[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 218 (Friday, December 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9294-S9295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Senator Patrick J. Leahy's 17,000th Vote

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, just after the clock struck 12 
midnight, we have a wonderful announcement: Senator Leahy has just cast 
his 17,000th vote.
  (Applause, Senators rising.)
  Madam President, I would note one more thing. Robert C. Byrd is the 
only Senator who has cast more votes than Senator Leahy in the history 
of the United States.

[[Page S9295]]

  (Applause.)
  So we will have a 2-hour recess to celebrate. No, we are not doing 
that.
  (Laughter.)
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, while the distinguished leader is still 
on the floor, I thank him for his comments. It is very late at night, 
and I will speak further about this next week.
  I must admit, when I came here as the junior-most Member of the 
Senate, I did not expect to be in this position, but I have had the 
privilege now of serving with slightly over 20 percent of all of the 
Senators who have served in the history of this country, and some were 
very, very good Senators--and all were Senators. All were Senators, and 
some were very good.
  (Laughter.)
  I will speak about this later in the week. I appreciate the comments, 
and it has been a privilege serving with all of those hundreds and 
hundreds of Senators I have served with.
  Thank you.
  (Applause.)
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.