[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 168 (Friday, December 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S10506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               CHRIS DODD

  At the end of each session of Congress it has long been a tradition 
in the Senate to take a moment to express our appreciation and say 
goodbye to those who will not be returning in January for the beginning 
of the next Congress. One of those I know I will miss who will be 
stepping down to spend more time with his family is Chris Dodd of 
Connecticut.
  If I could sum up Chris's career in the Senate and the way he lives 
his life every day with one word, I think that word would be 
``passion.'' Simply put, Chris is the most passionate Senator I have 
ever known or had the opportunity to work with and observe.
  Coming from a well known political family, Chris must have learned at 
an early age the difference that it can make. I have always believed it 
is the key ingredient to any effort and it often means the difference 
between success and failure. Looking back, the enthusiasm and spirited 
focus that Chris so clearly brings to every discussion or debate on the 
Senate floor and in committee has helped him to create alliances and 
forge agreements that have led to the passage of legislation that might 
not have crossed the finish line and made it into law if not for him.
  Chris has now served for 30 years in the Senate and he has a great 
deal to show for his efforts. His style of leadership, the 
relationships he has developed with his colleagues, and his pursuit of 
his legislative priorities have enabled him to make a difference in 
many, many ways and have an impact not only in Connecticut but all 
across the Nation.
  One of the greatest achievements of his career has to be the Family 
and Medical Leave Act that Chris authored and helped to shepherd 
through the Senate into law. Thanks to him, whenever it is needed, 
employees are now able to take some time off to care for their children 
or ensure that an elderly family member receives some attention and 
support.
  One more moment that is familiar to us all, was Chris's willingness 
to step in for our good friend, Senator Ted Kennedy, when Ted was in 
poor health, to help direct the disposition of the health care bill. I 
am sure it meant a great deal to Ted to know that the effort he was 
such a vital part of was in such good and capable hands.
  Looking ahead, Chris isn't really going into retirement. He is taking 
on another challenge full time--raising his family. He started a family 
later than some, but the passion he has brought to everything in life 
has clearly been brought to bear on the care and nurturing of his two 
daughters. As every father knows, it is always the little ladies who 
have their dads wrapped around their fingers. As they grow up, each new 
day is another chapter of their lives that is waiting to be written as 
Mom and Dad share in the wonder and magic their children experience as 
they discover the world around them.
  Looking back, ever since the day when Chris first arrived in the 
Senate, he has always loved being around good friends, enjoying a good 
joke, and sharing a good word or two. That is why it came as no 
surprise when, during a recent interview he said, ``I don't know of a 
single colleague that I have served with in thirty years that I 
couldn't work with.''
  That is why Chris has been such an effective Senator over the years 
and why, when the day comes when he casts his last vote and heads home 
to be with his family, we will all miss him.
  Chris, I hope you will keep in touch with us. You and your wife 
Jackie have a great future in store and I am sure you will enjoy every 
day together. As I have learned with the birth of each child and 
grandchild--with another just born--each day you spend with your 
children is more proof of the wisdom of the old Irish saying--bricks 
and mortar may make a house but it is the laughter of our children that 
makes it a home.
  Good luck. God bless.

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