[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12-S13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MITCH McCONNELL

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, on one final note, today marks more than 
the beginning of a new Congress. It also marks a major milestone for 
our colleague, Kentucky's senior Senator.
  Today, Senator McConnell becomes the longest serving Senate leader in 
American history. That is a big deal. No Senator from either side has 
led their party as long as Leader McConnell. This milestone is no 
accident. As our colleagues on both sides of the aisle know, Senator 
McConnell has the most valuable combination of skills and temperament 
that you need to succeed in this Chamber: an encyclopedic knowledge of 
the Senate and an infinite work ethic.
  For 16 years, he has put these skills to great use leading our 
conference through every storm and opportunity

[[Page S13]]

that has landed on the Senate's doorstep. He has championed domestic 
priorities, including everything from tax reform to confirming judges 
who actually will enforce the Constitution as written, as well as 
legislation to address the opioid epidemic. He has guided our work 
relating to global conflicts, for everything from the ongoing war in 
Ukraine to the difficult struggle for democracy in Burma. He is a 
champion of free speech, the Constitution, and the Senate itself.
  You could write volumes about everything Senator McConnell has 
accomplished as the Senate Republican leader, and I have no doubt that 
each of those books would arrive at the same conclusion: No one has 
done more to advance the conservative cause in a center-right country 
than Mitch McConnell. He is the effective and humble hand at the helm 
of the conference, and it is a privilege to serve alongside him in the 
Senate.
  So thank you, Senator McConnell, for your leadership and your 
friendship. Congratulations on this historic and well-deserved 
accomplishment.
  Madam President, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Republican leader.

                          ____________________