[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 3470]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING SENATOR THAD COCHRAN ON HIS 10,000TH VOTE

  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I just want to say a word about 
my friend, Thad Cochran. What a terrific gentleman and fellow 
legislator he has been over the years.
  When I have gone to him to work out an appropriations problem, 
particularly with regard to the 2004 hurricanes we had--and you will 
recall we had four hurricanes within the span of 6 weeks in Florida, 
and we so desperately needed that assistance coming in to FEMA--Senator 
Cochran was there ready to help.
  Mr. President, if I could get Senator Cochran's attention.
  Senator Cochran, I am saying some good things about you, and I just 
want to say what a gentleman you have been to this Senator, 
particularly with regard to that time we had such difficulty in Florida 
during the 2004 hurricanes. When I came to you asking for appropriate 
help, you were there. And then, lo and behold, the next year is when 
you had your set of hurricanes, and it was my privilege to try to help 
return the favor.
  You are a real gentleman, and passing the 10,000 vote mark is quite 
an achievement.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Texas.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, let me just say that when the 
distinguished majority leader is prepared to go forward or the chairman 
of the Appropriations Committee is ready to proceed to H.J. Res. 20, I 
will stand down. But I wish to take this opportunity to also commend my 
colleague, Senator Cochran.
  It is truly amazing when someone has been here long enough to cast 
10,000 votes. It means they have represented their State well, and it 
means they are indeed diligent because they are here doing their duty.
  I have loved working with Senator Cochran. He has been the kind of 
person who has helped every State when that State needed it. And I hope 
he has 10,000 more.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.

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