[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 1 (Monday, January 3, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1-S2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SECOND SESSION OF THE 117TH CONGRESS

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I had hoped to be opening this new 
session as President pro tempore, but I couldn't imagine anybody who is 
better suited to be the Acting President pro tempore than the 
distinguished Senator from Wisconsin, and I thank her for being here.
  Apparently, to a number of the groups around this area, it comes as a 
surprise that it was snowing and the snow could be slippery and 
probably they should have gotten some plows out. Maybe now they will. 
If not, we can hope for several days of warm sunshine, which is the 
best snow remover down here.
  The distinguished Presiding Officer is well aware of what snow is 
like in her State, as I am in the State of Vermont, and we usually go 
out and clear the roads. But I appreciate those few who are out there 
doing it. I have seen sidewalk plows and other things and some road 
plows, and I applaud those who are doing that because it is not an easy 
job. And I realize, coming from the State of Vermont where we are used 
to snow, we get used to getting rid of it.
  I know the Senate is thinking of going out in 1 or 2 minutes. I will 
speak later this week about the anniversary of January 6, and I will 
state this very, very seriously: I am beginning my 48th year here, and 
I have never seen such a total abuse of our democracy, not in the 48 
years I have been here. I have cast 17,000 votes, and I cast them with 
the idea of preserving our democracy.
  The people who stormed the Capitol had no sense of what a democracy 
is, had no sense of the importance of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives. They had no sense of the importance of having both 
political parties protecting our Constitution and our country. It was a 
disgraceful time I hope never to be repeated.
  I will also speak later about my dear and close friend Harry Reid of 
Nevada, who left us in the past few days. Harry and I ran the same 
year. I was in the Senate, and we campaigned together when he ran. I 
was thrilled to be reelected and thrilled that he was elected, and I 
felt so honored to be able to vote for him as our leader, both majority 
leader and minority leader. He was a good man. He came from a small, 
rural town, as did I. He believed in the U.S. Senate. I think of his 
memory and the memories of others who served in both parties who saw 
the loss of Bob Dole, another one who believed in the

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Constitution and how this country should be run. I believe in the 
giants whom I had a chance to serve with in both parties.
  Let us hope that we will see the leadership in both parties roundly 
condemn what we saw a year ago and pray it never happens again.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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