[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 198 (Monday, November 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO PATRICK LEAHY
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I come to the floor today a little sad
but also immensely full of gratitude. Earlier today, our dear colleague
Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he will retire from the Senate at
the conclusion of his term.
Now, this Chamber has had a long history of many a dedicated public
servant, but there has only been one Patrick Leahy. For eight terms,
the gentleman from Vermont has been a Senator's Senator, one of only
four in the history of the Senate to surpass 16,000 votes in service to
his beloved home State.
Today, I can only say this: Thank you. Thank you, Pat, for your many
years of friendship, leadership, and dedication to the Constitution and
the rule of law. The Senate is better off because of you. Vermont is
better off because of you. Our country is better off because of you.
Now, we still may disagree strongly about which State has the best
maple syrup, but we never let that get in the way of doing great things
together.
Pat, you are a great guy. It is bittersweet. You deserve a wonderful
retirement with Marcelle and your beautiful children and grandchildren,
but we are going to miss you dearly. I wish you and Marcelle the very
best on the road ahead and the best of luck. Godspeed.
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