[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 202 (Friday, December 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8013-S8014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING SENATORS

  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Madam President, December should be the happiest

[[Page S8014]]

month of the year, as we await Christmas and the New Year, but in the 
even numbered years, it is bittersweet as we say goodbye to colleagues 
who will not be returning in the next Congress. While the body often 
seems to be polarized and contentious to the public that knows us only 
from media appearances, the fact is that partnership and alliances 
across the aisle are part of the fabric of the body, and friendships of 
unlikely allies abound. This is not to say that we don't disagree on 
issues; we very much do. But we strive for these disagreements never to 
erode our collegiality.
  I would like to take this opportunity to thank those with whom I have 
been proud to serve, Mr. Hatch, our President Pro Tempore, Mr. Corker, 
Mr. Flake, and Mr. Heller on my side of the aisle for their 
distinguished service. To my friend, Mr. Kyl, it has been a pleasure to 
serve with you again. On the Democrat side of the aisle, Mr. Donnelly, 
Ms. McCaskill, Mr. Nelson, and especially my dear friend, Ms. Heitkamp, 
the Senator from North Dakota. Each of these individuals cares deeply 
for the Nation, for the States they have represented so ably, and for 
the Senate.

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