember that trip. My mother, who is deceased, and my 
father, followed us to D.C. We got there at night. I had never even 
visited Washington, so we drove right to the Capitol, and that evening 
the Marine Corps band was in concert on the Capitol steps. It was 
beautiful, and I thought they were playing just for us.
  It's been a great 35 years--a few years as a staff person, 14 years 
as a Member of the Congress, representing southwest Louisiana, and it 
will be 18 years as a U.S. Senator, representing our State of 
Louisiana. I had the privilege of serving with five Governors and seven 
Presidents.
  I have said for a year now that I would announce my decision whether 
to seek another term as U.S. Senator after the governor's election this 
year. I further said that I would make that announcement between 
November 15 and December 15. The difficulty of that decision is shown 
by the fact that today is December 15.
  Lois and I have spent a lot of time discussing this decision--not 
formally, but, ``what do you think?'' type discussions. Although one 
time she actually sat up in bed, drew a line down the middle of a page, 
and listed the pros and cons of running--not surprisingly, they came 
out just about even.
  We have received lots of advice--from my staff, from family and 
supporters here in Louisiana, and from around the country. Some of the 
letters from total strangers were so touching and heartfelt that we 
will forever treasure them.
  My colleagues in the Congress, especially in the Senate, spoke to 
both Lois and me frequently with their thoughts and suggestions. 
Colleagues, actually from both sides of the aisle, urged me to run 
again, and for their encouragement and friendship I cannot begin to say 
how much Lois and I appreciate them. My special appreciation also goes 
to Tom Daschle, Harry Reid and Mary Landrieu.
  The citizens of Louisiana have greatly honored my family and me by 
allowing me to serve these 30-plus years as their Congressman and U.S. 
Senator. I can honestly say I enjoyed every moment and appreciated the 
opportunity that I have had to serve.
  But there comes a time in every career when it is time to step aside, 
and let others step up and serve. And for my family and me that time 
has arrived. I will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate.
  Throughout my years in Congress I have been guided by a simple 
philosophy to make government work for everyone. I did not go to 
Washington to get nothing done other than argue about whose fault it 
was when we failed to make government work.
  My sincere hope is that future Congresses will be able to pursue the 
center- out coalitions that I have advocated. It is my hope that 
cooperation and legitimate compromise between our political parties 
will not be seen as political failure, but rather as a means of 
building a stronger democracy that better serves our Nation.
  To my wife Lois, we started this journey together many years ago and 
you have been there every step of the way--through the good times, and 
there were many, and through the not so good times, and there a were a 
few. I could not have asked for a more helpful and supportive partner 
and friend. No one has been more lucky and fortunate than me in finding 
you.
  To my staff here in Louisiana and in Washington, let me say I could 
not have accomplished anything without you. Our office has the greatest 
of reputations and all of you are truly part of our family--and will 
always be.
  To my father Ezra and to Lois' mom, Doris, I say thank you for 
putting up with all the things we dragged you through, whether you 
wanted to be there or not. And to our children, John, Bill, Beth and 
Jeff, and Julia, I say thank you for being there--you have made us very 
proud every step of the way.
  I am not leaving today. There is still a lot to get done this 
Congress. We have to get the energy bill passed, and I want to get 
started on legislation for the 40 million Americans who have no health 
insurance. I look forward to co-chairing with Governor-elect Kathleen 
Blanco the very important summit meeting on healthcare in Louisiana.
  So this is not goodbye. After working more than half my life on 
issues important to Louisiana, I intend to continue that involvement in 
the future, but in a different capacity. But for now, thank you for the 
privilege and honor of serving Louisiana and our country.

                          ____________________