[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S6032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                New York

  And, finally, Mr. President, one of the things I am best known for in 
New York is my commitment to visit all 62 counties every year. This 
year, we celebrated our silver anniversary--the 25th year of visiting 
every one of the 62 counties. And I love it every bit as much today as 
I did my first year. We finished our tour yesterday morning at Columbia 
Memorial Hospital in Columbia County.
  When I visit the counties, I learn so much. I talk to people. I 
listen to their needs. When you are up close with people, you see their 
hopes and their joys, as well as their fears, their desires--so many 
different things. And when you sit up close with someone and talk to 
them and learn from them, it makes a huge bit of difference. You can't 
do your job as a Senator unless you are actually in touch with people, 
not simply talking on the telephone or reading something. And so I do 
it, and I love it. And I commit to the people of New York that I will 
visit every one of the 62 counties next year, at least for the 26th 
time.
  I yield the floor.