[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7907-S7908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             BIPARTISANSHIP

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on November 6, millions of Americans, 
including thousands of Vermonters, headed to the polls to cast their 
votes in these midterm elections. Back home, Vermonters reelected our 
governor, Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, to another term in office. 
They also returned Democratic majorities to the State house and senate.
  I was moved by the remarks delivered by Governor Scott on election 
night. Of the elections, he said, ``Vermonters are saying they want us 
to work for them, not against each other. They are saying we need to 
listen to one another and prove to the rest of the nation that in 
Vermont we can and will rise above partisan politics.''
  I have spoken in Vermont about Governor Scott's speech. I believe his 
remarks show how we work together in Vermont and how we should work 
together in Washington. I am proud of the challenge put forth by 
Governor Scott. I know that, in Vermont, it is a challenge we can meet.
  The book will soon close on the 115th Congress, one in which one 
party controlled majorities in both the House and Senate and the White 
House. The book will open on the 116th Congress, where I hope we can 
move forward with the bipartisan spirit that Governor Scott challenged 
us all to adopt in his remarks on election night. As it has throughout 
our Nation's history, Vermont is leading by example. It is an example I 
implore every Senator to follow. Let's focus on what unites us, rather 
than promote greater division between us.
  I ask unanimous consent that the remarks of Vermont Governor Phil 
Scott be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

Vermont Governor Phil Scott's Election Night Speech--Tuesday, November 
                                6, 2018

       Thank you all very much for being here tonight.
       First, I want to thank my family--especially my wife Diana 
     and my daughters Erica and Rachael, my mom and many other 
     family members for their love and support. I wouldn't be 
     standing here today without you.
       Throughout my life--whether it be in business, racing or 
     politics--I've been able to bring people together who have 
     the right attitude and chemistry.
       I'd like to first thank my team. Both my campaign team who 
     worked long days that became longer nights; as well I want to 
     thank my cabinet and my staff who stuck with me through thick 
     and thin. I'm blessed with an incredibly talented team, so 
     loyal and bright, who have spent the last two years working 
     to make the vision we share for Vermont a reality.
       Now I know we've taken tonight off, but I look forward to 
     continuing our work, with all of you, first thing tomorrow 
     morning.
       Tonight, 180 Vermonters were elected to serve as our 
     Legislature for the next two years.
       I want to personally congratulate each of them--some here 
     this evening. I look forward to working with you in the 
     coming months. And ``work'' being the key word because 
     there's so much to do.
       There are few higher honors than being elected by your 
     neighbors, for them to have enough faith and trust in you to 
     represent them and their interests and be the person they are 
     counting on to work on the issues that are most important to 
     them and your community.
       And there's no greater responsibility than working every 
     day to understand and solve the problems facing our state.
       For those newly elected, like I was 18 years ago, you may 
     still think everything is black or white, yes or no, but I 
     would warn you, there's a lot of gray in between.
       Typically, there are no easy answers, no corners to cut--
     only hard work ahead, to do all we can to create a stronger, 
     more vibrant future for all of us.

[[Page S7908]]

       In electing a Governor of one party and a legislature led 
     by another the message Vermonters have sent us tonight is 
     clear: work together.
       Vermonters are saying they want us to work for them, not 
     against each other.
       They are saying we need to listen to one another and prove 
     to the rest of the nation that in Vermont we can and will 
     rise above partisan politics.
       We must come together for the future of our state in order 
     to strengthen our economy, make Vermont affordable and 
     protect the vulnerable in all 251 communities in Vermont.
       Whether you're from Brighton or Brandon, Alburgh or 
     Albany--we all want the same thing.
       We want the kids in every community to get a great 
     education, learn a trade, pursue the career of their dreams, 
     buy a home, start a family and retire right here in the state 
     we love.
       This is the challenge we face together. And tonight, I 
     humbly accept that challenge once again.
       I'd also like to thank my opponent, Christine Hallquist, 
     for stepping up and running an energized and historic 
     campaign.
       While we may not have agreed on many issues, we did agree 
     from the start that this race would be about the things we 
     felt mattered most to the people of Vermont.
       While across the nation other races in other states turned 
     negative and uncivil, in Vermont, we rose above it.
       The news out of Vermont this election was clear: we can 
     disagree, we can debate--and we can do it with passion--but 
     in this state, we can do it respectfully.
       It wasn't perfect. And at times we were reminded that we're 
     not immune to the hate and bigotry that is all too present 
     around the country, but by and large, this campaign was 
     marked by the type of civility Vermonters, and Americans for 
     that matter, deserve in our public process.
       There was probably no better example of that than Zac Mayo 
     and Lucy Rodgers of Cambridge, two candidates, ending a 
     debate last month by sitting together to perform a musical 
     duet.
       For this, and for stepping up, and putting yourself out 
     there, I'd like to thank all candidates tonight.
       From the top of the ticket all the way down, it's not easy 
     to put yourself out there--win or lose. So, I thank you for 
     your contribution to the conversation and commitment to 
     making Vermont a better place.
       I'd also like to note that the issues that have been raised 
     in this campaign due to Christine's historic candidacy are 
     front and center.
       I want you to know that as long as I'm Governor, I'll 
     continue to make sure our state lives up to our motto of 
     freedom and unity as well as our reputation of tolerance and 
     compassion by being the most welcoming in the nation, while 
     defending all Vermonters from hate and bigotry.
       This will remain one of my administration's top 
     priorities--no exceptions.
       Today, Vermonters spoke loud and clear.
       So, tonight, I'll reaffirm my commitment to the three 
     principles on which my administration bases every decision we 
     make:
       First, we're going to continue to make Vermont more 
     affordable.
       I travel the state every day, I see the struggles our 
     neighbors face and I know that the high cost of living, doing 
     business, energy, healthcare, education and taxes are forcing 
     too many to look elsewhere for opportunity.
       We should all find that unacceptable. So, as I've done for 
     the past 18 years, I'll spend the next two, working to 
     reverse that trend.
       Second, if we're going to grow our economy, we must bring 
     more into the workforce and attract more people to our state.
       We need more kids in our schools, more workers for our 
     businesses, more proud, first time homeowners right here in 
     Vermont.
       We need a bigger labor force to support the public 
     investments we care about because if we don't--if we can't 
     grow our economy--then we're faced with two options: raise 
     taxes or make cuts to programs which could harm the most 
     vulnerable, neither of which is acceptable.
       That's why I ask legislators, in fact, all elected 
     officials to work with me on a plan to grow our workforce to 
     increase our working age population because our future 
     literally depends on it.
       Third, we're going to protect our neighbors. We'll continue 
     to address the opioid crisis, those suffering from mental 
     health issues and find ways to make sure all Vermonters have 
     access to affordable healthcare.
       We'll take care of our elderly and our veterans--who have 
     given so much to us--our children, and those who need us 
     most, when they need us most because it's what we do in 
     Vermont.
       And finally, if we're going to accomplish any of this, we 
     must continue to rise above partisanship and politics of hate 
     and division.
       Our time to make a difference for those who have elected 
     us, is far too short. We can't allow ourselves to fall victim 
     to pettiness, political games and angry rhetoric.
       Now more than ever, we must be better role models because 
     our children are watching, and they want to be just like us.
       We must be better, kinder and more respectful to each other 
     and take the time to listen.
       This is the challenge ahead. This is my vision for our 
     future.
       It is the greatest honor of my life to have the trust of 
     Vermonters to carry out this work on their behalf.
       Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and as I've 
     done throughout my entire life, I will do my very best not to 
     let you down.

                          ____________________